But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I
also may be encouraged when I know your state.
(Philippians 2:19 )
As
I listen to some pastors, it is obvious that a lot would really like a
different congregation. I guarantee a
lot of church members—including some of mine—would like to have a new
pastor. Let me tell you what will
transform both—seeking to have a fellowship of encouragement! Paul wanted to build up people and not blast
them, and he needed the church’s consolation and not criticism. Let us weigh carefully the lessons learned
from the relationships of the preachers, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus with
the believers in Philippi. In this
study, we will consider the duties of the pastor, and in the next we will
examine those of the people. There are three duties of the pastor suggested
here.
There was GENUINE
CONCERN (v.19). The heart-felt concern of the Apostle is evident. Even though
he was in prison, he wasn't concerned about his physical condition so much as
their spiritual one. We see there was an
interest in people. Our high tech world
has led to a low touch world. We have
been reduced to numbers on a computer screen. Call for help and you get an
automated voice. Church members deal
with that every day—may it not be so in the church! There was an involvement with people. Eugene Petersen described some pastors as
invisible 6 days a week and incomprehensible on the 7th. Not Paul! He wanted to be with them, but because he
couldn't, he sent Timothy. I can't be
everywhere, but everyone needs ministry. You need to receive the staff not as
the second string, but as ministers themselves.
There was an investment in people.
Paul sent two important helpers to them—Timothy and Epaphroditus. He could have used them, but would rather go
without than that the congregation should.
There was GODLY
CHARACTER (v.19-23) Timothy stands as an
example of godly character. Look at his sincerity (v.20). The word "sincerely" is "without
wax" from merchants who tried to hide cracked pots with wax that could
only be seen when held up to the sun.
Timothy really cared—he was sincere and not a sham! Note his selflessness (v.21). Paul had a
shortage of good people to send. Demas,
in contrast, was such a selfish man, "Demas
has forsaken me, having loved this present world." (2 Tim.4:10 ) Consider his service (v.22). He had proven himself in service. Too many
pastors want to take up the scepter as a sovereign rather than take up the
basin as a servant! This isn't the
spirit of the Good Shepherd (read 1
Pet.5:1-4 ).
Pastors also need GREAT
COMMITMENT (v.25-30). Now we zero in on
the other Associate Pastor—if you will—Epaphroditus. He was a committed worker (v.25a). There was not a lazy bone in his body. He was a committed warrior (v.25b). This is a war and eternal souls are the spoils
of battle. Billy Sunday said, "as long as I can make a fist, I'm going to
fight the devil; as long as I can stand I'm going to kick the devil; as long as
I've got teeth, I'm going to bite the devil and when I lose my teeth, I'll gum
him!" Epaphroditus was a committed
witness (v.25c-30). He was a light for
their darkness. A light shines by
consuming itself. This man was willing
to spend and be spent!
Pastor—be a minister of
encouragement!
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