Author Archives: gonelikeashadowatevening

Bible, Home, Longing, Love, Scripture

A DEEP LONGING

PHILIPPIANS 2:26

“because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.”

I normally really enjoy my trips overseas, especially to my second home of Kenya. I have such dear friends and colleagues there. However, my last trip was a long one and I began to long for home. I missed my wife and my new grandson. It was the first trip that I can remember that my wife also missed me greatly, lol. Seriously, she had not been feeling well so she really wanted me home. I pledged then to not make these trips last more than two weeks from now on.

Homesickness is a real thing, and Epaphroditus experienced it while he was with Paul. As Paul mentions here in today’s verse, Epaphroditus had fallen sick, and word had reached the Philippian church about this. He was “longing for” his home and his church family. He was committed to being with Paul, but his heart was pulling him homeward.

APPLICATION

Paul had used this word for “longing” earlier in this letter (1:8) when he said, “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” So, Paul understood Epaphroditus’ desire to return home. He did not begrudge him that. In fact, Paul sends him home. He doesn’t just let him go. He gave Epaphroditus a mission to accomplish – return home and bring news of me to the church.

But I really like how Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 2:2. “…and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,…” That should be our true longing, amen? The word “longing” means to have an intense yearning for something. Do you have that kind of desire for God’s Word?

My grandson has been taking his mother’s milk since he was born. Now that he is ten months old, he has been introduced to other foods, but that mother’s milk is still nourishing him each day. He needs that to grow strong. The “pure milk of the word” will nourish and sustain you. Whether you are longing for your physical home, like I was last year in Africa, or your heavenly home, long more for His Word. That is what will lead and guide you here on earth.

Lord God, I do long for my heavenly home but give me a stronger yearning for Your Word.

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Bible, Messenger, Minister, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant

A MESSENGER AND MINISTER

PHILIPPIANS 2:25

“But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need,”

Think of someone who has done something special for you that you will never forget. I am not talking about a spouse or a child. I’m thinking about a fellow believer and friend. I have someone in mind who truly blessed me years ago. I won’t go into the story because I don’t want to divulge their identity or what they did. Just suffice to say I will never forget their sacrifice and what they did for me during a very hard time in my life.

Paul spends the next six verses and one more in chapter four talking about a fellow brother, worker and soldier – Epaphroditus. His name means “lovely” or “charming.” Perhaps he was. We do know he was sent by the church at Philippi to minister to Paul and bring him something to help during his imprisonment. This servant of God took that long trip from Philippi to Rome to deliver this gift to Paul and then stayed to minister to him. We’ll see more about that in the coming days.

APPLICATION

Paul calls him “your messenger and minister to my need.” He recognized that Epaphroditus was acting on behalf of the church. He must have been a trusted member of that church since he was given the task of delivering the gift to Paul. The Greek word for “messenger” is the same word used to describe the apostles. It means someone who is sent with the authority of the sender. In Epaphroditus’ case, he had the authority of the Philippian church. His message to Paul – we love you and want to comfort you.

Then Paul uses the Greek word leitourgos which implies a servant who serves others at their own expense. It was normally used to describe a public servant. But in the case of Epaphroditus, it describes his service to Paul. The word is only used four other times in the New Testament (Romans 13:6; 15:16 and Hebrews 1:7; 8:2).

I love the way it is used in Hebrews 1:7. “And regarding the angels He says, ‘HE MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’” The author of Hebrews quotes from Psalm 104:4 here. “He makes the winds His messengers, Flaming fire His ministers.” Paul describes Epaphroditus with the same word used there to describe angels. Certainly, Epaphroditus was dear to Paul.

Are you serving that way? Are you a messenger and minister to someone? Be an Epaphroditus today!

Father, thank You for servants like Epaphroditus who give us an example to follow.

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Bible, Heaven, Hope, Jesus, Scripture

HOPE IN THE LORD

PHILIPPIANS 2:24

“and I trust in the Lord that I myself will also be coming shortly.”

Hope spring eternal! That’s not in the Bible. It’s from Alexander Pope’s poem Essay on Man. The Bible, however, is full of verses about hope. We can’t live without it, but don’t need it once we die (if we go to heaven). I have hoped for a lot of things in my life. Some of them were probably not the best for me. Other things, like a healthy baby or grandchild, are definitely worth hoping for. Hoping for something is okay as long as you consult the Lord first. Hopes become prayers, don’t they?

Paul is hoping to go visit the Philippians as soon as he is released. He says, “I trust in the Lord.” The NIV says it a little differently. “And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.” The Greek word used there by Paul is peitho which is the root of pistis, faith. Paul had faith that he would be allowed by the Lord to visit Philippi again. Some scholars believe he did and perhaps visited Philippi a total of four times. I guess we will find out for sure when we meet him in heaven.

APPLICATION

What should you be hoping in? Please don’t tell me you are hoping to win the lottery! Our hope is not in the world’s riches or in anyone here on earth. Our hope belongs solely in Jesus. Paul said this over and over in his epistles. He was convinced in the Lord. In Romans 14:14, he says, “I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus…” Later in 2 Thessalonians 3:4, Paul writes, “We have confidence in the Lord concerning you,…”

If Paul could continue to have hope in the Lord and be convinced by Him, we should do the same. Think of all the trials Paul went through. He lists some of them in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. I won’t list all of them here, but some were beatings, stoning and shipwrecks. He is writing this letter to Philippi as he sits under house arrest probably chained to a Roman soldier.

Where is your hope? Who or what are you hoping in? Hope does spring eternal in the heart of man, according to Pope. But we know as followers of Christ that our hope truly is eternal. One day, when we reach heaven, our hope will be fulfilled. There will be no need for any more hope. Why? Because we will be in the presence of the hope giver.

Father God, let my hope always be pointed towards You.

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Bible, Calling, Immediately, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service

AT ONCE

PHILIPPIANS 2:23

“Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me;”

Some things need to be done at once, like putting out a fire when you see it or catching your baby before he/she falls. You can’t wait. It must be done right then, immediately. I am at the age now where immediately can mean in the next 15 minutes, lol. I just don’t move as fast as I used to. Neuropathy can slow you down, if you are not aware. So, I try to avoid those immediate situations. Amen?

Paul told the Philippians that he hoped to send Timothy immediately. He first wanted to make sure “how things go with me.” He was under house arrest and under guard by the Romans. His fate was uncertain, but something may have been going on to make Paul hesitate for a little bit sending Timothy. He obviously felt he would know soon of his release or his death. Either one could change the need for Timothy to go to Philippi.

APPLICATION

But Paul determined “to send him immediately” when he learned more about his situation. This particular word translated as “immediately” can also be translated as “at once.” It literally means “in the hour.” There is no time to waste. Do it now. In Acts 10:33 Cornelius sends his servants “immediately” after his vision. In Mark 6:25, the daughter of Herodias came “immediately” to King Herod asking for the head of John the Baptist.

Has the Lord called you to do something for Him? Don’t hesitate! Do it now! Don’t waste a minute. Time is fleeing. I know you have heard it said for decades, but I believe the time is drawing near for Christ’s return. As the Word says, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Strap on your sword, grab your shield and let’s go.

This “immediate” task Paul gave Timothy didn’t start and end quickly. Timothy committed himself for the long haul. This was a long journey wrought with dangers and trials. This “immediate” task took valuable time. Yours may as well. Are you committed for the long haul? Let’s do this.

O God, You have called each of us for an “immediate” task – to share the good news of Your Son, Jesus.

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Bible, Character, Proven, Scripture, Testing, Trials, Tribulations

PROVEN CHARACTER

PHILIPPIANS 2:22

“But you know of his proven character, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.”

I like compliments. Don’t you? A sincere compliment is always appreciated. They make you feel better about yourself. Knowing someone has recognized you in that way gives you a sense of confidence. When I receive compliments, I try to be quick to give all the glory to the Lord. I know I am nothing without Him in my life, and He deserves all the credit.

Paul is bragging on Timothy here in today’s verse. He uses a word that is used eight times in the New Testament, seven by him. The word is dokime which the Topical Lexicon describes this way. “The concept of dokime is integral to understanding the Christian journey, as it illustrates the process by which believers are refined and their faith is authenticated through trials. It serves as a reminder that challenges are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.” Obviously, Timothy had proven his worth to Paul over the years, thus he was entrusted with this journey to Philippi.

APPLICATION

In Romans 5:4 we see dokime used by Paul. Let’s back up to verse 3 to get a better picture of how Paul uses this word. “3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” In these verses, Paul is describing the process and purpose of tribulations and trials in our life. Going through these builds our character.

Recently, I talked to the mother of someone who is going through a stem cell transplant. I was asked to talk to her by a mutual friend. I basically described my own two experiences of my stem cell transplants and how God used them to grow my faith and hopefully my character. Trials are hard, but we know God tests us to build us. That is what I told this mom to share with her daughter.

In 2 Corinthians 8:2 dokime is translated as “ordeal.” Paul says there, “that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.” Have you gone through an ordeal? Consider it God’s way of making you more like His Son. Amen? Hang in there. Prove faithful, just like Timothy.

Lord, I do not like trials. I had rather avoid them, but You want to use them to make me more like You. For that reason, I will embrace them as they come.

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Bible, God's Will, Obedience, Sacrifice, Scripture, Willingness

WOULD YOU BE WILLING?

PHILIPPIANS 2:21

“For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.”

I have been asked to take on tasks or even positions which I did not want. Sometimes I would grudgingly do it, and other times I would politely decline or make some excuse. When it comes right down to it, most of us would decline a dangerous and lengthy task if it was voluntary. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We have all done that.

It seems from today’s verse that Paul had asked others, besides Timothy, to make the trip to Philippi. Remember, this journey would have taken 3-6 months one way. For someone to give up a year of their life is asking a lot. Many scholars believe this may have been the beginning of the withdrawal of some of Paul’s followers that he writes about in 2 Timothy. But Paul could depend on Timothy. He was willing to sacrifice his life for Paul, if necessary.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “seek” here is the same word used in Matthew 6:33 where we are told by Jesus to seek first the kingdom of God. If these other people who were asked by Paul to go to Philippi had been seeking first His kingdom, they would have made every effort to go. I am not implying they were in sin for not going. It’s just that we seem to seek after ourselves more than Him.

In Luke 19:10 Jesus says, “‘For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Jesus never considered seeking to please Himself. He always sought after the things of the Father and came to seek the lost. Shouldn’t that be what we are seeking after also? When we are asked by the Lord to take up impossible tasks, we do it knowing He will enable us.

Are you willing to do whatever the Lord asks? Sure, Carl. I’ll do anything. Oh really! How about selling everything you own and moving to a third world country? Well, I didn’t mean anything. I am not pointing fingers. We all have our reservations about going and doing, don’t we? Just ask yourself this question – Are you seeking to please self or God? That should be pretty obvious.

Father God, I confess that I normally seek to please myself rather than You. Give me the humility and strength to seek Your will in all things.

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Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Service

LIKE-MINDED

PHILIPPIANS 2:20

“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”

Years ago, when our children were small, my wife and I asked some family members to be their custodian if something happened to us. They were chosen mainly because of their walk with the Lord. We knew they would bring up our children in the same manner we were trying to. We knew they would always have their best interest at heart and would do everything they could to give them a great childhood.

Paul makes a tremendous statement in today’s verse about Timothy. He had just told them in the previous verse that he was sending Timothy to them. Now, he describes Timothy as the only one “who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” What a compliment for his disciple. We should all be striving to be that kind of trustworthy follower of Christ. Don’t you think?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used for “kindred spirit” is only used right here in today’s verse. It is isopsuchos, which comes “from ísos, ‘equivalent, equal’ and psyxē, ‘soul’ – properly, of equal-soul; having similar identity (values) because like-minded, i.e. equally (similarly) motivated.” (HELPS Word Studies). Like minded! I like that. Are you like-minded with other believers? Are you like-minded with Christ? We are told to have the mind of Christ in 1 Corinthians 2:16. “For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Paul knew Timothy was like-minded with him regarding the Philippians because they were both like-minded with Christ. So, what does that mean? It means we have the views, feelings and temper of Christ, according to Barnes. We are influenced not according to the world but by the Spirit. He will always point us toward the welfare of others.

Today, ask yourself if that describes you. Do you have others’ best interest at heart? When we live our lives with the mind of Christ, we will always seek to serve Him by serving others. That was Timothy’s heart. That was Paul’s heart. It should be ours, as well.

Father, give me the mind of Christ. Let me live my life in a like-minded manner toward others.

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Bible, Comfort, Commitment, Encouragement, Messenger, Scripture

MESSENGER OF ENCOURAGEMENT

PHILIPPIANS 2:19

“But I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.”

Some people have the gift of encouragement. Anytime you’re around them you just feel better. Wouldn’t it be great if we all acted that way? The world would be a much better place. Hey, the church would be a better place. Too much complaining and arguing happens there, don’t you think? We need more encouragers.

Paul sent Timothy, whom they knew when he had accompanied Paul there, to bring back news on how the Philippians were doing. Timothy had a two-fold task – take news of Paul to the church in Philippi and to bring news back to Paul in Rome. You need to understand something. Travel back then took a lot longer than it does now. This was a 1286 km (@800 miles) trip one way. It would have taken 3-6 months, depending on the time of the year. This was a huge commitment Timothy was making for Paul. Timothy would have been gone 6-12 months. A lot can happen in a year.

APPLICATION

But Timothy makes the journey and returns to Rome with news about the church. Of course, that is not talked about in this letter. What do you think Timothy said to the Philippian believers when he arrived there? “Paul is doing great. He has been chained to these Roman soldiers, but that means he has had a captive audience with these guys.” To that I bet all the Philippians would roar with laughter and say, “That’s just like Paul.” That news would have encouraged them.

Then Timothy would return to Paul in Rome. What do you think he told him? “The church is doing great! They are embracing their suffering as you asked. They are being witnesses throughout the city, following your example here in Rome. They send their love and gratitude.” Wow! What encouragement! This was Timothy’s task.

Are you like Timothy? Do you try to encourage others, or do you ignore others? We are all called to encourage. The word used for “may be encouraged” is only used once (right here) in the New Testament. It can mean to be of good comfort. Are you a comforter? Seek out what the Lord would have you do about this today.

Father, I know I could be a better encourager. Give me the words and ability to comfort others.

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Bible, Joy, Rejoicing, Sacrifice, Scripture

SHARE YOUR JOY

PHILIPPIANS 2:18

“You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”

Can you recall the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? Many of us would say it was that hole-in-one we shot at the golf course or maybe catching that ten pound bass. Ladies, it might be your wedding day or the birth of a child. I have had a lot of exciting events in my life, but I can still recall the moment I received Jesus as my Savior. I remember where I was standing in the choir loft of First Baptist Church of Pelham, GA. So, what do you do with the event? You tell everyone about it.

Paul had just said in verse 17 that he wanted to share his joy with the Philippians. Now, he asks them to share their joy with him. The phrase “share your joy” is one Greek word, sugchairó. This word is used in Luke 1:58 when Elizabeth’s neighbors rejoiced with her at the birth of John. It is used in Luke 15:6 in the parable of the lost sheep when the owner said to his friends, “‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’” And then used three verses later by the woman when she found her lost coin.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes shares this story which explains what Paul meant:

“A brave Athenian returned from the battle of Marathon, bleeding with wounds and exhausted, and rushed into the presence of the magistrates, and uttered only these two words – χαιρετε (chairete), χαιρομεν (chairomen) – ‘rejoice, we rejoice,’ and immediately expired. So Paul felt that there was occasion for him, and for all whom he loved, to rejoice, if he was permitted to die in the cause of others, and in such a manner that his death would benefit the world.”

I hope you have such joy. Death for a follower of Christ is cause for joy, not sorrow. Sure, we will be missed by our loved ones. But heaven holds such promise for us who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Paul knew that, so he told the Philippians to rejoice in his suffering, his potential sacrifice. He wanted to hear from them also how they were rejoicing in their own suffering.

Back to the exciting event in your life. I hope you can join me in agreeing that the most exciting event in our lives should be our salvation and our daily walk with Him. What? You’re not excited? You haven’t told anyone about it? Join with me in my joy and share your joy with others.

I agree with David when he said, “Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.” Let me share my joy with others.

And to all you mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

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Bible, Gospel, Offering, Sacrifice, Scripture

BEING POURED OUT

PHILIPPIANS 2:17

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

There have been many stories told of soldiers, airmen, sailors, or Marines who have given their lives for the sake of others. A soldier sees a live grenade thrown near his fellow soldiers and dives on it to protect them. A Marine charges a machine gun to defend his buddies. These are examples of someone sacrificing themselves for others. They literally poured out their lives for them. (Look up the story of PFC Kenneth J. David for a great example.)

In today’s verse, Paul uses a Greek word that is only used one other time in the New Testament (also by Paul). The word is spendó, and it means to be poured out in total surrender. You are holding nothing back. You are giving it all. Here in Philippians, we know Paul was incarcerated under house arrest in Rome. He was ready to die for the sake of the Gospel. He was doing this as an example to the Philippian church and others. He was not afraid to give up his life for Christ. He was eventually released but was arrested again.

APPLICATION

We see the second use of spendó in 2 Timothy 4:6. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” Paul was in a Roman prison again, but this time he would not leave. Paul was martyred not long after writing this letter to his beloved disciple. He was ready. As they say, “He left it all on the field.” Paul poured himself out for others.

Many scholars believe Paul was thinking about the Old Testament practice of pouring wine out for the sacrifices to Jehovah. In Numbers 15:5, we read, “and you shall prepare wine for the drink offering, a fourth of a hin, with the burnt offering or for the sacrifice, for each lamb.” See also Numbers 28:7, 14. This would have been common knowledge for a Pharisee, which Paul had been before his conversion. Of course, he could see the parallel of his “sacrifice” and the Old Testament sacrifices.

Paul was not implying his “pouring out” held any spiritual significance for others. His death would not save them. Only Christ could do that. But his “pouring out” was meant to show others his willingness to die for Jesus, to give everything for the sake of the Gospel. How about you? Are you willing to be poured out for Jesus?

O Lord, I give my life as a libation for You. Use me as You see best.

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