Epaphroditus: Excellent Example, Devoted Disciple
Philippians 2:25-30 (ESV)
25I 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,26for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.27Indeed 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.28I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.29So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,30for he nearly died[a]for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Some relevant Scriptures (all Scripture references are in ESV)
1) Epaphroditus’ heart for his people
“I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed. It is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not to be able to tell anyone how good he is…” — C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms
● Leviticus 19:18: You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your
neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
2) Paul’s heart for the Philippians
● 2 Corinthians 12:8-9: 8 Three times I pleaded with the
Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said
to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all
the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power
of Christ may rest upon me.
3) Gospel-fueled courage and care.
● Acts 20:24: But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
● Revelation 21:7-8: 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the
cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the
sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
Discussion Questions for E-Groups and further personal application
1) Why do you think some Christians grow more and more in their affection and love for other believers (especially the members of their local church) while others stall in this? What are some practical ways that we members of BCI grow in earnest love for one another?
2) Have you believed the false idea that Christians ought not to suffer from physical sickness or that immediate healing must always be God’s best plan? Has today’s message affected your thinking? Why/why not?
3) Are there people in your life/celebrities/politicians/etc. that you are holding in high regard whose lives may be
influencing you wrongly? Reflect on some specific examples and repent of this. Furthermore, ask God to help you honor
people who exemplify gospel courage and sacrificial service
for Christ.
4) Are there areas in your life God is calling you to demonstrate courage in obedience to Him and for the work of Christ? What things may be hindering you from demonstrating courage? Furthermore, in what ways are you refusing to spend your life for Christ’s sake? Ask Him for His grace and power and then plan specific ways to change that.
Ptr. Muyiwa Oyatogun/September 20, 2026
Leading People To A Life Of Commitment And Productivity In Christ