As pastor of this church, I have felt a heavy burden over the need for a new pastor. Now that the Lord has provided Pastor Tweedie for our church, I am greatly relieved.

In our text, the Apostle Paul was carrying a burden as well. He both needed a messenger that he could send, and he had needs that only a messenger to him could meet.

Transition

Timothy and Epaphroditus were not perfect, but they were faithful messengers. This evening, I want to highlight ways that we can be better messengers for the Lord.

Timothy was a Messenger for Paul (v.19-24)

Because Paul was in prison, he could not personally visit the Philippian congregation. For this reason, Paul chose to send Timothy in his place.

1. A. He was a likeminded messenger (v.19-21).
   1. Paul described Timothy as a likeminded man. He was driven by the same motives and character as Paul himself.
   2. Paul lived a life that leaves most Christians far behind. For him to call Timothy “likeminded” was a huge commendation.
   3. Timothy naturally cared for the Philippian believers. He gave sincere thought and effort to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of those believers. That care came from the depths of his heart.
   4. He sought the things of Jesus Christ rather than seeking his own things. He was not so busy pursuing his own interests that he had no time to seek the things of Jesus Christ. Being “likeminded” with Paul, he could say, “For me to live is Christ.”
2.  B. He was a faithful messenger (v.22-24).
   1. He had proved himself before the Philippian Christians.
      1. Like a son to Paul, he shared the same passion.
      2. He had served with Paul in the spread of the Gospel.
   2. The bottom line is that Paul fully trusted young Timothy to do as he would do in caring for the Christians.
   3. Therefore, Paul was sending him in his own place until he was released from prison and able to visit them personally.

It ought to be our passion to be messengers for the Lord that are likeminded with Paul and faithful like Timothy.

Epaphroditus was a Messenger to Paul (v.25-30)

It appears that the church at Philippi had sent him to carry news and supplies to Paul as he was in the Roman prison.

1. Paul called him his brother (v.25).
   1. He was not a physical brother to Paul, but a brother in the Lord, spiritually.
   2. Christian brothers should be like family. Brothers confide in each other, encourage one another, stick together, share fellowship, live in harmony, and support each other.
   3. I believe that our congregation does fairly well at this, but there is always room to improve.
2. Paul called him his companion in labour (v.25).
   1. This man was one of Paul’s spiritual work companions. They worked together to reach others for Christ.
   2. The Lord’s work is too big of work for one person. Jesus chose disciples to help him (Lu 6). The early churches chose deacons to help the pastors (Ac 6). Those churches sent missionaries to reach beyond the homeland shores (Ac 13). Paul instructed the young preacher Timothy, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2Ti 2:2).
   3. Pastor Tweedie is going to need companions in labour. He will need your help to witness, pray, invite, compel, and do the manual work of the ministry (set-up and take-down for church, transport, kitchen work, visiting others, teaching, giving, etc.).
3. Paul called him his fellow soldier (v.25).
   1. He was a battle companion in the spiritual battles of the ministry. His help encouraged Paul. Fellow soldiers defend each other. They protect each other. They suffer together through thick and thin. This is a step beyond being a fellowlabourer.
   2. From the beginning of history, Satan has opposed the work of God. Cain killed Abel. Joseph’s brothers hated his righteousness. Pharaoh killed the babies in Egypt. Korah rebelled against Moses. Ahab hunted Elijah. Enemies sent Daniel to the den of lions. Hateful Jews crucified Jesus. Herod beheaded James. The Catholic church murdered an estimated 50 million Christians during the dark ages for their faith in Christ.
   3. Opposition, criticism, strife, and persecution often accompany the Lord’s work. The Scriptures confirm that, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2Ti 3:12)
   4. We are to be soldiers in God’s army.
4. He was the Philippian church’s messenger (v.25).
   1. Of the 81 times this word is found in the NT 78 times it is translated “apostle”, 2 times messenger, 1 sent.
   2. Evidently, as a messenger, he delivered to Paul a message from the church at Philippi. He likely reported of their condition, their burdens, their praises, etc.
   3. We too ought to be quick to share news of God’s blessings with others we meet.
   4. Was Paul actually calling Epaphroditus as apostle? Possibly! He was likely their pastor.
5. He was the Philippian church’s minister (v.25-30).
   1. He was acting as their servant to the needy apostle. His task was not an easy one. Ministering to Paul in prison meant hardships to the one ministering.
   2. The church had collected things to aid Paul, and Epaphroditus was their messenger to deliver those things (v.30).
   3. Epaphroditus nearly died from sickness while he was ministering to Paul (v.26-28).
   4. Paul urged the church to honour Epaphroditus for his faithful service for Christ. He had not cared for his own life in order to supply Paul’s wants or necessities on their behalf.
   5. When you support your new pastor with your tithes and offerings to God, you are participating in the same work. (Galatians 6:6) “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” You should also minister to him with words of encouragement. When a sermon speaks to your heart, tell him. Send him occasional thank you notes. Complement his qualities. Seek to be a blessing to his family. Let him know often that you are faithfully praying for him. Attend every service faithfully.
   6. Also, look for opportunities to be a help and a blessing to fellow Christians who are in need.

Conclusion

 Timothy was a messenger for Paul and Epaphroditus was a messenger to Paul. They both leave us excellent examples to follow. As our church enters a new chapter of caring for a pastor and his family, step up and become a messenger like these two faithful men. Minister to your pastor’s needs. (1 Corinthians 9:14) “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

Song: Teach Me Thy Way 337

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Better Messengers!

23 March 2025 PM ~ Philippians 2:19-30