2009 Dec 6 - What do true Christ-followers look like? (Phil. 2:19-30)

Paul uses this passage to show what true Christ-followers look like in real life. Paul has challenged the Philippians to allow God to carry out His transforming work in their lives. The first part of chapter 2 helped focus attention on the God-directed life of Jesus. Now, Paul mentions two people that the Philippians have known, and he stresses how their lives are devoted to God’s service.

We should let God’s work be obvious in our lives, but as He directs, not as others pressure us.

Timothy and Epaphroditus both lived out their faith, but in very different ways. Timothy worked closely with Paul for many years. Epaphroditus was a one-time visitor who brought a gift to Paul. Timothy was commended for caring about the Philippians. Epaphroditus was praised for faithfully carrying a message for the Philippians.

This should remind us that God uses us in many different ways. We are not to judge others by the assignments God has given us. And we should not try to live up to other people’s ideas of godliness ourselves. Instead, we really need to learn to listen to God’s direction for our own lives. Of course, that raises another question:

How do we know when God is speaking?

Having raised the question, we didn’t spend much time on finding an answer, We did mention that we need to be spurred by genuine love and goodwill, rather than just “somebody ought to do this.” God’s specific directions resonate within us, rather than feel like an obligation.

Timothy’s obedience to God meant assisting Paul for many years. He showed respect and honor to Paul, as well as trust in Paul and vulnerability to his leadership. David read a passage from My Lady of the Chimney Corner, by Alexander Irvine. This emphasized God’s ability to use each person in His plans.

Epaphroditus delivered a gift to Paul on behalf of the Philippians. The reason Paul mentions him is that Epaphroditus became sick, and the Philippians were worried about him. Paul not only assured them of his returning health, but that he had faithfully carried out the task that he had been given.

The final question is very appropriate to Jesus-followers today, especially those who are just beginning careers, families, and relationships:

Should we care about our reputations? Why or why not? To what extent, if any?

Discussion just began, with mention of “Yes and No: Yes, so as not to belittle Christ. No, because if we do His will we can leave the results to Him.

We will take up with this question as we begin chapter three, where Paul dismisses his own reputation as “worthless.”