Philippians 2:19-30 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. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, 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.
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. 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. 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 is living out what he is preaching-caring for others by sending Timothy.
Do your actions equal your words?
Notice Timothy in verse 21. What is his focus? What are things that Jesus is interested in?
Now notice Epaphroditus, verse 25, a soldier for Christ. What is his focus?
What comes to your mind when you think of a soldier?
How far are you willing to follow Jesus?
Extra for quiet time: Read Matthew chapters 5-7. What are some of Christ’s interests? Are you a soldier for Jesus? Are you fighting the fight? Are you going the extra mile for Him?