PHILIPPIANS 2:29

“Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold people like him in high regard,”

When I was growing up in Southwest Georgia in the 1960’s and 70’s, preachers and missionaries were held in high regard. I can still remember the awe I felt every time a missionary visited our church. Their dedication and sacrifice hit me hard even as a child. Little did I know that in late 1977, at 17 years of age, God would call me into full-time ministry. I had no idea what that meant, but He has guided me all these years.

Paul gave the church in Philippi some instructions regarding the return of Epaphroditus. He wanted them to “receive him…with all joy” and “hold…him in high regard.” Epaphroditus had served faithfully and was deserving of the honor and respect due any servant of the Lord. Why would Paul have to ask the church to do that? Because, as Christ said, a prophet is not honored in his own town. Right?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “high regard” is only used five times in the New Testament. It’s the word entimos, which means to hold in honor or to treat with respect. In Luke 7:2, entimosis used to describe the servant of the centurion who was sick. “And a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die.”

But the verse I really like that uses this word is 1 Peter 2:4. “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,…” The Topical Lexicon says this about the use of this word there. “Here, entimos highlights the intrinsic value and honor of Christ, despite human rejection, affirming His esteemed position in God’s redemptive plan.” Christ was precious to God.

Just as Christ is highly regarded and precious in the sight of God, we are to hold His servants in the same way. This week show your Pastor that kind of respect. Bless a missionary or church volunteer. Honor those who serve. Bless those who sacrifice for kingdom work.

Father, help me show honor and respect to those who are serving you sacrificially this day.