8. EPAPHRODITUS: WHO HAD A SERVANT HEART

Philippians 2:25 "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. "

Epaphroditus' name means "charming" or "beautiful".

He was a member of the church at Philippi - sent with gifts to Paul. Stayed in Rome in order to minister to Paul. After a while his health broke down - mercifully God restored him. Paul sent him back with the epistle to the Philippians.

Consider this man who lived dangerously for God.

8.1. HE SERVED OTHERS READILY

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As A Servant

He was ready to fulfill Paul's slightest wish - and God's every command.

	Like ELIJAH - Ready to go and to do the Lord's bidding. "... Go, present yourself to Ahab ..." (1 Kings 18:1 NKJV ).
	Like PHILIP - Surrendered to the Lord's Word and swift to obey. "So Philip ran ..." (Acts 8:30 NKJV ).
	Like ANANIAS - Would go even when it appeared dangerous. (Acts 9:17 ).
	Like the OBEDIENT SERVANTS - he was willingly do the unexpected. "... filled them up to the brim." (John 2:7,8 NKJV ).

Epaphroditus did the odd jobs for Paul - willing to do the menial, at any cost.

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. "

Paul describes this ministry as the "work of Christ." Letter-writing, errands, easing chains - all was work for Christ.

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As A Brother

"Epaphroditus, my brother". How wonderful is the affinity between Christians - though a brother, he was a servant, like his Lord. "Companion in labour." Fellow worker: Such are easy to work with.

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As A Soldier

"Fellow soldier". True comrades in the army of Christ. We do not fight alone.

Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up."

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As A Messenger Literally, "ambassador".

Epaphroditus was a representative of a King. Do we readily serve others?

8.2. HIS SELF-FORGETTING RECKLESSNESS

He did not regard his life for the work. An interesting word "did not regard" his life. The language of the gambler. As Paul saw his guards taking risks with their money in a reckless kind of way, his thoughts winged to Epaphroditus who had deliberately gambled with his life. Hazarded his life in the service of God - as many are doing today - such zeal should challenge us.

His kindred spirit With Paul. If ever a man hazarded his life, it was Paul. He found a kindred spirit in Epaphroditus. In his zeal to spread the gospel, he hardly noticed the risk he took. Such men have as their motto "Christ first." Not "safety first". No wonder they loved each other.

8.3. HIS SPIRITUAL POWER REVEALED

This lofty disregard for self is inherent in all Christian service. A certain joy in living dangerously - disregard of self is one of the effects of a Spirit-filled life. Look at the Disciples BEFORE and AFTER Pentecost. "Doors shut" for fear. The "mighty, rushing wind" swept their caution right away. Later, of two of them we read, that the sanhedrin,

Acts 4:13 "... and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

Imperiling their liberty, they proclaimed the resurrection. At the fire, Peter played for safety - After Pentecost, sublimely reckless.

Ephesians 5:18 "... be filled with the Spirit;"

8.4. HIS SPENT BODY RESTORED

Epaphroditus reaped the consequences of abused natural laws.

God ordained natural laws and spiritual laws - both must be obeyed. Many of God's people are sick through careless living - lack of exercise - wrong eating - lack of sleep. We must look after our bodies - there is a kind of dangerous living which we have noted, which brings God glory. Don't forget the other side of the teaching.

Epaphroditus, when he overtaxed his strength even in doing God's service, reaped the result of broken natural laws. "Sick almost unto death." (Philippians 2:27 ).

1 Corinthians 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. "

Scriptures to ponder about the body:

1 Corinthians 9:27 "... bring it into subjection: ..."

Galatians 5:24 "... crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

(Romans 8:13; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Colossians 3:5 ).

The Lord had mercy on EPAPHRODITUS and healed him. WHY? In mercy to Paul, "... lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow." (Philippians 2:27 KJV ). In blessing to Philippi. That they might be further blessed by his ministry. Many times Christians are healed for the work's sake, and in blessing to others. God knew about Epaphroditus' concern for those at Philippi.

8.5. HIS SACRIFICING LOVE RECOMMENDED

How beautifully Paul commended Epaphroditus, to his Philippian friends. The Lord's servants must always be held in due honour.

Matthew 10:40 "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."

Let Epaphroditus inspire us to greater and selfless service - and to a respect for God's laws, and sacrificing love.