This sermon was originally preached at Red Door Church on January 18th, 2026. You can watch it here.
We are back in Philippians this morning and we pick up where we left off in late November. Philippians is one of those books where almost every Christian has a verse they love.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (1:6)
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21)
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (2:5-11)
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (3:7-8)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:6-7)
And we could quote many others that would make the list of favorite Bible passages that are found in Philippians, these are just a few.
We love these passages because they contain promises from our Lord or because we hear the completely sold out passion of the apostle Paul and we say, “I want to be like that.”
Today in our passage, sandwiched between those glory-filled passages, we find a travel itinerary. Paul is literally just telling the Philippian Church about travel plans. Now if you are like me you may be inclined to just skip these parts and want to get right to the meaty, rich, glory-filled passages on either side of this section today.
But that would be a mistake.
Now Paul typically puts his travel plans at the end of a book, but here he puts it right in the middle. Why might he do that? Some scholars argue that maybe these are two letters that got combined somewhere along the line, however, I think there’s a much better explanation (as do many other good pastors and scholars).
Paul puts this here in this part of the book because it illustrates the things he was just saying before. He lifts up Timothy and Epaphroditus because these are brothers that embody the things he was saying in the section just before this one.
If you remember, it was in that section that we were given the great Christ hymn which we read a moment ago about how Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Paul says we should be like that. But what does that look like for you and me? Well, Timothy and Epaphroditus are some really really good examples of how we can live this out in our everyday lives, Paul says.
Today we are going to talk about godly examples; how we need them, how they are worth seeking out, and how they are worthy of honor. We all need godly examples to follow and imitate.
But first, let’s remember what is going on as Paul writes this book.
Background
Those of you who were with us before when we started the book will remember that Paul is in prison, most likely we believe in Rome. He was just transferred from prison in Caesarea where he languished for two years. You can read about that imprisonment at the end of the book of Acts in your Bible.
But while he’s in prison, Paul is finding ways to serve God. He’s talking about Jesus with the guards, he’s receiving visitors, and he’s busy writing letters, including the one we are reading this morning.
This letter is to a little church in Philippi. A church that Paul managed to start about 10 years prior on his second missionary journey. They’ve kept in touch across the years and they have a very strong affection for one another. This is evident throughout the letter. The Philippians heard of Paul’s imprisonment and sent a friend, Epaphroditus, down to encourage Paul and bring an offering they had taken up for him. He also, of course, brought a status report of how things were in Philippi. Paul writes back, in part, to give thanks for sending Epaphroditus and the offering and also to address some of the problems that were going on.
We’ve seen in previous weeks that they have enemies that are causing problems, we’ve there is some disunity and we’ve also seen that they are suffering. Paul addresses all of things and more in the letter.
And now in this section before us this morning he informs the little church that he is now sending Epaphroditus back and also Timothy is going to come and of course, he says, I want to come and see you too when God allows.
He’s giving us their travel plans.
There is a lot to see here in this little travel itinerary and the first thing is this: Point #1: Godly examples are worth seeking out.
Point #1: Godly examples are worth seeking out.
Godly examples are important. Paul is actually going to say in the very next chapter, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”
Charlie is going to preach on that passage in a couple of weeks so I won’t belabor the point here except to say that some things in the Christian life are better caught than taught.
Having someone to emulate and follow is a tremendous gift. This is not only true, of course, in the Christian life, it is true in virtually every aspect of life.
Maybe some of you watched the world series last fall. Davis Schneider with the Blue Jays is said to literally copy the batting stance of other great players in the league, sometimes changing as many as 25 times in a season. Why try and figure this out on his own when he has great examples all around him. Swing like this, stand like this, what a blessing it can be to have examples.
That is what Paul is in effect saying here. Paul has just told the believers earlier in this section: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Now he’s saying, here’s an example of that kind of selfless lifestyle I’m talking about.
As embodied beings we need physical examples to show us what its supposed to look like. That’s one of the reasons God sent Jesus to us. To show us. This is what it looks like. But now Jesus has ascended he’s in heaven and we can read about him on the pages of Scripture and we can know Him by the Holy Spirit but we all need living and breathing examples of faith lived out in front of us.
But you have to be looking for an example and that requires humility. It requires a measure of humility to be able to look outside of yourself for wisdom and help. Some of us suffer so terribly not because we don’t have examples but because we are not paying any attention to the godly ones we have. Your examples should not be someone on the TV screen 5,000 miles away from your life. Look for examples in front of you. I bet if you open your eyes you will see that God has placed some remarkable people right around you as a blessing to you.
I remember in seminary, I used to love listening to my professors pray. I could tell, these men had been with God. I was instructed by listening to them pray. I was catching something from them that was more than just words.
Are you listening to the godly people around you when they pray? You know we have some incredible people here in this fellowship and they are not all up here in front. There are people quietly serving the Lord in ways that have required tremendous sacrifice. Are you watching? Are you learning? I hope so, because that is in effect what Paul is saying here.
He lifts up two examples in this passage. Two men who are living like Jesus, and he’s saying, watch these brothers. Learn from these brothers… Timothy and Epaphroditus. Even though Timothy is first in the text, I want us to look at Epaphroditus first in verses 25 to 30.
And the next thing we will see is that godly examples are worthy of honor.
Point #2: Godly examples are worthy of honor.
We will see someone worthy of honor, Paul says, in Epaphroditus.
Epaphroditus. That is not an everyday name for us. One pastor who was speaking on this passage said that his name sounds like a disease: laryngitis, appendicitis, or bronchitis… He’s come down with a case of Epaphroditus.
But Epaphroditus is actually a name that was very common in this time and place and was derived from the goddess Aphrodite’s name. She was the Greek goddess of love, beauty, passion, pleasure, and fertility. The ancient city of Corinth had a great temple to Aphrodite.
One way people would worship Aphrodite at the time was by going up to the temple and engaging with a prostitute in sexual activity.
So Epaphroditus was named in honor of Aphrodite. But clearly what we see here in this passage is a man who now serves Jesus, someone that has been transformed by Jesus.
You know studying this passage this week gave me great hope. Our world around us is not far from what the ancient world was. Immorality is the norm, people worship all kinds of false gods all around us, yet, here we have a man who was saved out of all of that. How encouraging. Let us be confident, that Jesus can save anyone.
Look with me at verses 25 and following…
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.
Let’s pause here for a moment. There were no cellular phones or ambulances at the time, so how did the folks back in Philippi come to know of his sickness? Most likely, scholars suggest, that Epaphroditus got ill while making the several hundred mile journey to Rome from Philippi. Chapter 4 of Philippians tells us that one of the reasons Epaphroditus came to Paul in the first place was to bring a care package with some money to help him in his imprisonment. So safety would have been a serious issue and so it is highly unlikely that he would have traveled alone. Being a native of Philippi, there’s a good chance that he traveled with other friends from that city. Perhaps one of them went back to inform the church of the alarming news while the others nursed him to Rome or maybe another traveler passing by, venturing on their way to Philippi took news to family and friends of Epaphroditus. Either way, the folks back in Philippi have heard of his illness and are probably very distressed, and Ephaphroditus is now concerned about their concern for him. Paul continues…
27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.
I love how human Paul’s words are. Someone who came to help him nearly died. And we get the impression that this sickness lingered on for some time. Paul can’t fix the problem and he’s anxious about it as well. Paul is a normal human being just as we are. You get the sense that he’s just doing the best he can in a really hard situation. Of course, once Epaphroditus recovers, Paul gives glory to God and gives thanks for his mercy. Continuing…
29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Paul uses words like brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister to describe Epaphroditus. He held no formal office in the church, he was not a minister with a hat or robe of some kind but Paul says he ministered to him. As the New Testament teaches we are all in ministry, we are all priests in one way or another. It looks different for all of us, we have different roles but we are all ministers. Paul calls him a “minister to his needs.”
Paul says that he nearly died for the work of Christ. In sports we would say, “leave it all on the field.” In other words, give it everything you’ve got when you’re out there. That’s what Epaphroditus did in the service of Christ. He gave it everything he had and nearly died. Paul says such examples, like Epaphroditus, should be honored for their service.
Our culture holds in high regard great athletes, musicians, doctors and such. When one of the local school sports teams wins the state championship the town gathers around to welcome them home with fire engines and lights and a big parade of sorts. These are things of importance for sure to encourage our local athletes… To honor their accomplishment.
But do we honor those who serve Christ like Epaphroditus. Do we hold them in high esteem? Do we express our gratitude? Do we call them to say “thank you for your example?” We have some here in our fellowship who are worthy of honor. I’m not talking so much about the people up front in leadership but many who serve behind the scenes doing all kinds of things for Jesus that very few people even know about. People giving their lives away like Epaphroditus.
We have a prayer team that is on their knees often for people in the church. We have deacons who serve in a host of ways that very few people see. Volunteers at the food shelf. We have a spiritual care team that strives to keep our members encouraged when they are going through hardship. And many others. We honor you, we thank you for your example. May the Lord bless you for all you do for Him.
And this leads us to our next point, while they may be worthy of honor, they do not seek it. Godly examples do not seek honor. This is point #3.
Point #3: Godly examples do not seek honor.
What we are going to see in Timothy is a Christian man who is serving others not for the admiration of others but because he loved Jesus and wanted to please Jesus.
Let’s look at what Paul says about Timothy in verses 19 through 24.
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
Stop here just for a second. That expression “For I have no one like him,” is sometimes translated “for I have no one like-minded.” The actual Greek word means “equal souled.” The expression is not just one of closeness, like “soul mate,” but indicates that Timothy shared Paul’s mind and heart. It was if Paul was sending a little Paul to care for them. This is the first reason Paul says he’s sending Timothy. Okay, continue on…
21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth,
Now the second reason says that he’s sending Timothy is because he has proven his worth. Timothy has suffered and remained faithful to Christ. How the Philippians gained this knowledge of Timothy’s trials and perseverance we don’t know but they do indeed know of it and because of it, they trust him. Paul can send Timothy because he’s proven himself to them.
how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
Here Paul calls Timothy his son. Some of you will remember when we went through the book of Acts in 2024, that Timothy and Paul met in a city named Lystra, where Timothy was from. The people in Lystra stoned Paul to the brink of death—they thought he was dead—and drug him out of the city and left him there to die. It appears as though Timothy was converted during this visit of Paul and ever since they have been very close. Timothy is not just a volunteer or a helping hand, he is a spiritual son to the Apostle Paul. The Church is like a family… we call each other brother, sister… Paul calls Timothy his son.
Notice the descriptors that Paul uses of Timothy:
Genuinely concerned for your welfare.
Seeks the interest of Jesus Christ.
Proven worth.
As a son with his father has served in the gospel.
What this boils down to is this: Timothy was more concerned with what Jesus thought than what people thought. While he was a man worthy of imitating, and like Epaphroditus, worthy of honor, his goal was not to have people honor him. Timothy was simply concerned for others and for what Jesus wanted him to do.
Timothy’s example here is a contrast to those that we looked at earlier in the letter—those enemies of Paul’s who preached Christ with wrong motives. Remember those from chapter 1 that preached Christ from selfish ambition to inflict Paul. Paul says, “Timothy” by contrast, “seeks the interest of Jesus.”
Can you say that? When you are serving the Lord, are you serving so that others will see you serve? Are you serving to get some kind of recognition, to get a plaque on a wall somewhere or your name in the stained glass?
That’s seeking your interests, not the interest of Jesus.
Often the way Jesus works is to call us to things that get us no recognition. He often calls us to help others in ways that no one sees or that require real sacrifice, even when others are not watching. Some of you are doing that in remarkable ways.
Really, what matters most is are we pleasing Christ in what we do? This should be our burning question. This is what those who are worthy of imitating are doing—their concern is “am I pleasing Christ?” Their burden is the question, “is Christ being honored in me?”
And this takes us right to our final point: Godly examples honor Christ.
Point #4: Godly examples honor Christ.
They honor Christ because it is Christ who is truly worthy of honoring. They honor Christ because they know that any good thing in them is because of Christ. They honor Christ because they know that were it not for Jesus, they would not serve others, they would not be content with being in the background, they would not be selfless, and they would seek their own honor.
They honor Christ because Christ sought no honor even though he was worthy of it. Christ—the all worthy one—was put upon the cross and dishonored, shamed, mocked, wrongfully accused, and murdered for the sins that you and I committed.
Yet, he remained silent. He could have called down heaven’s angels. He could have abandoned the hard road ahead of him but he did not.
He was dishonored.
Godly examples seek no honor but seek to lift up the name of Jesus.
In this travel itinerary, Paul fittingly holds out two example of selfless servants. This is not a flashy passage but these brothers serve Christ in ways that are not flashy, in everyday sort of ways. In honoring them, he honors Christ. In recognizing them, he recognizes and gives glory to Christ.
May we as a church honor those who honor Christ and yet seek no honor for themselves.
In all things, Christ gets the glory.
