Happy_Philippians

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Encouraging others can be risky

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25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. Philippians 2:25-30

Risk is something we’re subconsciously taught to avoid. Some of us, as children, remember riding bikes without helmets, skating without elbow and wrist pads, and riding in cars without seat belts. And now, helmets, pads, and seatbelts are the norm. We live in a society that is largely about reducing risk. This is not to say we should be careless with our lives, but it is to say that risk is sometimes necessary. Today, we find things about this passage that are risky. Encouraging others can be risky because we never know how people will react. Being present with someone is risky because it requires vulnerability. As we influence others, we risk the potential of failure should we led them astray or they fall into trouble.

Similar to today’s passage, early Christians served pagan neighbors during the plague. This turned out in some cases to be the ultimate risk – they paid with their lives. They demonstrated love to those around them who perhaps were throwing stones and slanderous phrases at them just a short time before. The risk was high but, when the plague came, these Christian brothers and sisters took on the mantle of risk in the service of their Savior.

Epaphroditus took the risk as well and he became seriously ill. We don’t know his exact illness. It could been an infection or a brush of plague. Despite the risk, Paul talks about his joy even as his life is poured out as a drink offering (Philippians 2:17). His personal demise didn’t diminish his gladness and rejoicing with the Philippians. Christians in this country haven’t quite tasted the same risk as our ancient predecessors nor of those in other regions of the world today. But we can support and pray for fellow Christians who are realizing joy and gladness despite the actual sacrifice of their lives. As you watch ‘A Letter from the people of the Cross…,’ pray for those who are sacrificing themselves and pray for the courage to stand should you be called by Jesus to sacrifice.

Even if I am to be poured out
as a drink offering upon the sacrificial
offering of your faith,
I am glad and rejoice with you all.
-Philippians 2:17

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By Rich Obrecht

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Giving is never a one way street. There is always mutual benefit.

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¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare… ²⁸ I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. ²⁹ So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, ³⁰ for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Throughout the entire letter to the Philippians, Paul is overwhelmed with concern for others as well as longing to receive encouragement from his friends. Paul cares so much about the longings within each of his friends and his heart hurts over the distress Epaphroditus’ illness has caused the entire community. He also cares so much about the Philippians and is so deeply concerned for their welfare that he only wants to send someone who is equally concerned. From the beginning of his letter, Paul emphasizes this concern when he says outright, “it is right for me to feel this way about you all” (Philippians 1:7).

Relationships are central for Paul and the key to fulfilling his joy. Sitting in house arrest, he deeply longs for connection again because he knows his re-connection will bring him joy. He states one main reason for writing this letter, “that I, too, may be cheered by news of you” and earlier he asked them to, “complete [his] joy” (Philippians 2:2). Paul seems very aware that his concern for others actually works for his benefit. There is a mutual good exchanged in the relationships he’s describing. Giving is never a one way street. There is always mutual benefit.

We see relationships as a mutual exchange as well, but often times we adopt an “I owe you” mentality. If you do something good for me, I “should” repay you by doing something of equal or greater good. Paul is not saying the Philippians owe him anything, but he is saying that they have the ability to offer him joy. They can also relieve some of his anxiety (Philippians 2:28) and make him proud (Philippians 2:16). So, following in Paul’s footsteps, it is good for us to be concerned for and invested in relationships – not that we’ll be repaid – but that by participating in the relationship, mutual joy can be fostered as we love one another. Ask the Lord to reveal one person you’ve influenced recently and praise God for the joy that particular relationship has brought you.

Love one another with brotherly affection.
Outdo one another in showing honor.
– Romans 12:10

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By Yvonne Biel 

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we have a shared King, a shared mission and a shared risk

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25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men.

On one level or another, everyone desires to find “like-souled” friends. I have one friend who is so much like me, I say we’re cut from the same bolt of cloth. Now, when we’re engaged in the church of the Lord Jesus, we can find a whole family of brothers and sisters “like-souled”, because as Rob Karch put it in this week’s message, we have a shared King, a shared mission and a shared risk. Serving Christ, looking out for the interests of others and growing as a church fellowship builds a common bond. It exemplifies our service to Christ.

Paul’s longing in this passage and the Philippian’s need was deep and real – an instrument was needed to serve them both. Epaphroditus offered himself the be that instrument in selfless service with no self-pity or self-seeking. Epaphroditus chose to go not to do a showy thing or become prominent but to meet the need, to serve his brother, other people and simply do the work of building up the church of Jesus. To Epaphroditus visiting Paul was not just a task of service to fulfill but a sincere visit with a close brother. Their relationship was forged from their common Lord, mission and danger, it was not an impersonal association. Paul and Epaphroditus were “like-souled” because Paul called him a fellow worker and soldier.

These days, with our mobile society, and technology, our potential opportunities to serve are staggering and perhaps even paralyzing. The number of needs and the number of ways we could serve might hinder this genuine service. But, there are opportunities for you to become a “like-souled,” Christ-centered friend right here at South Fellowship. There are life groups, mission teams, prayer groups, classes, celebrate recovery, sisterhood, and men’s groups to join and forge closer relationships with brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. What a glory it would be to forge a bond with the people we serve with because we recognize the relationship involved in our common service. Even more, what glory to God, if the world would see the love, service and encouragement Christians have for one another. Identify an area of the church or group you serve and imagine the ripple effect your relationship with them in service creates.

 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself
more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment,
each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity;
the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
– Romans 12: 1-13

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By Donna Burns

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make the choice to encourage someone

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19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

For years, I’ve ended my Christmas letter with this invitation, “If you’re ever close to where we live here in Colorado, please stop to see us.” Sending a greeting card is one thing, but a personal visit is even better. There’s nothing like face-to-face togetherness to reminisce over family fun memories, college capers, and the good old days. It’s good to share in all we have in common and experience the blessing of a shared life together. It encourages us.

One way to define encouragement is well+soul or as the Greek word suggests “well-souled.” Paul, full of the human desire to be face-to-face with another human being, sitting in a Roman prison, has much time to contemplate the power of encouragement. As he writes he not only wants his friends to know that it is well with his soul, but he wants to know if they are “well-souled”. Epaphroditus, beloved friend ministers to Paul with his visit. Timothy is the gift of encouragement because of his presence with the Philippians – bringing Paul’s and his genuine concern for their souls. Paul also longs to be released to see them again personally. Timothy, Epaphroditus and Paul give us an example of the true secret of encouragement – the art of self-giving presence.

These days, electronics make face-to-face meetings and facilitated communication easy on screens. But the truth is encouragement is always relational. Being physically with someone is powerfully healing and uplifting. Jesus and others have come alongside of you to enable you to be well-souled. Think about who you can come alongside to bring encouragement. Today, put down the electronics and make the choice to encourage someone by being physically present with them, and “seeing” them face-to-face.

So then let us pursue
what makes for peace
and for mutual up building.
Romans 14:19

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By Donna Burns 

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 encouraging words lift our spirit and give us courage or hope to continue

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¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. ²¹ For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. ²³ I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, ²⁴ and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. Philippians 2:19-24

Encouragement carries a very real blessing.  There are times in life when we stumble or don’t do what we set out to do – whether that’s with our family, work, life in general, or in specific friendships.  During these times, receiving encouraging words from someone lifts our spirit and gives us courage or hope to continue.  You can probably recall a moment of encouragement as you read this short paragraph.  As you think about receiving those words, let the feelings and emotions wash over you once again.

Paul’s words to the Philippians describe his wanting to send Timothy to the Philippians.  But, if you scan the passage too quickly, you’ll miss an important point.  Paul is sending Timothy to bring word to Paul about the news from the Philippians!  And, with Paul writing this passage while in prison, it’s easy to understand how Paul desires to be cheered so not to become discouraged and loose hope.

Sometimes the thing we need the most are words of encouragement. We need words to infuse courage in what we’re trying to do or provide comfort in the pain of the present.  Just as Paul is seeking to receive encouragement and be cheered from the Philippians, we should be willing and able to deliver encouraging words to those around us, regardless of the situation.  As you consider encouragement and what it has meant to you, search your heart for someone you know who could use some encouragement, and then be that encouragement today![/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Rich Obrecht

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Jesus is able and His power is at work inside of us

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Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

The road I take to and from work is stricken with terminal construction. It seems as though every time I drive down it, there is a new roadblock in place, a new area that’s down to one lane, or a new “do not turn” sign. Following Jesus feels like that sometimes. We know cognitively that we’ve been empowered to follow Jesus, but practically it can be difficult. It feels like there are roadblocks in the way that drag us back into patterns of sin we’ve grown accustomed to. It can be very frustrating! The good news is that often times the difficulty is only in our head.

The Scriptures teach that we are completely capable of walking with the Lord. We’ve been given everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter. 1:3). The Scriptures also teach that the Spirit is living inside us and available to us at all times. He is our counselor and our guide. In addition, we’re told Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. He is here, right now. And, we have a reliable God who refuses to ever let us down. Not only that, but as we study the Bible, we find that walking with God is beneficial. Being connected to the Author of Life frees us to live the abundant life.

When we’re able to wrap our hearts and our minds around those great truths, the lies of the enemy start to fade into the background. Truth has the ability to set us free. All of us will walk through times of doubt and difficulty, but the most important thing we can do during those seasons is remind ourselves Jesus is able and His power is at work inside of us. He is capable, available, reliable, and beneficial. We can work it out because He is at work within! Take a few minutes today to remind yourself of this reality and encourage your soul by listening to Only Jesus Can.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Ryan Paulson

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we shine as lights in a wicked world

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Do all things without grumbling or questions, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. 

Jesus tells his followers to shine brightly like a light on a hill and a lamp on a stand so others can see the light of our good works and end up glorifying God (Matthew 5:14-16). Peter describes our new identity in Jesus as called us out of darkness and put into God’s marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9-10). In Philippians, Paul tells us we shine as lights in a wicked world, and one of the ways he urges us to do that is by not grumbling or questioning.

Oh dear. Does this mean we all fail?  After all, who doesn’t grumble or question once in a while? Does this mean those who are in Christ may never grumble? And what about Moses who often complained to God, or Psalmists or prophets who wrote detailed laments? Weren’t they grumbling or questioning? It sure seems that way but as with any passage we need to read it in context.

Paul’s language reflects the Old Testament. Like Israel, the Philippians were taken out of the old world and placed into the new. Like Israel, they were called to live in righteousness as lights to the world in order to display the radiant beauty of the one true God. However, there were times when Israel was reprimanded for having a rebellious heart. These were times Israel did not fear and tremble before God. Instead, they grumbled and questioned him. Unlike the complaints to the Lord from Moses, David, the prophets, and others, the rebels in Israel grumbled in defiance and questioned what God was doing (Ex. 15:24, 16:7-9; 1 Cor. 10:10). Their words and actions were of rebellion, not one of crying out to the Lord for help or wondering what he was doing. Their questioning was essentially a demand for God to do things their way.

Take a few moments today to reflect on your heart. When you grumble and ask God questions, do you end in a prayer of trust or do you end with clenched fists asking God to do things your way? Talk to God about why you answered the way you did.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Don Owsley

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We change our attitude by reflecting on reality

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14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16

Last year, Disney Pixar came out with a movie called Inside Out where producers and animation specialists invited our imaginations to dive into the heart of every child and come to realize the variety and complexity of our emotions. The story portrayed the emotional responses from within a young girl as she grew into more complex and multifaceted emotions through one life-changing experience. The film personified Joy with a persistent desire for controlling the center console of the girl’s mind, but in the end Joy and Sadness work the center console together enabling the girl to lead a more emotionally complex life.

So it is with our emotions. We experience a wide range of emotion which can expand and develop our capacity for other emotions. God designed us to be able to feel happiness even in our tears – experiencing joy and sadness in the same moment. They aren’t mutually exclusive. But how? For the girl in the film, joy resulted from receiving comfort from those she loved. How about for us? Ryan reminded us on Sunday that at the crux of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he says, “Therefore, in view of God’s mercy…” (Romans 12:1). Paul calls his reader to gaze upon God’s mercy and to realize God’s love and grace is now our truest reality.

Now, in the depth of our frustration, misery, grief or despair, we don’t change our attitude by trying to change our attitude. We change our attitude by reflecting on reality. When can gaze upon God’s mercy, we remind ourselves of God’s love. But, sometimes simply gazing on God’s general mercy isn’t personal enough. In these times, we must turn to Jesus to “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Why? Because Jesus sympathizes. He knows what it’s like to be human and to feel what we feel. This is God’s mercy. He gave us his Son to know how we feel, to sit with us in our pain and to empathize with us. When we turn to Jesus, we can experience the joy of a shared moment from receiving comfort from someone we love.

Pray for someone today who might benefit from sitting with Jesus in their pain. If possible, send them an encouraging note or text to remind them of God’s love and Jesus’ ability to sympathize with them.

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By Yvonne Biel 

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Loved people are free to love people

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⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹² “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ¹⁷ These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Loved people are free to love people. You may notice this in others around you, but let’s remember this was true for Jesus as well. Before Jesus invites his disciples to abide in his love, he affirms he is first loved. “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you” (John 15:9). Fascinating. Jesus says his love comes from another source. It’s Jesus’ connection with his Father in Heaven which fills him with the love he needs to love others and to do God’s will.

Jesus was not exempt from the same process Ryan was explaining on Sunday – human experience turns into attitude and attitude turns into action. From Jesus’ experience flowed an affectionate attitude resulting in remarkably sacrificial action. This is why Paul can use Jesus as an example for us. When we allow ourselves to receive God’s love and experience the goodness of relationship with him, our attitudes can re-align with this reality and will flow out though our actions into the sacrificial call to love others.

The command Jesus gives is to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). How can we love others as Jesus loves unless we know his love first? If all we focus on in our Christian life are the hard parts of our relationship with God – fixing our problems, righting our wrongs, becoming “better” – we may never experience the good parts of our relationship with him. Today, let’s not focus on how we can love others. Let’s simply relish in the song of happiness we sing knowing we’re loved by the King. Listen to How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin.

³⁴ A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another:
just as I have loved you,
you also are to love one another.
³⁵ By this all people will know
that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
-John 15:34-35

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By Yvonne Biel 

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