Ode to Joy

A Study in the Epistle to the

PhilippiansPart 5

Phil 2:19-30

By Samuel E. Ward

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Introduction

Paul only wanted the best for the people of this church and was quite pleased that they were experiencing joy in their relationship with God and each other. This is reflected in the content of Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

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We observe that . . .

I. This Letter Is an Expression of Paul’s Joy in the Philippians, Phil 1:1-11.

II. This Letter Is an Explanation of Paul’s Joy in Suffering for the Gospel He Gave Them, Phil 1:12-30.

III. This Letter Is an Exhortation to the Philippians to Complete Paul’s Joy in Them, Phil 2:1-18. 3

IV. This Letter Is Evidence of Paul’s Commitment to See Their Joy in Christ

Continue, Phil 2:19-30.

A. Paul Had Plans to Send Timothy to Observe the State of Their Joy, Phil 2:19-23.

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What is the value of Timothy’s visit to the church at Philippi?

1. Paul would be encouraged by a good report from Timothy, Phil 1:19.

(Phil 2:19 NIV) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.

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2. Paul would have his most trusted partner ministering to the Philippians on his behalf, Phil 2:20-23

(Phil 2:20-23 NIV) I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. {21} For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. {22} But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. {23} I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 6

a. Timothy had the same interest in the Philippians’ welfare.

b. Timothy had the same desire for the Philippians to experience the fullness of Christ.

c. Timothy had proven himself by his devotion to serving Christ at Paul’s side as son learning his father’s business.

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Timothy stands as one of many examples of how even young people can have a major impact upon God’s work. Consider these noteworthy examples of godly youth in the Bible:

Joseph was probably in his mid-teens when he was sold into slavery by his brothers and maintained a godly testimony through difficult times throughout his life.

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Joshua was Moses’ aide from his youth, Num 11:28.

Samuel was a leader in Israel from his youth, 1 Sam12:2.

David killed Goliath between the ages of 15-17, 1 Sam 17:33.

Josiah became king of Judah at age 8 and restored the observance of the Law in Israel, 2 Kings 22:1.

Daniel was probably taken captive to Babylon when he was in his teens, Dan 1:1-6.

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Mary was probably no older than 16 when she gave birth to Jesus.

Mark was probably in his late teens or early twenties when he went part way on a missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas. He also became the author of the gospel of Mark, Acts 12:12.

Timothy had been a believer as a child and became a partner in Paul’s missionary work in his late teens or early twenties. This was not by accident, 2 Tim 3:14-15.

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B. Paul Had Plans to Personally Come to Philippi, Phil 2:24.

(Phil 2:24 NIV) And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

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Paul took a very personal interest in the welfare and ministry of the churches he founded.

1. He wanted to return to the Romans to mutually encourage each other in the faith and to evangelize others, Rom 1:10-13.

2. He did not want to return to the Corinthians because it would have been a painful visit for him, so he wrote a letter instead, 2 Cor 1:23-2:23.

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3. He wanted to return to the Thessalonians but had to send Timothy instead to strengthen and encourage them and tell them not to worry about the persecution he was enduring, 1 Thes 3:1-6.

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C. Paul Had Plans to Send Epaphroditus Back to the Philippians, Phil 2:25-30.

In these verses we see in Epaphroditis many spiritual qualities that mark him as a person who had truly given himself to the cause of Christ as a servant.

1. He was a brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and servant to those who minister in Christ’s name, Phil 2:25.

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(Phil 2:25 NIV) But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

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2. He cared for the anxiety of others and did not want to be the cause of others’ distress or sorrow, even if warranted, Phil 2:26-27.

(Phil 2:26-27 NIV) For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. {27} Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

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3. He is a man whose very presence exuded joy and confidence in God, Phil 2:28.

(Phil 2:28 NIV) Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

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4. He is worthy of honor not because of his position or status, but his proven unrestrained love for God, the ministry, and his fellow believers in Christ, Phil 2:29-30.

(Phil 2:29-30 NIV) Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, {30} because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

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