Imitating Christ’s Humility, Ron Ward
JESUS' BUSINESS, NOT MINE
Passage: Philippians 2:19~30  
Key verse: 20,21
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy(A) to you soon,(B) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him,(C) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests,(D) not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father(E) 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.(F) 24 And I am confident(G) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker(H) and fellow soldier,(I) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.(J) 26 For he longs for all of you(K) 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,(L) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,(M) 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.(N)
Cross references
- Philippians 2:19 : S Ac 16:1
- Philippians 2:19 : ver 23
- Philippians 2:20 : 1Co 16:10
- Philippians 2:21 : S 1Co 10:24
- Philippians 2:22 : 1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2
- Philippians 2:23 : ver 19
- Philippians 2:24 : Php 1:25
- Philippians 2:25 : Ro 16:3, 9, 21; 2Co 8:23; Php 4:3; Col 4:11; Phm 1
- Philippians 2:25 : Phm 2
- Philippians 2:25 : Php 4:18
- Philippians 2:26 : Php 1:8
- Philippians 2:28 : ver 25
- Philippians 2:29 : 1Co 16:18; 1Ti 5:17
- Philippians 2:30 : 1Co 16:17
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Timothy looked out for Jesus' interests (19-24)
Timothy, a young man from Lystra, was picked up by Paul on his second missionary journey to be an intern shepherd. He traveled with Paul, and learned his love for Jesus and his shepherd heart for God's sheep. At a time when most people were selfish and were busy doing their own business, Timothy was concerned about Jesus' business. He was Paul's spiritual son. He served Paul sacrificially, and was a useful man to God.
2. Epaphroditus was a fellow soldier (25-30)
Epaphroditus was from Philippi. He had brought letters and gifts to Paul in prison, and, evidently, had become seriously ill in Rome. Paul regarded him as a fellow worker and fellow soldier. He was worthy of honor because he risked his life and almost died in the service of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to be selfish, but to look out for Jesus' interests rather than for my own. Help me to be a good soldier for Jesus.
One Word: Put Jesus' interests first