Qualities of Helpers Phil 2: 19-30 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
There are two men in Phil 2 that were excellent helpers to Paul in his ministry. When Paul wrote about them in Phil 2:19-30, he included remarks about their qualities. We should identify and comment on these qualities because these are the kinds of things you will need to be a help to others in the ministry.
Timothy was a good help to Paul because:
He was likeminded – Phil 2:20 – a good helper in the ministry has to have the same mindset as the man with whom he is working [Rom 15:5-6]. The minister and his helpers have to be of one accord and one spirit [Acts 2:46, 2 Cor 12:18]. The helper is an extension of the ministry of the man he or she is helping.
He was compassionate – Phil 2:20 – he cared for the Philippians the way that Paul cared for them. Care and compassion are essential qualities of ministers and those who help them.
He was Christ-centered – Phil 2:21 – not self-centered. Paul was an unselfish preacher and Timothy was like him in that he was concerned for the things of Jesus and not for his own things, so unlike modern preachers. There are probably more people in the ministry for selfish reasons than for the pure motive of simply and unselfishly helping others as led by the Lord.
He was like family to Paul – Phil 2:22 – Paul was like a father to Timothy which made their relationship extremely close. The best associates are as close as family to the men with whom they work.
Epaphroditus was a good help to Paul because:
He was a loyal companion – Phil 2:25 – he was a brother, a companion in labor and a fellow soldier to Paul. He was the man Paul could count on to help him under any circumstances.
He was a faithful minister – Phil 2:25-28 – he was like Elisha to Elijah, or Joshua to Moses. He was faithful to care for Paul at the expense of his own life. He followed the instruction of Paul in Rom 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” Paul would have sorrowed greatly at the loss of Epaphroditus.
He had a good reputation – Phil 2:29 – among the saints. He didn’t politic to get a good name so that he could get rich off the saints or build his ego. He was such a servant that he was worthy of the reputation he had earned. Like Peter said in 1 Pet 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
He had a solid work ethic – Phil 2:30 – he worked himself nearly to death. He was not concerned for himself but for his minister and for the people to whom he ministered. He knew what he was called to do and, like a soldier, he would have died doing it if that’s what it took to accomplish the Lord’s will for his life.
Conclusion: when you are considering someone to help you in the ministry, look for these qualities. And if you are someone who has offered your help to a minister, then develop these qualities because you’re going to need them.