Everybody Needs Somebody (Philippians 2:19-30)
Gearl Spicer, July 11, 2021
Part of the Summer Of Joy - Now More Than Ever series, preached at a Sunday Online service
Philippians 2:19–30 (Listen)
19 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.
(ESV)
Sermon Notes
Summer Of Joy - Now More Than Ever
Everybody Needs Somebody
Philippians 2:19-30
7/11/21
Friends are there when everyone else walks away!
Who are you closest friends?
*But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly,
So that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned
For our welfare. vs. 19-20
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*But I thought I necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and
Fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need. vs. 25
*Receive him in the Lord with all joy and hold men like him in high regard.
vs. 29
*A true friend will give their time, trust and commitment to your life and God's greater purpose!
Examining the traits of True Friends
I. Timothy - Kindred Spirit - vs. 19-24
A. Encouragement
B. Commitment beyond convenience
C. Validated his value
D. Anticipate encounters
Kindred spirit - Sharing the same heart for life and impact
II. Epaphroditus - Source of Joy - vs. 25-30
A. Recognize needs and met them
B. Rescued from illness through mercy
C. Brought joy to everyone in his life
D. Sacrificed to the point of death
Minister to my need - Allowing God to use you to truly impact others
Will you choose to bless your friends?