3. Paul is taking time to commend both Timothy and Epaphroditus. 1. Who were they? 2. What example did they set? 3. Why do I care?

4. 19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.

5. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.

6. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.  No one else like (Similar to Paul/Christ)  Genuinely cares (Sympathetic)  Single minded for the cause of Christ

7. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.  Proved himself; Seasoned, tested  He has served me; submissive  Preaching the good news; sacrificial, serviceable

8. 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.

9. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

10. 25b my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.  Brother, Co-worker  Fellow soldier  Trusted – integrity (messenger)

11. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.  He risked his life to serve Paul and the cause of Christ – what are we willing to risk?

12.  Both Timothy and Epaphroditus were sold out for Christ! What about us?  What does it take for us to care not for ourselves, but only for what matters to Jesus Christ?  What is the power in example?

13. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

14. 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2: 20-21 NLT  Dedicate yourself (your life) to God  Give up the “wood and clay”

15. 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT) What is God calling you to run from? What is God calling you to pursue?