EPAPHRODITUS- NO PRICE TOO GREAT
April 23, 2000 PM
Sermon Outline
Phil 2:25-30
INTRO: Some Bible characters are so prominent and so well known that others seem rather minor by comparison. It is, of course, unfortunate that this human tendency to compare exists ... because it means that some truly remarkable people whose lives (brief though the mentions be) are rich in goodness and lesson for us go almost unnoticed. One such person is the subject of the text we have read. He is Epaphroditus. In the few verses of this text is really all we know about him. Yet, never have verses been more filled with information to excite our admiration than these. Epaphroditus is a man for whom No Price Is Too Great to serve His Lord Christ. Notice:
I. HIS DEEP CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS 2:25
A. His relationship to Paul was so special
1. my brother - in Christ we are all brethren
a. Gal 3:27,28 all one in Christ
b. yet, the my here lends an emphasis which says that the relationship was not casual, or just functional that Epaphroditus is from Philippi would suggest that the relationship spans some years
2. companion in labor they were working together
a. companion has in it the idea of friendship
b. now, what we have here is two disciples who are serving the Lord, who are working together ... and who are friends - what a happy, joyful way to serve
3. fellow soldier they were together in peril
a. there is - or should be - a militance to our faith such would indeed produce peril for us ... so, Eph 6:12
b. some in Rome were apparently unwilling to be identified with Paul because of the danger of such an identification ... but this man willing to stand by his friend whatever the personal cost!
B. His relationship to the church in Philiippi
1. some suggest he was an elder - perhaps, a preacher
2. but he was their messenger to minister to Paul
3. was a beloved, trusted member of Philippian church
II. HIS SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY 2:26-28
A. Again, to Paul and his efforts in Rome
1. could not duty have been done in delivering the gift
2. but Epaphroditus saw a larger need when he arrived in Rome
3. it was to supply their lack of service toward Paul
4. and then some certainly characterized his life!
B. To the brethren in Philippi
1. v. 26 was concerned that they were concerned about him
2. must have been a closeness within the church at Philippi for them to have been dismayed at news of Epaphroditus illness
3. longing and heaviness of v. 26 give us clues about this mans great love for others; selflessness
C. To the Lord
1. v. 30 for the work of Christ
2. to serve Paul, to serve Romans, to serve Philippi ... even to something as menial as bringing this gift was the work of Christ
3. Mt 6:33 seems to be personified in this man
III. HIS REWARD FOR SERVICE? 2:29,30
A. Obviously, he seeks only the crown of righteousness
1. applause and praise of men is not what he seeks
2. his motivation is wrapped up with/in His heavenly inheritance
B. Yet, he is to be held in reputation
1. another version says, honor men like him (NIV)
2. perhaps we shy away from honor were honor is due but why? note 1 Thes 5:13
3. when men or women have devoted themselves and have given themselves in the Masters service, it is very right, fitting and appropriate to honor them! (yes, there are cautions here ... but its possible to deprive ourselves of good things by being hypercautious about where it could lead
CLOSE: Not regarding his life comes from a word which has to do with gambling. Epaphroditus was very willing to gamble or forfeit his life if it meant the ongoing of the work of Christ!
Cecil A. Hutson
23 April 2000