Philippians 2:19-30

Read through Philippians 2:19-30. As you read, jot down any questions you have or any details that stand out.

Review: These past few weeks, we’ve been learning about how to “live as a citizen of heaven.” Paul mentions several ways to do that:

1. live in unity – keep Christ at the center of your relationships, work together, love each other
2. live with humility – be interested in what others are doing, be selfless
3. let your life shine before men – have good character, serve others, don’t complain, share the Gospel

A Closer Look: In this section of the letter, Paul mentions two men who are great examples for the Philippians to model their lives after. These two men were individuals that the Philippians knew personally.

Example #1: Timothy (“Tim”)

• Relationship to Paul – Tim was like a son to Paul. He traveled with Paul to several cities to share the Good News about Christ and was mentored by Paul.
• Relationship to the Philippians – Tim joined Paul on his trip right before Paul and Silas went to the city of Philippi. That means that he probably stayed with Lydia (the business-woman) and talked with many of the believers there.
• “Genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ” – Tim loved the believers at Philippi and kept Christ at the center of his relationship with them. He stood out from the others, who only cared about themselves.
• “Has served with me in preaching the Good News” – Tim lived a life of service by assisting Paul in his missionary trips. He wasn’t afraid to share the Good News with others.

Example #2: Epaphroditus (“Big E”)

• Relationship to Paul – Big E was the messenger from Philippi who brought Paul the supplies and gifts. He stayed in the city for awhile before returning to Philippi, probably updating Paul on all the news at Philippi and listening to Paul preach.
• Relationship to the Philippians – Big E was one of the believers at Philippi, and evidently he was trusted enough to serve as a messenger for the whole group.
• “He is a true brother, a faithful worker, and a courageous soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need.” – Big E served faithfully and selflessly. Since Paul refers to him as a “true brother”, it was probably easy to tell that he was committed to Christ.
• “He risked his life for the work of Christ” – It seems Big E didn’t stop at anything to share the Good News with others, whether that was verbally sharing the Gospel or simply serving without complaining and working hard with others.

Read through Philippians 2:19-30 again.

Questions:

1. Read Galatians 5:19-23. How does this fit in with what we’ve read in Philippians?
2. Why is it important for us to be selfless in our relationships with others?
3. How do you think Tim felt about being able to return to the Philippians soon after Big E went back? How do you think the Philippians responded to having Tim back in the city?
4. What can we learn about God from this passage?

Challenge: Who has been a mentor or role model for you? Write them a note this week, thanking them for investing in you. Share with them how they have influenced you or the lessons they have taught you. And take a moment to think about someone that you can be a role model to… perhaps a child at church or a younger brother or sister.