Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Examples of Living like Christ - Philippians 2:19-30

Bryan Schneider · November 17, 2018

Philippians 2:19-30

sharonrpc.org/sermons/living-like-christ

Summary

After presenting Christ's supreme humility in Philippians 2:5-11, Paul gives Timothy and Epaphroditus as attainable human examples of Spirit-produced Christlikeness.
Timothy is like-minded with Paul, sincerely concerned for the church, uninterested in personal advantage, proven in character, loyal like a son, and active in gospel service.
Epaphroditus is Paul's brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister—titles that reveal shared family, labor, conflict, and care in Christ.
Both men look to the interests of others rather than themselves, embodying the humility and sacrificial love commanded earlier in the chapter.
Epaphroditus longs for the Philippians and risks his life for Christ's work, showing that genuine ministry persists through weakness and costly circumstances.
Believers cannot imitate Christ through perfectionism or unaided willpower, but because they are new creations united to Christ, God's Spirit works in them to will and act for his pleasure.

How do Timothy and Epaphroditus make the pattern of Christ's humility concrete?
Are my deepest concerns aligned with Christ's interests and the welfare of his church?
Where am I seeking my own advantage rather than the interests of others?
What evidence of proven Christian character can people who know me over time observe?
Whom am I serving with the loyalty and teachability of a son or daughter in the faith?
Can fellow believers rely on me as a worker and soldier when ministry becomes tiring or costly?
Do I love the church enough to long for and act for the good of particular people?
How does God's work within me prevent the call to holiness from becoming either perfectionism or passivity?

Christlikeness: Spirit-produced conformity to Jesus' humility, obedience, self-giving love, and concern for others.
Like-minded: Sharing the same deep concern, love, purpose, and gospel priorities rather than merely agreeing on surface matters.
Proven character: Visible faithfulness tested over time through service, suffering, responsibility, and consistent Christian conduct.
Fellow worker: A believer who actively labors alongside others in the work of Christ rather than merely professing support.
Fellow soldier: A trusted Christian who stands shoulder to shoulder with others against opposition to the gospel.
Brother: A family relationship created by adoption into God's household that crosses ethnic and social boundaries.
Self-sacrificial service: Practical care for Christ and his people that accepts inconvenience, weakness, danger, and even the risk of death.