Message Notes 06 02 24
May 30, 2024

Title: Model Servants (Part 2)
Text: Philippians 2:25-30
Date: June 2, 2024

Introduction: How do we measure “the best” in serving the Lord? In our text, we meet Epaphroditus. The terms Paul used to describe him illustrate the kind of person who receives the highest praise in God’s Work. If we make a list of the greatest men and women of the Bible, he will probably not be on the list. Epaphroditus is not a mighty leader like Moses or a great king like David or a distinguished prophet like Elijah or a dynamic preacher like Peter or a visionary leader like Paul. Yet, Paul gives strong words of commendation to this first century Christian layman.

Paul was a “Hebrew of the Hebrews;” Timothy was part Jew and part Gentile (Acts 16:1); and Epaphroditus was a full Gentile as far as we know. The name Epaphroditus, which was common in the era, is derived from “Aphrodite” (the Greek mythical goddess). His family may have worshiped this goddess, and he was likely a Gentile convert. What happens when Jesus transforms an idol worshiper? Epaphroditus was a member of the Philippian Church who risked his health and life to carry their missionary offering to the apostle in Rome (Philippians 4:18). His name eventually came to mean “lovely or charming” and a lovely and charming Christian he was. Epaphroditus was indeed a model servant. So, how do we measure “the best” in serving the Lord? Let’s notice three qualities about Ephaphroditus.

I. Ephaphroditus was a

Christian. (Philippians 2:25)
A. He was “my ”.

B. He was “my

”.

C. He was a “fellow

.”

II. Epaphroditus was a

Christian. (Philippians 2:26-27,30)
A. He was concerned about .

B. He was concerned for his own home

.

III. Epaphroidtus was a blessed Christian. (Philippians 2:28-30)
A. He was a blessing to

.

B. He was a blessing to his own

.

Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church-Oneonta