Philippians 2:19-30 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. A son named Timothy v. 19-24 What does true friendship look like? Genuine for others v. 20-21 Faithful v. 22 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. 2 Timothy 3:10-11 NIV A brother named Epaphroditus v. 25-30 A fellow in the fight v. 25 So, all the Israelites got together and united as one against the city. Judges 20:11 NIV for others v. 26-27 He (Jesus) took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Matthew 26:37 NIV to go the extra mile v. 29-30 Questions for personal study and/or Discipleship Group: Opener: Whom in your life would you say is like Timothy (‘looks out for the interests of others’) or Epaphroditus (‘risked his life’)? Go to the Source: Read Philippians 2:19-30 If you were to give a character reference for Timothy what would you say (v. 19-24)? For Epaphroditus (v. 25-30)? What one quality of theirs would you like to incorporate into your own life? What word or phrase is God impressing upon you from this passage? Live it out: Paul had Timothy as a “son” (v. 22) and Epaphroditus as a “brother” (v. 25). With whom are you doing intentional discipling relationship this summer? What does your triad or quad look like?