Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 4
Theme- Willing Workers
Verses: Phil 2:19-30 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Willing Workers
The photographer for a national magazine was assigned to shoot a great forest fire. He was told that a small plane would be waiting to take him over the fire. He arrived at the airstrip just an hour before sundown. Sure enough the Cessna was waiting. He jumped in with his equipment and shouted, "Let's go!" The pilot swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air.
"Fly over that north side of the fire" said the photographer. And make several low-level passes "Why?" Ask the nervous pilot. "Because I'm going to take pictures! Retorted the photographer. "I'm a photographer and the photographers take pictures."
After a long pause, the pilot replied. "You mean, you're not the flying instructor?"
Have you ever assumed that someone can do the job just because they are there? I think that happens a lot in churches. Just because someone shows some interest it is common to ask them to do things they might be unprepared or untrained to do. We make assumptions. God has designed the body of Christ to work and to work together according to gifts, interest and yes training. But in order to be a willing worker for the Lord there are also important character traits.
I was at a Billy Graham Evangelistic Conference for pastors and impressed again on the team approach he uses. They all work together for the common goal of presenting the saving message of Jesus Christ to as many people in as many ways as possible.
Crusades are just one way, television, radio, news magazines, films, videos, letters, phone counselors, inter-net, music and the people to accomplish that goal as God leads is tremendous. You never hear about most of the people who work behind the scenes in very instrumental ways.
I am going to relate four qualities of a willing worker for Christ as revealed in Paul's example of Timothy and Epaphrodites.
We know a fair amount about Timothy. He was a young man, who served as a pastor. Paul wrote him two letters. He met Paul on his first missionary journey and accepted the Lord. He was one of the first converts. On one missionary journey Paul left him to work with the people at Derbe and Lystra so the new Christians would develop and grow in the Lord. Paul received a very good report how this young man was doing. Is seems that when John Mark left the work, Paul called Timothy to take his place and continue on the second missionary journey.
As he grew in the Lord and in experience he was useful to Paul in many ways. Whenever there was a reason to check on some of the churches, Paul would send Timothy when he could not go. He wished to give advice, counsel, encouragement, rebuke and guidance. Timothy would do the job in his place. He had gone to Thessalonica, Corinth, Philippi, and pastored awhile at Ephesus.
The next worker is Epaphroditus. Apparently Timothy couldn't come to Philippi right away so Epaphroditus carried this letter and greeted the saints.
It seemed Epaphrodities was from Philippi. Awhile back the church decided to send him as a lay missionary. They also gave him gifts to give to Paul to carry out his mission work. They had heard that Epaphrodites turned quite sick. They were naturally quite concerned for him and his health. Something kind of wonderful and humorous is going on here. Epaphrodites gets sick. The church is upset to hear that he is sick. And Epaphrodities is upset when he hears the church is upset that he is sick. Paul sent him back now to the church showing that he is healthy. He also sends him back with words of accommodation.
I want us to look at these two men and see common characteristics of willing workers for Christ's sake.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Oct 5 –
Verses- Phil 2: 19-21 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Willing Workers show Commitment -
The basic ingredient of serving the Lord is commitment to the Lord. Otherwise people are serving the church, serving the pastor, serving a leader, serving the community. All of that is commendable but the valued worker sees the real commitment is to Jesus Christ and the way he serves may vary.
Paul says v. 21 everyone else seems to look out for his own interest and not those of Jesus Christ, but that is not the way Timothy is. Timothy looks to the interests of Jesus Christ and not his own concerns. What does he say of Epaphroditus? He almost died for the work of the Lord. He calls him a fellow soldier. That future means in the battle, in the spiritual battle. Like Timothy he experienced the hot times and the time when it was difficult being a Christian. Paul always called those type of experiences as battles. He understood them to be spiritual battles with Satan and the forces of heaven. A soldier involves discipline, obedience, commitment and when needs be, suffering.
When we use the illustration of soldiers we want to pray for our soldiers in Afghanistan as well as the soldiers carrying on battle in our church against the evil one
But commitment even to the point of giving life and death is commendable.
Timothy was one who could be counted on. He was loyal he was consistent; he was available to do what he could do. Being available to the Lord's work is more important that being capable. God works with willing people. Timothy had to grow in a number of areas, but don't we all. He was consistent in his walk and labor for the Lord.
He was willing to keep at it and when discouragement came, he kept at it anyway. It is discouraging to Paul to ask for help and no one responded, again and no response. Some asked to do a job, "O I'd love to but, I'm too busy, I am not gifted enough, I might be sick a week from Friday. We see people full of excuses as to why some things never get fulfilled, but how much is personal selfish interests and over worked Timothy like always raises his hand and says "I'll go."
Many times we see recent converts who are in the public eye come to some type of spiritual decision with the Lord and quickly many Christians want to spotlight them and have them give testimonies to large groups. They are called upon for speaking engagement and having books written and speaking at banquets and radio interview for it is our culture that loves heroes and celebrities. If someone comes to Christ who is well known we delight in showcasing them instead of letting them grow and develop and mature, for what happens is many will fall away and or show that the decision is an emotional one without substance or maturity.
There are things for all Christians to do. It is interesting that Paul himself had a period of time for his own strengthening in the Lord before his public ministry. Most have to have their faith matured and tried. The Seminary suggested graduates wait about five years into the ministry before they seek ordination. That is unlike some groups that make ordination part of the seminary graduation. We learn, sometimes the hard way, that education doesn't guarantee ministry qualifications.
The devil uses all opportunities to make us fall and fail. Paul didn't want to send Timothy right away to Philippi because he needed him for another work, but wanted the Philippians know that he was coming to see them very soon.
F.B. Meyer said, "I have one ambition, to be an errand boy for Jesus Christ."
The Psalmist said, Ps 84:10b I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."
In the marvelous relationships that are illustrated here we see a commitment to Jesus Christ, a commitment to his church, and a commitment to Paul whom they loved.
When there was a job to be done they did it. It was not always a glorified job, but the commitment was beyond the task -it was to the purpose.
Do people see commitment in your life?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 6 –
Verses- Phil 2:22-14 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.
Willing Workers show Cooperation
Each partner of Paul’s did his part to make it the ministry work. He complimented the cooperative spirit of Timothy. But he also commended Epaphroditus as a brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier. The three worked in cooperation with the Philippi church and in the wider ministry of mission. Paul has always seen the partnership that each one has in the gospel. He knows that it takes the work of a team to actually go to the unreached areas. He knows it takes young men like Timothy who can do what Paul can't do. He can't be everywhere at once. He knows it takes a work horse like Epiphroditus.
One camp director was telling about his experiencing seeking help to build a cabin. 30 people were giving suggestions about how it should be built. Half were very critical about the cost and what should be changed with the plans. But when it came time to do the work only two showed up.
Many are willing to give ideas, and share in criticism, but when it comes to the work, fewer are involved. When it comes to the work of the church it falls on a few like Epaphrodites . He is willing worker laboring for God with Paul in sharing the load and willing to give what he had even if it cost him his health. He shows commitment to the point of being a good soldier of Christ.
I appreciated going on the mission trip with John Hoeldtke to India. I had worked with John as a youth pastor at Olivet Baptist. He left the pastorate with the conviction God wanted him to serve as an evangelists and teacher in a wider manner with special campaigns and going to other nations. There are many people who suggest that the best relationships you can have is with someone as your mentor, someone whom you might disciple and mentor to help them grow in the Lord and in service, and thirdly, a peer where you can hold each other accountable.
I have looked to older and wiser men to mentor me, and have been blessed through the years to treat John Hoeldtke much like that in our journey. I told John I didn't want to go on that trip unless I believed I had something to offer. He thought it would be valuable just to go along and watch and be opened to a third world experience. I went fully aware that I would serve under him and for him and do whatever he felt was important in the ministry. I had 1,000s of questions. I wanted to not be the way but do it right. He tried to prepare me by saying, hang loose and trust God. We don't know exactly where we are going or what we are going to get into. We will turn up in some places and may be asked to do something we are not prepared for. Just trust God and be open.
I can imagine some of Paul's trips like that. He had a generally idea where he was going and with whom, but the rest was up to the lord. I had no idea when I left here that I would be left heading up the team at the orphanage while John and another member when to another city for a few days to prepare for future trips with seminaries. My job was to teach the Indian evangelists, and then go out into villages and have evangelistic services. Even when Pastor Hoeldtke returned the last night of the week I was eager to turn the responsibility back over to him. He declined on purpose and let me preach at another village while he watched.
Following that assignment we traveled to another city where he would do the teaching on Spiritual Warfare and I would watch and prayer and have private conversations with people. On Sunday morning he, and others, were ill. So I ended up filling his place preaching two unplanned services. One service people from the community were invited to attend to hear an American preacher. I went away stretched, challenged, grateful and humble, but experienced the type of team approach on a short term mission experience perhaps that Paul had with Epaphroditus and Timothy.
What a joy to see how God works things together for his greater purpose, sometimes bringing people together and continuing in each of their individual ministries apart in other areas. Willing workers help when and where needed realizing Christ guides us step by step. Seek to work in cooperation and not in competition.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 7
Phil 2: 26-27 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
Willing Workers shows Compassion
Commitment to Christ and growing in His grace begins to affect our heart. A worker quickly called upon by God to love Him first and others secondly, as we have mentioned before. Look at how love is displayed in these men.
Timothy was not so concerned about his own prestige or what others thought about him, whether he was an errant boy, or whether his assignment was of great public significance. He devoted himself to God's use because of his compassion for Jesus Christ and his compassion and love for others, and his compassion for Paul.
Timothy was with Paul when the church of Philippi was being started. He prayed with them and for them. He knew a number of them personally when got word about them he was very concerned and interested in what was going on.
It is interesting to get news from churches in which I have served in the past. When I see people from Olivet, Elim in Detroit, or Trade Lake it isn't long before we start talking about some of the people. It was fun to gather at some of the anniversary gatherings to hear people talking together about folks with whom they shared in ministry here at Stanchfield. It is good to renew acquaintances with some who moved away. It is also bitter sweet to think of those who meant so much in the life and history of the church who have passed away.
Part of what we see is the compassion among the people that made things happen and do so today. It is the relationships with one another that are special and the work for Christ they do together in projects, committees, special events.
I read a story of a youth minister was attending a Special Olympics where handicapped children competed with tremendous dedication & enthusiasm. One event was the 220-yard dash. Contestants lined up at the starting line, & at the signal, started running as fast as they could.
One boy by the name of Andrew quickly took the lead, and was soon about 50 yards ahead of everybody else. As he approached the final turn he looked back and saw that his best friend had fallen & hurt himself on the track.
Andrew stopped and looked at the finish line. Then he looked back at his friend. People were hollering, "Run, Andrew, run!" But he didn’t. He went back and got his friend, helped him up, brushed off the cinders. And hand in hand, they crossed the finish line dead last. But as they did, the people cheered, because there are some things more important than finishing first. Compassion in others was more important than winning.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 8 –
Verses- Phil 2:26-29 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
A Willing Worker has Courage
If there is one thing I would change in my ministry had I to do it over again, it would be risk more. I wish I were more courageous to go with zeal. I can try to defend myself and say it is unwise to be fool hardy, but people with faith meet obstacles with confidence being in the will of God even when it is uncomfortable. The times when I sense God working most is when I stretch myself into areas that are unknown or certainly over my head in ability.
Epaphroditus almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up from the help you could not give. His commitment was such that courage was displayed. He risked his life just to be identified with Paul. Most likely this had to do with an illness he contracted while on the missionary journey with Paul. But when Paul was up for trial for his life because of his testimony to Jesus Christ, it was the same faith that caused him to come out and risk uncharted territory to visit and care for Paul. His life was in jeopardy in traveling there and back in the Roman world that now was beginning to persecute the Christians.
Paul met him at Lystra and he wanted to try him out to see how he would work. It is a very good principle that he himself wrote to Timothy considering getting to know who should work as deacons and elders in the church. Phil 3:10 they must first be tested, and then if there is nothing again them let them serve as deacons. An elder 3:6 must not be a recent convert or he may be conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil."
Here he wanted the church to know that he has been proved. He has worked with Paul in sharing the gospel. He has been tried and now he too serves with the same authority and spirit as Paul. He is giving that responsibility to young Timothy, and confident he will do what the Lord wants in that situation.
It is difficult to travel these days. There is a recent call for alert to American citizens who are being targeted by Al Qaida.
While Judi and I were in Mexico there was discussion at the field council about contingency plans for escape if danger for families makes it impossible to stay. Some of our missionaries there work in areas with high drug traffic and increased drug wars.
What would cause a single woman who loves the Lord and loves the people to leave the comforts of USA and leave her family to service Christ in dangerous conditions? It is the call of God and the courage that it takes to give your life to Him to lead you wherever He wants. Her life is not her own. It belongs to Christ.
In her recent Newsletter, Dr. Pat, who works with the persecuted church, tells of the courage and how the confidence is in God's hands. She speaks of families who escaped after torture and beatings for there Christian faith. She records the story of a widow who lost her husband to death due to persecution. Yet their faith is vibrant and alive.
Death and suffering is worthy the glory that is prepared for them. Whether in illness or in persecution they have relationship with Christ that goes beyond their own comforts to minister in the name of Jesus.
In another country at a previous visit the authorities confiscated 30 Bibles and they had only 3 to give away that where not found. The pastor said, "I'm so glad that you didn't bring us many bibles. The police are watching and will come into the church tonight. We could not have time to hide 30 Bibles but with 3 we can just set them on the pews with the other books and no one will notice. Our plans are not Gods, but His plan is always better.” That is courage.
A willing worker is also one who leaves the results up to the Lord.
Epaphroditius was burdened for Paul burdened for his own church back home and did receive a reception. But the courage to follow Christ at home or overseas will be rewarded by a greater reception in glory.
Pastor Dale
