The Book of Philippians (Phil 2:19-30)

Oak Hills Church, Folsom

Paul says, “have the same attitude as Christ Jesus” or “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel.” That can be kind of abstract for me. It can seem impossible and so I feel free to ignore it. But then Paul says look at Timothy. This is what serving Christ, prioritizing Christ’s interest means. It means caring for others. That simple. That real. Serving Christ’s interest is caring for others, not winning them, not having all the right answers for them. Not fixing anything per say, but genuinely caring about others well-being. How does this orient our vision of next level discipleship like Paul’s? Caring, that’s the work. Easier said than done, yes, but also doable. We can train to become a person who can listen. Who has the space for others brokenness and isn’t overwhelmed by it. Who can see needs and doesn’t imagine they are the Savior, but a friend. Who can celebrate another’s wins and grieve losses while putting away our own insecurities and our sense of scarcity. Who can speak out for someone who is bullied. Or make a meal when someone’s sick. Or the call when someone’s scared or grieving. Or speak a word of truth when a friend is lost or stuck. And in it all we can learn how to speak of our Jesus. And won’t we also find our own loneliness unraveling. So, Timothy’s going to come to Philippi and make a web of connection and relationship between the Philippians and Paul’s work that much stronger. It’s going to be awesome, but not yet. Because Paul needs him with him in this dark stinking prison.