Epaphroditus:
Willingness to Give It All
Philippians 2:25-30
Philippians 1 – single mind
Philippians 2 – an exhortation to have a submissive mind (others first), followed by four examples: Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. From Epaphroditus’ example we learn to lay our lives down for His kingdom…
I. The equally important responsibilities of a pastor – v. 25.
A. Brother in Christ - fellowship
B. Fellow worker – furtherance of the gospel
C. Fellow soldier – defense of the faith
D. Messenger – life-pursuit
E. Minister - service
Next, we learn something about the kind of loyalty/faithfulness that a good shepherd should have to the task given to him by the Lord…
II. A good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep – vv. 26-27a.
A. He takes his calling and ministry seriously – v. 26.
B. He is burdened for his church – v. 26.
C. He is ready to lay his life down for his sheep and his ministry – v. 27.
Finally, we learn how a church should treat its pastor…
III. Churches need to honor good shepherds – vv. 27b-30.
A. God gives the example of taking special care of his dedicated servants – v. 27b.
B. Churches ought to follow the Lord’s example in caring for their shepherds – vv. 28-30.
A good pastor is willing to lay his life down for his sheep,
And a good church takes care of its pastor.
