Mount Isa Baptist Church

Ordinary People

Philippians 2:19-30

vs 19 – vs.30, we read of two men who exemplify the Christ-like qualities Paul had spoken of earlier. The Lord is our model, but we also see that Timothy and Epaphroditus are model Christians. After Paul's words about the Jesus's humble sacrifice, a question comes to mind: Can I expect to find that same humility among those who call themselves Christians today? Paul knows that we will probably say, “It is impossible for us to follow such examples as the Lord Jesus and the example of Paul. After all, Jesus is the very Son of God, and Paul is a chosen apostle, who has had great spiritual experiences on the road to Damascus!” It is for this very reason I believe that Paul introduces us to two ordinary saints, men who were not apostles or even special miracle–workers but ordinary people like you and me.

First, let me introduce you to Timothy

When Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians, he was in prison in Rome, and he had Timothy with him. He's looking for someone to send to the Philippians, to find out how they're doing, to encourage them in their faith, and to bring back a report to Paul. Timothy seems like just the man because the Philippians knew him well. He planted the church with Paul. Therefore, the Philippians would have remembered Timothy because he played a very important role in their spiritual lives. Of all the people who are available to send from Rome, Timothy is unique. He had proven himself. He had a good track record. Only Timothy is as concerned for the Philippians' welfare as Paul is. Every other Christian that Paul could have sent looks after their own interests first, and then Jesus comes after that, but Timothy is different. The needs of Jesus Christ and the needs of other Christians come above his own needs. Every single time. Paul's relationship with Timothy was like a father to a son - Paul was the one who first taught Timothy about Jesus and led him to Jesus. And Timothy didn't use that privileged start to serve Paul. He literally became a slave, serving alongside Paul, working for the spread of the gospel, working for the good of other people. He set aside his rights so that he could do what benefits Jesus and what benefits others who need to hear about Jesus. And so, after years of this, Paul is confident that there is nobody like Timothy. Only he puts the spread of the Christian gospel and the needs of the Christian churches above his own interests in the way that he does. Why would Timothy do this? Church planting is incredibly hard once off, but he did it repeatedly.

What compels a man to do this? Well, simply put, “Jesus does.” When Timothy came to Christ, Christ sent him out, and Timothy willingly went. Jesus did that for him, and he did it for others, and he was willing to suffer so others would know. Timothy was the right man for the job. Timothy was just a regular guy, whom Jesus saved and Paul discipled, who was willing to put all his chips on Jesus. Timothy is a perfect example of the biblical truth that God exalts the humble. Timothy was a man who deeply accepted the lordship of Jesus. He let Jesus set the boundaries of his life because he saw in Jesus the kind of Lord who could be trusted. Jesus made himself nothing for nobodies like Timothy. Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of Timothy’s servant so that he might save him from his sins and usher him into an eternal kingdom. Timothy was a humble man whom God used in his mighty hands for his mighty purposes because he simply looked to Christ by faith and trusted him with his life. What does that service look like? Well, look at verse 20. Paul says he has no one like Timothy who “will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.” He thought to himself, “I'm responsible for them. I want to care for them as much as I care for myself. I'm committed because Jesus is committed to them.” Do we take responsibility for one another as Timothy did, for Jesus's sake? Do we serve one another in this way? Do we have a genuine concern for the welfare of our brothers and sisters inside the church? There seems to be nothing forced or artificial about Timothy's care. Jesus so

changed his heart that he couldn't not love his brothers and sisters. That's the key to it all. If we want to care as Timothy cared, we must let Jesus change us. We must deeply accept not only the salvation of Jesus but also the calling of Jesus. What He commands is hard, and to love people is the hardest of all, but whatever Jesus commands, he also gives. He gave it to Timothy. He can give it to you, too. And the Philippians could see this. Paul says in verse 22 Timothy was a proven commodity. He was faithful, steady, and sure. He had a good reputation. Over the years, he proved he wasn't out for himself. He wanted, like Paul, to see Christ formed in them. Like Jesus, Timothy put the interests of others above his own. That's the true measure of a servant-hearted person. Let me ask you a question this morning: Who is it that has made an impact on your life? What individuals, apart from your family, have really touched you and made you who you are? Here's my guess: They were average, ordinary people. They also cared about you. They were committed to you and ready to sacrifice for you.

Here's the lesson for us today: never underestimate the influence of a single, ordinary person who commits to dying to themselves, becoming a servant of Jesus Christ, and loving others.

Timothy is an example of a single, average person who made a difference through his attitude to others and his willingness to sacrifice.

Timothy is an example of someone who lived out Paul's teaching to live like Jesus Christ. What about us?

Pastor Erik Sitati – From Kenya – connected through our YouTube channel.

I received an amazingly encouraging email from Kenya, which I shared parts of at the church meeting, and I encourage you to be in prayer for this church and also our YouTube ministry that we have the privilege through it to reach people across the world. We serve an amazing God.

About my church and the ministry

It is called CHRIST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH. We are located in continent of Africa in a country called Kenya. We have a small ministry, but we thank God it is growing and touching lives of others in a mighty way. We are blessed serving God with my family and brethren here. We have a heart for the ministry, our heart's desire, hunger, and thirsty is dedicated in Christ work, and we are glad being Christ's witness and ambassadors. We don't preach about ourselves, but preaching only the message of Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of our faith.

I'm much blessed being in touch with you and your beautiful church family! I just want to encourage you that we are, and we have been praying for you all as Christ coworkers in His vineyard especially in these dreadful days we are living in.

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

I replied to the email that was sent, and below are some prayer requests that he has asked for:

Pastor Erik Sitati - Christ Fellowship Church prayer requests,

(1) Pray for our ongoing door to door evangelism and outreaches.

(2) Pray for ongoing church construction, pray for open doors we need iron sheets.

(3) About my community pray for thousands who are in devastating situation and starving due to lack of food and water

(4) Pray for God to provide bibles so that we may give to new converts. Below photo show our outreach meeting held recently, and the hunger people have God's Word.