Philippians: Resilient Joy - Week 6
Philippians 2:19-30
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Christlike Character
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Philippians 2:19-30 〰️ Christlike Character 〰️
This week’s passage takes us to territory that feels unfamiliar. Not so much in a way that makes us inherently uncomfortable, but in that we just don’t know what to do with it. Much like the opening chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, this feels like a portion of Scripture to skim through guilt-free. But since we’re spending a whole week on these 12 verses, let’s slow down and take a close look, as there are (more than) a few things we can glean from Paul’s words here. In verses 19-30, Paul writes about Timothy and Epaphroditus in what seems to be a formality. Theologian N. T. Wright noted about this passage that “if all Paul’s writing was solid, dense, abstract theology we would never know what he was like as a human being.” This is part of the unique beauty of this passage. If we never had this, we would have very little idea of what Paul was like and how he spoke of his friends and companions.
Keeping this in mind, we should remember that in chapter 1, Paul wrote of Christ’s humility. After reading his words on this, we’re presented here with Paul “practicing what he preaches” by lifting up his friends despite the difficult circumstances we know him to be going through.
Paul shares the honorable qualities he sees in and knows about his dear friends Timothy (v19-24) and Epaphroditus (v25-30). Paul, one of the most respected church leaders of his day, and now, in church history, writes of the exemplary characteristics of others rather than about himself or his suffering for the gospel. It’s worth remembering that Paul was a Pharisee in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3). We know from reading the gospels that it wasn’t uncommon for religious leaders at this time to flaunt their own “faith” and “suffering” for religious clout or social credit (Luke 20:46-47, Matt. 23:1-7). This speaks to the radical transformation that comes with encountering Jesus. Being transformed by and following Jesus means counter-cultural humility and abounding grace.
As we read and reread, we start to pick up on a theme from Paul. It spans the whole letter to the Philippians and contributes really heavily to the title of this series, Resilient Joy. We hear it over and over, and I think it’s undoubtedly the Lord’s goodness and timing with how this passage tee’s us up for a certain turkey-centric holiday. Still, it should come as no surprise to us that gratitude is intrinsically linked to happiness. Numerous studies have been done on the subject, including those from Harvard Health and Psychology Today. The general consensus is that people who routinely express gratitude generally are healthier, happier, and have a more positive outlook on life.
We read this in the Psalms as well. Psalm 118 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever” (v1), and it continues, saying, “This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it” (v24). The appeal to be thankful is woven in and out through the New and Old Testaments. Paul’s letter is certainly not an exception. In v20, Paul describes Timothy as “like-minded” in Christ and caring deeply for the Philippians. In v25, he describes Epaphroditus as a “brother, coworker, and fellow soldier.” He continues in v27, recognizing God’s goodness in not only providing Epaphroditus as a friend but also giving thanks for God’s goodness in having mercy on him while he was sick.
As we get into discussion this week, we’ll take a look at what marks Christian friendships and how we can model Christ to those in our various circles of friends. In many Christian circles, it can feel a little uncomfortable or even wrong to praise or lift up fellow believers for their attributes. Still, Paul displays an example of this. We can sometimes squirm at the thought of elevating leaders or friends in such a way, but as Paul shows us, we can honor our friends (those who are deserving) for their God-honoring attributes. If we aspire to righteousness and to be like Christ, then we can, within reason and with sound judgment, love on and show appreciation and gratitude for those who exemplify what it means to follow our Lord Jesus.
Discussion Questions
What stood out to you from the passage?
What are some repeating words, phrases, or concepts in this passage?
What Christ-like characteristics are displayed by Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus in this passage?
Why do you think humility is not a highly sought-after characteristic in our culture?
What’s unique about the friendships of those who follow Jesus?
Reread verse 22. Have you ever experienced or known a friendship like Paul and Timothy?
Who are some people who model Christ-like characteristics to you?
Who are some people to whom you model Christ-like characteristics?
How does this passage show Paul’s gratefulness for Timothy and Epaphroditus?
In what ways can you show gratitude for a friend this week?