Philippians 2: 18-20
- Which two people might Paul send to the Philippians?
- What does Timothy care about?
- What does Epaphroditus long for?
- What kind of character do Timothy and Epaphroditus have?
- If you stopped focusing on yourself, to whom might God send you?
The Philippians, as we have seen, were looking out for themselves in the church. It wasn’t working out well. In contrast two people were willing to sacrifice for the sake of others. One was young and the other had been sick. However their youth and sickness didn’t cause them to be vain or selfish. It seems that they lived out the motto, “God first; others second; me last.”
Going Deeper
Observation
- What will happen to Paul when Timothy stops by Philippi?
- What are the others looking out for?
- What is the relationship between Paul and Timothy?
- Why was Epaphroditus sent to Paul?
- Why did Epaphroditus put his life in danger?
Interpretation
- How did people keep abreast of what was happening in different parts of the Roman empire?
- What are he interests of Jesus Christ?
- How did Paul and Timothy grow close?
- Were the people in Philippi obliged to send someone to Paul?
- Does God require for us to go to places where we will be harmed?
Application
- What news would cheer you up right now? Is it a right priority?
- How do people in ministry today look out for their own interests?
- How would you cope if it was God’s plan for you to be sick or in jail?
- How do you keep in touch with other Christians?
- What is the role of emotions in the Christian life?
Plymothian 