Conference Sunday 2023

10.08.23/Casey Middle School

Story: My first mission trip to planting a church

Intro: We’re going to look at a passage of Scripture that speaks to two individuals that lived a sent life.

Passage: Philippians 2:19-30 CSB

19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 20 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 21 all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 23 Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon. 25 But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need—26 since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

Background:

Paul is writing this letter to the church at Philippi. This is a church that he planted along with Timothy on his second missionary journey. He loves this church and is writing this letter to thank them for a generous gift they sent him while in prison.

Title: Sent To Serve

Big Idea:

Are we living in such a way that we are ready to be sent for the purpose of serving and seeking the interest of others?

Pray:

Main Points: Two Ordinary Servant Leaders

1. Timothy
   1. 19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 20 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests;

   2. Paul uses the word “send” 4 different times in this passage. Both Timothy and E represent servants of Christ that have lived a sent life.

      1. Have you ever said “God I’m available!”

      2. Up to this point in the letter he is encouraging and challenging the church at Philippi in their faith, then halfway through the letter he says “for example”.

         3. He doesn’t say “Timothy is a good teacher” or “Timothy is very passionate”, but he speaks to his unselfish and genuine love for PEOPLE!

      3. Listen, you can know it all, be charismatic, and have all the right talents, but if you are not in love with people, have a genuine affection for others’ well being, then you are maybe in it for the wrong reasons!

         4. 21 all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

      4. Don’t let your busy schedule overshadow your service.

      5. What does it look like to seek the interest of others?

      6. To seek the interest of others is to…

         1. Ask good questions
         2. Hear their story
         3. Serve their needs
         4. Stand up for them against adversity
         5. Encourage them in their calling! 4. “No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.” - 1 Corinthians 10:24 5. “Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” - Philippians 2:4 6. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:45
            5. 22 But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father.

      7. You can develop ability, but it’s much harder to develop integrity.

      8. Timothy was not only discipled to honor God with proven character, but he was trained to honor God with Gospel service.
      9. Question: Who are you discipling, who is your apprentice? Who is watching you? Everyone is influencing someone.
      10. Whether you know it or not, you are influencing someone toward something. Who are you influencing them toward? What are you pointing them to? There’s a greater mission ahead of you.... one that you may not see, but it doesn’t mean it’s not in front of you. Maybe that’s children, maybe that’s a mission field, maybe that’s an unreached people group, maybe it’s a church plant!

      11. Epaphroditus

          1. 25 But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need—
          2. A key theme in this book and especially in this passage is partnership. The church partnered with Paul. Paul partnered with the church, Timothy, and E. E partnered with Paul and the church. Timothy partnered with Paul. How has your partnership paved the way for the Good News of the Gospel to advance? Partnership in the Gospel is how we’re gathered here today!

      12. Partnership goes through the Fire together in the advancing of the Gospel. They don’t quit when things get hard or uncomfortable, but they lean in all the more. They become a part of the solution, not the problem.

          3. 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.
          4. How can we as a church, do more to honor those that serve like E & T? We can start by calling them by their actual names... :). Start with your words.... what you say to them and behind their back. Move toward honoring them with your time, energy, treasure, and affections. Honor comes in a variety of forms.

      13. Paul says to give great honor to a man that delivered a gift, gave encouragement, and got sick... E never spoke at a conference, he never wrote a book, he never got a record label, but Paul says to give great honor. Maybe servant leadership worthy of great honor doesn’t have to be dramatic, glorious, or popular. Maybe it just has to be selfless and genuine. Paul doesn’t mention any title or position, only his attitude and character. You don’t need a title to be worthy of honor!

Closing: Sent To Serve

Walking Points:

1. Submit to God
2. Seek the interest of others
3. Live a sent life

“21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” - John 20:21