How can we emulate Epaphroditus as a "brother, fellow worker, and soldier"? Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25 “But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need.” (Philippians 2:25) Paul’s triple description gives a simple roadmap for every believer. Scripture is clear and trustworthy; what it commends, we can and should live out. Living as a Loving Brother • Share the family identity Christ created – “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” (Romans 12:10) – “Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17) • Practice sacrificial care – “By this we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16) • Practical ways to emulate Epaphroditus – Be present: show up when needs arise—hospital visits, meals, childcare, errands – Speak life: encourage, affirm, and refuse gossip (1 Thessalonians 5:11) – Share resources: open wallet and home without reluctance (Acts 4:34-35) Serving as a Faithful Fellow Worker • Remember whose work it is – “For we are God’s fellow workers.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) • Give all you’ve got, every day – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) • Practical ways to emulate Epaphroditus – Discover and deploy your spiritual gifts; fill gaps rather than wait for invitations – Maintain excellence and integrity at work, school, or home—every task is kingdom work – Partner with others; avoid lone-ranger Christianity, just as Epaphroditus partnered with Paul Battling as a Courageous Soldier • Accept hardship as normal – “Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3) • Stay disentangled – “No soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, since he wants to please his commanding officer.” (2 Timothy 2:4) • Wear your armor daily – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) • Practical ways to emulate Epaphroditus – Cultivate disciplined habits: prayer, Scripture, fasting, accountability – Identify and resist spiritual compromise—moral, doctrinal, relational – Stand with fellow soldiers; protect the vulnerable, confront error, advance the gospel together Putting It All Together Epaphroditus shows that believers can be family, coworkers, and warriors simultaneously. Commit to loving like a brother, laboring like a coworker, and standing firm like a soldier. The same God who empowered Epaphroditus empowers you today, and His inerrant Word guarantees that such a life both pleases Him and blesses His church. |
    |