Epaphroditus the Minister to his Minister Phil. 2:19-30 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Epaphroditus the Minister to his Minister
Phil. 2:25-30

Introduction: Read 2:19-30 and 4:18 Who was this guy?
• He was a messenger from the Philippian church (2:25) to deliver a gift to Paul (4:18).
• He stayed in Rome with Paul until he was needed to return this letter.
• He also wrote this letter for Paul (postscript).
• He exemplifies the characteristics of a minister (servant).
• We are to be ministers (Mark 10:42-45) – servants.
• He served or ministered to Paul / Joshua was Moses’s minister, [Josh.1:1] • He was just a regular guy, doing what he could to be a good servant.
• He not only got praised by Paul in this epistle but found a place in the eternal word of God.
• It may be too late to make the book, but there is still an eternal record being kept.

Profitable (verse 25)

“companion in labor”
Companion not on the church staff! – volunteer with a desire to help
He produced more than he cost, not high maintenance, profitable!
No debt, sin, forgiveness, girl fiends, hobbies, other commitments. If you desire to serve the Lord, clean up things that hinder the work.
“fellowsoldier”
He had same enemy. (Eph. 6:12)
He had same armour. (Eph.6:11-18)
“minister to my wants”
Not Paul’s needs, God had the church consistently do that.
(Phil. 4:10-11, 14-16)
(2 Cor.11:9) Paul mentioned it to the Corinthians.
He found ways to minister to his wants, very special. God does that. (Luke 6:38)

Personable (verses 26-28)

“for he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness”
He loved the brethren (1 Jn. 3:14) Proof of salvation.
He had compassion(suffering with them) on them (Matt. 15:32) Jesus had compassion also.
(1 Cor.12:25-27) all members of the same body
“when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be less sorrowful”
His brethren loved him.
His brethren had compassion on him.
Loved to see him come, hated to see him go.

Persistent (verse 30)
“for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death” Committed
He was not double minded. (James 1:8) unstable
(Phil. 3:14) “I press toward the mark…..”
“not regarding his life”
Like Paul, materially (Phil. 3:8) dung
Like Paul , physically (Phil. 1:21-24)(Acts 20:22-24)

Praise worthy (verse 29)
“receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness”
We ought to be glad to minister to our ministers.
We ought to be thankful to them and show it.
A workman is worthy of his hire. No greater profession.
“and hold such in reputation”
He deserved honor.
Men that minister deserve double honor (1 Tim. 5:17) (1 Thes.5:13)

Perfect (verse 30)
“to supply your lack of service toward me”
Not really a rebuke – 4:10 lacked opportunity
[Col. 4:12] Epaphras – Prayer warrior
[Col.1:25-29] Paul – Preached ,warned, teaches… others
[2Tim. 3:16-17]the man of God- through the word of God, thoroughly furnished unto all good works
Many ways to be perfect in ministering to your minister
Are you:
Profitable
Personable
Persistent
Praise Worthy
Perfect