Philippians 2:16-30 Serving God

Philippians 2:16

Holding forth<19> the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.

We are ministers together of the Gospel message, and should liberally "serve" it to the world we live in. (<19>epecho {pronounced ep-ekh’-o}, Present Active Participle, continually holding forth, promoting). Every believer needs to keep in mind that we are servants of Christ, Ambassadors of God, and that our service will be judged by God our Savior. Each day of life is a new day in which we can serve our Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Believers Are To Regard Each Day As A Gift From God	Romans 14:5-6 (KJV) "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. {6} He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks."
Believers Are To Redeem Each Day In Service For God	Ephesians 5:15-17 (KJV) "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, {16} Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. {17} Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Each Day Is A Grace Gift	Psalms 90:12 (KJV) "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
Don't Count On Tomorrow To Serve God	James 4:13-15 (KJV) "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: {14} Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. {15} For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
Another Day Of Life Is A Sign Of God's Grace To Us	Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV) "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. {23} They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
We Have Twelve Hours A Day To Serve God	John 11:9-10 (KJV) "Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. {10} But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him."
Avoid Sins Each Day That God Gives You	Proverbs 27:1 (KJV) "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

Philippians 2:17

Yea, and if I be offered<20> upon the sacrifice and service<20b> of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

(<20> Present Passive Indicative spendo {pronounced spen’-do}) Paul uses the metaphor of the Judaistic "Drink Offering" to describe his life (Numbers 15.1-10). He was willing to be poured out as a drink offering, suffering a martyrs death, in order that God's Plan be fulfilled. He told the Philippians that this would be a joyous occasion for him, and should be for them as well. They should not be wringing their hands, crying in anguish.

Says Barnes Commentary: Yea, and if I be offered - Margin, “poured forth.” The mention of his labors in their behalf, in the previous verse, seems to have suggested to him the sufferings which he was likely yet to endure on their account. He had labored for their salvation. He had exposed himself to peril that they and others might have the gospel. On their account he had suffered much; he had been made a prisoner at Rome; and there was a possibility, if not a probability, that his life might be a forfeit for his labors in their behalf. Yet he says that, even if this should happen, he would not regret it, but it would be a source of joy. The word which is used here - spe´?d?µa? spendomai - properly means, to pour out, to make a libation; and is commonly used, in the classic writers, in connection with sacrifices. It refers to a drink-offering, where one who was about to offer a sacrifice, or to present a drink-offering to the gods, before he tasted of it himself, poured out apart of it on the altar. Passow. It is used also to denote the fact that, when an animal was about to be slain in sacrifice, wine was poured on it as a solemn act of devoting it to God; compare Num_15:5; Num_28:7, Num_28:14. In like manner, Paul may have regarded himself as a victim prepared for the sacrifice. In the New Testament it is found only in this place, and in 2Ti_4:6, where it is rendered, “I am ready to be offered;”.

Not only was he ready to be offered as a drink offering, to have his life poured out for the Philippians, but Paul also <20b> used the word leitourgia {pronounced li-toorg-ee’-ah}, from which we get our word "liturgy", meaning "to perform official service to the Body of Christ". Paul was willing, as their Pastor, to serve blessing to the Philippians.

Question: Can I say the same of my life? Am I ready to be sacrificed, like Paul, and leave this life without any regrets? Have I fulfilled the Plan of God in my life?

Question: Am I as your Pastor willing to offer everything for you, the called Church of God?

Philippians 2:18

For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:19

But I trust in the Lord Jesus<21> to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
 

<21> - Doctrine of Occupation With Christ 1. We should seek to be occupied with Christ in all facets of our lives: Jeremiah 9:23-24 "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: [24]  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." 2. We become occupied with our Savior when we study His Word: Ephesians 4:19-24 "Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. [20]  But ye have not so learned Christ; [21]  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: [22]  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24]  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." 3. You only operational in your salvation when you experience a working relationship with Christ: James 2:23-26 "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. [24]  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. [25]  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? [26]  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." 4. We are commanded to be occupied with Christ in every facet of our lives:  Colossians 3:1-3 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2]  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3]  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Hebrews 12:1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2]  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." 5. If you are occupied with Christ, you will have stability as a believer:  Psalms 16:8-9 "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. [9]  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." 6. When occupied with Christ, our burdens are lessened:  Psalms 77:11-13 "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. [12]  I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. [13]  Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?"

Philippians 2:20

For I have no man like-minded,<22> who will naturally care for your state.

Philippians 2:21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

The Apostle wanted to send the Philippians a pastor who was (<22>isopsuchos {pronounced ee-sop’-soo-khos}, equal in soul, like minded insofar as ministry toward others was concerned) of the same disposition as himself, but found that most other ministers that he interviewed were not occupied with Christ in their own lives and, if not occupied with Christ, were not worthy to be pastoring a flock like the Philippians. Some ministers, sadly, were not willing to come to Philippi because they were more occupied with their own things than with the things of Christ. By being disobedient in this way they missed out on a blessing from God. A minister is not the physical head of the local church - a minister, a pastor/teacher is the chief servant of the church, the spiritual leader of the local Body of Christ. Any person who is more occupied with their own things than with the Person of Jesus Christ our Savior should not pastor a local church. The rule of life that every Christian must follow, especially those of the pastorate, is "What Would Jesus Do?". This must be the pastor's mantra, his chant, his preaching, his leading, his foremost doctrine both for himself and for the church that Christ has blessed him with.

 

Doctrine of the Ministry 1. The Greek Word For Ministry, diakonos, {pronounced dee-ak'-on-os}, is used: a. For the position of chief servant in the church of Christ: Matthew 20:26-28 (KJV) "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister (diakonos); {27} And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant (doulos): {28} Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (also Mark 10:43-45) Matthew 23:11-12 (KJV) "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant (diakonos). {12} And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Mark 9:35 (KJV) "And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant (diakonos) of all." 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 (KJV) "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers (diakonos) by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? {6} I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 2 Corinthians 3:3-6 (KJV) "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. {4} And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: {5} Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; {6} Who also hath made us able ministers (diakonos) of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 (KJV) "Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: {4} But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers (diakonos) of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses," Ephesians 6:21-22 (KJV) "But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister (diakonos) in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: {22} Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts." b. For every believer submitted to Christ: John 12:26 (KJV) "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant (diakonos) be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor." Romans 16:1-2 (KJV) "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant (diakonos) of the church which is at Cenchrea: {2} That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also." c. For state/ governmental leaders, who God allows to govern local and national entities:   Romans 13:3-4 (KJV) "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: {4} For he is the minister (diakonos) of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." d. For our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 15:8-9 (KJV) "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister (diakonos) of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: {9} And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name." e. For Satan's false prophets, servants to evil and confusion: 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (KJV) "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. {15} Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers (diakonos) also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." f. For even Apostles, who served God in their calling: Ephesians 3:6-7 (KJV) "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: {7} Whereof I was made a minister (diakonos) , according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power." g. For a specific office in the local church, the office of deacon 1 Timothy 3:12-13 (KJV) "Let the deacons (diakonos) be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. {13} For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2. Diakonos as related to the Pastor/ Teacher: 1 Corinthians 3:5 (KJV) "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers (diakonos) by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?"   1 Timothy 1:12 (KJV) "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry (diakonos);" a. presbuteros, {pronounced pres-boo'-ter-os}, Meaning Old Man. This Illustrates The Maturity The Pastor Is Supposed To Have. Acts 20:16-17 (KJV) "For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. {17} And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders (presbuteros) of the church." The pastor must not be young in the faith, but must be well established in the doctrines of the Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:4-6 (KJV) "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; {5} (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) {6} Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." b. episkope, {pronounced ep-is-kop-ay}, Meaning Overseer, Manager. Emphasizes The Work Of The Pastor, who spiritually oversees the flock of God. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV) "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop (episkope), he desireth a good work. {2} A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {3} Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; {4} One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; {5} (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) {6} Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. {7} Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." c. poimenos didaskalos, pastor-teachers, emphasizes the main function of the pastor, to teach and direct the flock of God in spiritual biblical truths: Ephesians 4:11-15 (KJV) "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {13} Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {14} That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; {15} But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" 3. God places the pastor in the work of ministry, though he is qualified or called to that position by the local church: 1 Timothy 1:12-13 (KJV) "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; {13} Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV) "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop (episkope), he desireth a good work. {2} A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {3} Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; {4} One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; {5} (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) {6} Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. {7} Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Question: If I am not occupied with Christ, how do I hurt myself? What blessings have I lost by seeking my own rather than God's Will?

Philippians 2:22

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father,<23> he hath served with me in the gospel.

(<23> (HOS PATRI TEKNON = as a son with his father)) What a beautiful illustration of the Family of God! Paul and Timothy had grown so close that their relationship was like father and son, and Timothy served with Paul as much with the intent of honoring his father Paul, as he did of honoring Christ.

Question: How can this relate to proper leadership in the Church? Can the Pastor and sheep come to such a relationship?

Philippians 2:23

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Philippians 2:24

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Philippians 2:25

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,<24a> and companion in

labor,<24b> and fellow soldier,<24c> but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

<24a> (TON ADELPHON = my brother. He shared spiritual heritage with Paul)
<24b> (SYNERGON = He worked with Paul)
<24c> (SYSTRATIOTEN = like a soldier, he shared the dangers that sharing the Gospel brought)

The bond between Epaphroditus and Paul gives us a beautiful illustration of the true function of the local church. Christians who are bound together in a local church in operational salvation share these same three attributes:

(a) They share the same Father, and treat one another like brothers and sisters. This carries out to all things: being concerned when they are not doing well, calling, visiting, encouraging one another, and reminding one another of their family responsibilities.

(b) They work together, move forward toward a common goal. One does not pull one way while the other pulls together in another direction. We must work together in the Church or we allow worldliness to reign.

(c) We have a common enemy, and that enemy is not each other. All fighting, all energy expended in fighting, must be toward that enemy Satan and the world.

For he longed<25> after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

The minister God calls to the local church must not be indifferent to the needs of that flock. He must have a longing, (<25> EPIPOTHEO, Present Active Participle = to have strong longings for, to want the best) for your well being, a longing that you do well in Christ. He must never be partial in his dealings with the flock, choosing one over another, but express the AGAPE, the Divine Love principle, toward all members equally.

Question: What is the AGAPE love principle? Do I understand AGAPE?

Philippians 2:27

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Philippians 2:28

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Philippians 2:29

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Philippians 2:30

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Important Announcement   This study is in progress. Updates will be made as I am able. If you have anything to contribute to this study, please contact Pastor David. God Bless! Pastor David Buffaloe.