Each of the three men mentioned in this passage (Paul, Timothy, + Epaphroditus) have a desire to physically visit the Philippians, however they are being obedient to not act on those personal desires until the Lord makes it clear for them to do so. In this case, Epaphroditus would be returning, carrying this letter, to his own people after having been sent to minister to Paul. Meanwhile, Paul and Timothy each await the Lord’s timing so that they (or just Timothy) may also go to be with them.

Obedience is not always easy and it is not always convenient, nor does it always fulfill our desires. What we do know is that the Lord will always bless our obedience to Him and no sacrifice that we make in obedience will go unnoticed by His sight.

We see in this passage that the Lord did make a way for Epaphroditus to return to his people by healing him from the illness which was causing him suffering. We need to be careful not to draw any unbiblical conclusions such that if we are not being obedient, that’s why our suffering, or sickness, or bad circumstance, continues. This line of thinking does not reflect the freedom we experience in Jesus and actually places the responsibility of our salvation back on us and our faulty performance. Instead, what we can glean from this, is that God’s plan is perfect, even if we don’t understand it. All He asks us to do, is keep our eyes fixed on Him and to walk as He leads us.

Incline our hearts, oh Lord, towards Yours and make us sensitive to hear Your voice and to be obedient to Your promptings!

Philippians 2.19-30

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Paul desire to do? [v. 24]

+ Who is Paul sending back to the Philippians (presumably, also carrying this letter with him)? [v. 25]

+ What glimpse do we see of the cost of Epaphroditus’ obedience? [vs. 27, 30]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Am I willing to set aside my plans for today if the Lord puts something else in front of me?

+ Am I conscious of His presence enough to be sensitive to His priority for me today? Or am I too caught up on my agenda and “all that I need to do to be successful today.”

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who might the Lord be leading me to prioritize and minister to (through a simple act of kindness/communication) today?

+ Who might be struggling in their obedience to the Lord that I can encourage and build up today?