1. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Phil 2:20-21

2. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Phil 2:25-26

3. Said, “Me last” instead of “Me first”.

4. It was a big deal for Timothy and Epaphroditus to be mentioned as they were considering Paul's company and experiences...

5. …you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. Phil 2:15-16

6. Tim and Epaphroditus countered the dark culture they lived in and brought light by looking out for the interests of others, making sacrifices for the sake of others, ultimately Jesus.

7. Darkness: Marked by selfish ambition and vain conceit. (Phil 2:3) An attitude that makes personal well being supreme regardless of others, often at the expense of others. “The world owes me.” mentality

8. So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Phil 2:15-16

9. Paul didn't say, “The world owes me.” rather he said, “I owe the World.” This is the resulting attitude of being united with Christ?

10. Timothy: the affinity and natural inclination buster. Tim had weaknesses and challenges -stir up the gift -be strong -fight the good fight -guard what has been entrusted -not given a spirit of fear… If we don't follow Christ it's not because we can't.

11. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4

12. Jesus moves us past saying “ I can't.” It's not acceptable. When we say “I can't” what are we really saying? One of two things: --I can't and I won't follow Jesus. --I can't, but Jesus can! So I will follow Jesus.

13. Epaphroditus: Did he find it convenient to walk 800 mi in 6wks in great danger and get deathly sick?

14. Like Timothy and Epaphroditus, we can lay down our rights and sacrifice our interests for the sake of Christ’s interests. We not only can but must for this is our calling. As we do, we will understand Paul’s continual request to rejoice in Philippians.

15. Sacrifice results in joy. In the end, the selfless hold the desired object of the selfish. Having laid aside their own interests, they find them taken care of better than selfish ambition ever would have. What everyone else is ultimately looking for they will have found!