… and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ.
Summary: Epaphroditus was someone who was deeply committed to the Lord’s work. His commitment to the Lord led him to serve Paul in his time of need, and that service put his life in danger.
Sacrifice demands honor.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
When Epaphroditus nearly died, it was in the service of the Lord. If he had died, he would have given up everything life in the flesh has to offer.
That actually sounds rather crass. Didn’t Paul say, “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…” (Philippians 1:23)?
Life as a Christian is a living conundrum.
On the one hand, life in the flesh is an amazing gift from God. On the other hand, life in the Spirit is an even greater gift. The two, while both given by God, are basically incompatible. The flesh is prone to serve itself, while the Spirit continually points us toward serving God.
As Christians, we live under the protection of God’s Grace.
In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul wrote:
“There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
Through Grace we can enjoy the gift of life God has given us, even though we are still subject to the weaknesses of the flesh.
This gift of life, true life in Christ, is a gift beyond measure. It is not something to be lightly tossed aside. To lose this life in the flesh is to give up a million potential joys. The joys of serving others in the name of Jesus, the joys of seeing the light of Christ in friends and family, and the joys of a thousand smiles we can no longer see.
To be sure, in this flesh we also suffer “The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to …”* Yet, most of us consider the tradeoff worthwhile.
To give up this life voluntarily, especially in service to someone else, is a sacrifice, and sacrifice demands honor. Thankfully, Epaphroditus recovered from his illness. Yet, Paul is mindful of how close he came to dying and giving up everything in his service to God.
Application: Service to God demands sacrificing our service to self.
Food for Thought: What are some ways we can honor those who make sacrifices for the kingdom of God?
*Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Act 3, Scene 1
Since they are making sacrifices for the kingdom of God and want God glorified, one way we can honor them is by glorifying God. I don’t necessarily have to focus on the heroes of the faith, I need to focus on the hero of the faith the others are hoping I see more clearly through their efforts.
1 Corinthians 10: 31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 3: 5 – 11: What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Well said, Rich.
That honors the efforts of all who strive to glorify God!
What are some ways we can honor those who make sacrifices for the kingdom of God?
I am in agreement with Rich; those who make sacrifices for the Lord are glorifying Him, so we too should glorify Him. One way to do so is to say to the person making the sacrifice “thank you for your faithfulness.” Our faith in Him and acting on our faith through Him are really the only things we have to offer to God. When someone sacrifices by faith in God, it is honorable. The faithfulness of Christ married with the faith of man abiding in Him, produces fruit, we can see the power of God working, and that is glorious.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:15-16 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Thank you, Chris.
I imagine saying “thank you” would be an encouragement to those who encourage you. That seems like a good way to honor them.
What are some ways we can honor those who make sacrifices for the kingdom of God?
God has chosen to honor those making sacrifices for the kingdom by placing their names in His word, so we may learn of His grace on those who demonstrated their faith, by living it. Imperfect beings, choosing to serve our perfect God over this world we live in.
Abraham, The father of faith, Sarah, Waiting in faith, Noah, Remained faithful against the world, Moses, Humbly led with trust, Hannah, Remained faithful in prayer and sacrifice, David, A man after Gods own heart, Mary, Mother of Jesus, Trusting God’s plan, Stephen, faithful to his death.
Each is an example of individuals who endured hardships, trusting God who had called them to be the strength carrying them through their calling.
We can look to and find encouragement in the humble as they seek serving God over themselves. We can quietly honor these saints among us who daily, humbly serve our God in their way. Speak with them, listen to their wisdom and apply this to our lives. Its a beginning as we look to applying this wisdom to our own lives.
Mark 10:45, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
2 Timothy 1:9, He has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Thank you, Ron.
“Speak with them, listen to their wisdom and apply this to our lives.”
That is an excellent way to honor those who excel at honoring God!