October 6, 2024
Teacher: Justin Ray
Philippians 2:19-30
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Big Truth:
Jesus Followers Pursue Christ’s Interests Above Their Own
Big Idea
Pursue Christ’s interests with edifying love. (vs19-24)
- Edifying love recognizes gain in loss. (Mark 8:34-35)
- Edifying love is not self seeking. (2 Timothy 3:2)
- Edifying love finds joy in the joy of others in Jesus. (1 Corinthians 10:24)
Big Idea
Pursue Christ’s interests with sacrificial lives. (vs25-30)
- Sacrificial living takes risks in gospel advancing work. (Acts 20:24)
- Sacrificial living is aimed at pleasing the Lord. (Romans 12:1-3)
Conclusion:
Jesus Followers Pursue Christ’s Interests Above Their Own
Talk About It
- How does Jesus model the mind of Christ?
- How do Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus pursue Christ’s interests above their own?
- What is next for your pursuit of Christ’s interests above your own?