JesusWalk Bible Study Forum: Q4. Timothy's Character and the Philippian Problem - JesusWalk Bible Study Forum

Q4. From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem? How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem? How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

They lacked a Christ minded (selfless) shepherd because Paul was imprisoned. Timothy, like Paul, is a slave to Christ as he demonstrates by his great concern for their welfare. Epaphroditus was also putting Christ first as he almost died for Christ. These two are clearly committed slaves to Christ and worthy of being honored as they are rare jewels.

Q4. From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem?
The church was a loving and giving church that was there for him both in deeds as well and finances. The loved Paul so much they sent others to make sure his needs where taken care of. This shows great love the love of Jesus toward another person. As Christ took care of the disciples they took care of Paul and made sure his did not want for anything they could provide.
How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem?
He described Timothy as loving and one that follows after the Lord with love and one that he considers to be his own son. He has raised him in the work of the Lord he holds him in great honor and love.

How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

The fact that he did not get to stay the whole time and do all that the church send him to do because of sickness might make him appear weak to some but not to Paul. He knew that he had done his best to serve and take care of him the best her could. He should receive honor and be called a brother and hold up in love for all that he has already done not put down because he had gotten sick. He was hurt in the line of duty he should be a hero not one to look down on.

Q4. From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem? How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem? How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

The church here seemed to have a real love for paul, cause of the way they took care of him. But they seemed to want to grumble and complain. They needed to learn to become selfless like paul, Timothy and Epaphoditus.

Timothy was ready to give up what he might have thought about the problems. To do the things the way that would please God.

Paul knew the philippians loved Ephapaphroditus. He knew they would listen to him.

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[color=blue]4a.) Selfishness not selflessness.[/color]
4b.) How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem?
[color=blue]4b.) Paul tesitfies that, "that he (Timothy) has proven himself." (v. 22)[/color]
4c.) How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?
[color=blue]4c.) In our human nature, we are more likely to criticize or nitpick instead of honor and compliment. In patricular, when someone's life illumintates our own shortcomings.[/color]

From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philipian church's chief problem? How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem? How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

It seems they were selfish and grumbled a lot. However they were concerned for Paul and his wellbeing.
Timothy was a servant of the Lord, as he served others in His name.
Epaphroditus almost lost his life while serving God. The Philippians should honor both of these men and emulate their attitude rather than being selfish and grumbling.

Q4. From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem? How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem? How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

They were whiney stiff necked people, grumbling alot - much like our churces today! They loved Paul and needed to learn to emulate their leaders because they were emulating Jesus.

Timothy was beloved of Paul and had proved or shown that he walked the walk. Epaphroditus was respected and also had proved himself to be walking in the faith. Both men were willing to die for their faith, exactly the example the Philippians should follow and we should as well

The fact that there was such a great need to illustrate what it is to be a servant, a slave, someone who is committeed fully to living a life of Christlikeness give an impression that they had difficulty commiting themsleves to that lifestyle.
It seems that they did things that were supportive of others Like Paul living a life set apart for Christ, but lacked the desire or the drive to do it themselves.
They lacked conviction and determination to act it out in there own daily l lives, at least thats what the purpose of addressing them seems to indicate.

This church may have had a problem with selflessness. They also were complaining alot.
Timothy's character had been proven. Paul knew he had no selfish desires only a true desire to serve Christ and anyway christ needed to use him. Timothy was not going to lead a church for the benefits of pleasing man but of pleasing God.

Epa.. was also a true man of God and had almost died for the cause, so because they gave of themselves to God and what God wanted the people should honor them and be obedient until Jesus and stop the complaining they were doing.

Both men had a great testimony that followed them.

Lesson 5 Q 4
(a) So far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem is bickering and dissention.
(b) Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem by Timothy is an effective leader and has a selfless love. He's not out for himself but for the welfare of others and because of this Timothy can help them through their divisions and bickering.
© Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem by he's a man highly regarded because of status and personal quality. He is honored and respected. With all of these qualities he can direct and help the Philippians with their problems.

It seems the Philippians church lacked a joy-filled, unified, humble servant attitude. They had great love and respect for Paul, and were faithful in partnership with him. But the relationship within the congregation was evidently very immature and self-centered. They weren’t living out the very qualities they valued in Paul.

Paul’s description of Timothy’s character challenges them not to “seek their own interests [their own preferences] but those of Jesus Christ”. His call to honor men like Epaphroditus challenges them to remember that every work faithfully done for the sake of Christ, no matter how lowly, is to be celebrated with “all joy and honor”. We’ve got to understand that it’s not all about us as individuals, but the Body under the headship of Christ. He expects us to be joyful in the Christian life, maintain unity, and serve Him and each other with humility so we can shine like lights in the world.

Q4. From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem?
They had no one to lead them, like Paul did.

How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem?
Timothy had a genuine concern for the people, and had his focus on Jesus, not on his own interests.

How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?
Epaphroditus, like Timothy and Paul, had a genuine concern for the people. Since they loved and respected him, they would listen to him.

They all wanted to be in control. They appear to be complainers, and unhappy with everything but willing to remedy the situation. Everyone wants to be top dog but not willing to risk anything for title.
Paul taught Timothy to be a soldier and to endure hardships and difficult situations. Timothy worked one on one with Paul. Epaphroditus was a messenger or aide and did as Paul directed whereas Timothy knew what to do because of his closeness with Paul. Epaphroditus was honored for his work and personal status with the Lord. He was faithful. All who slave for the Lord should be honored because they are held in higher standard than just " pew warmers."

[color=purple]It sounds as though it is serving Christ in a manner that is worthy of Him. They showed the outward love for Christ but inside they were selfish and needed instruction from Timothy and Eaphroditus on how to become worthy.

Paul describes Timothy as a bond-servant, one who wholeheartedly serves Christ and is a mentor for the church of Philippi.

Paul's description of Epaphroditus is as a brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister shows all of the qualities that the church of Christ should have. Paul wants the Philippians to honor Epaphroditus for the good work and faithful service he has given to the Lord. They are not to call him a failure because Paul is sending him home but that they are to listen to him and follow the example that he brings home with him.[/color]

From what you have read in Phil. so far, what seems to be the Phillipians'
church's main problem?How does Paul's description of Timothy's character
speak to this problem?How does Paul' call to honour men like Epaphroditus
speak to this problem?

It appears that Paul had reason to be concerned about the spiritual welfare
of the Phillipian church, possibly some disputings in the body, not giving
the individual members the honour due to them. Paul was concerned that
the work he started there, would not be in vain. He was concerned about
those who would try to enter into the fellowship and entice some away
from the faith. Finally, he wants them to contend for the faith, to be rooted
and grounded in what they believe, and to hold fast to the faith, knowing
that the prize was at hand.

Paul's description of Timothy's character speaks to this problem, in that he
assures the Phillipian church, that Timothy will have the same godly desires
for them as he did. He assures them that Timothy will be as concerned about
their spiritual welfare as he would be , if he were there.

Paul's call to honour men like Epaphroditis speaks to the problem, because
Epaphroditis had a heart for God, even to the point that he became sick for
his zeal in the Lord's work and his strong desire to strenghten the Phillipian church.

Motivation seems to be a major problem in the Philippian church. There are leaders preaching who are not motivated by love, but by ambition in a fleshly sense. These preach and getsome good results, but their reasons are to get a following (showing) for themselves. Paul loves it that Timothy is not one of these, but is driven by love of the people of God. He wants the church (people) to understand this about Timothy and encourage this kind of love among each other. Phil 1:27 calls for unity of the spirit (not divisive empire building) as well as consistency of conduct worthy of followers of Christ. Nothing, he says, should be done from selfish ambition or conceit (2:3), but all needs to consider the other better than the self, in lowliness of mind - humility. Like Jesus we are to take the humble part, and let God do the exalting at the right time, as He did for Jesus. Fear and trembling are the right order of the mind when working out our salvation.

Timothy is exemplary in his selfless devotion to the people of God. He asks them to honour him for this particular characteristic - with the implication that this is to be emulated. The church needs to be very aware that this is the style to be imitated by everyone.

Epaphroditus has performed excellent supportive service to Paul. He has not been a big noise out there up front gaining a following for himself, but moving around away from the limelight, looking ater Paul. When he returns to his "family" he brings honours in terms of quiet achievements. This needs to be acknowledged by the church and is also exemplary to it as an acceptable/valuable path of ministry. This man gave quietly of himself although it nearly cost him his life. Let the church be aware where the true honours lie!

[font="Geneva"]Paul had planted the Philippian church and showed great love and affection for its people. In sending Epaphroditus to serve Paul, the Philippian church was without the leadership of their senior pastor, and others had filled the void with mixed teachings. Paul expressed concern with false teachers and Judaizers among the Philippians.

Paul exhorted the Philippians to place their brother’s needs before their own, and to hold fast to the word, without complaining or grumbling. As God sent Jesus to reclaim sinners for his kingdom, Paul, from his jail cell, promises to send his spiritual son Timothy, to the Philippians to strengthen the Gospel in their hearts, and faithfully serve and care for Paul's church.

In praising Epaphroditus, Paul cites the selfless service and encourage Epaphroditus provided to Paul during his imprisonment, and speaks to Epaphroditus placing service to God above his own needs—a lesson that the Philippians had let slip from their lives.
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Q4. From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem? How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem? How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

It seems like Paul felt this church needed some mature "fatherly" type of support. They sound to me as genuine, loving believers but somewhat vulnerable and in need of the support of a mature shepherd.
Timothy knew how to lay down his own needs and nurture and care for others. Epaphraditus obviously had the same quality as he risked his life for Paul and the gospel but he also had an emotional attachment to the church at Philipi, ie he didn't want them worrying about him.

The church seems to suffer from a real lack of strong, committed leaders.
Timothy has the leadership qualities necessary to get the church back on track. By Paul calling attention to the need for the church to honor it’s true leaders, the church is reminded of the need to emulate the good example of the leaders, and in doing so honors God.

There seems to be a problem in their church, leaders have become self-seeking and disrespecting each other. They seem to be loosing the all encompssing love of Jesus Christ. Honest humility is the hallmark of a Lord's servant. Love and true respect of co-workers is essential. Above all only the furtherance of Lord's kingdom, should be the main aim of a believer.