Philippians 2:19-30 NIV
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.22 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.23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25 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.26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.27 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,30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Paul expresses his love for this church and these people in our reading today. Paul's obvious concern for the church is seen in the first few verses. Paul is committing his young apprentice if you will Timothy to this church. Paul has poured himself into Timothy, he has often referred to him as his son in the faith. In the 21st verse he mentions that Timothy is trustworthy and not like others who are only looking out for their own interests than those of Jesus Christ. Paul is a shepherd and with this writing and conclusion to the 2nd chapter we see his heart for this church. He continues that "Timothy has proved himself". This must have been a very significant church to Paul, there must have been a bond of unity and love in this church. Paul appears to long for fellowship with the Philippian church. Paul mentions the joy and gladness this church brings him. We are also called to this kind of bond and fellowship with other believers. Paul, like David had a zeal for the house of the Lord and fellowship with other believers.
Psalms 122:1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
We need that kind of zeal for God's house and fellowship with like-minded believers. Churches like the Philippians church seem to be rare but they are very special to the Lord. Churches with this kind of love and unity are favored churches. God blesses a house of worship where the congregants come together in unity, one mind and one accord. I am thankful to be in such a church. In fact today I am longing for my church as we are dismissed due to weather. I look forward to gathering with my family, church and physical, in God's house.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
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