Welcome to Day 2329 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Philippians-6 A Son and a Brother – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 01/21/2023 Joy in Serving – A “Son” and a “Brother” – Philippians 2:19-30 Last week, we explored “Working Out God’s Inner Work,” and we concluded that it is only through the inner work of God's Spirit in our lives that we can progressively become more like Christ. This week, we continue our study of the letter to the church at Philippi. Paul is thankful for two close friends, Timothy and Epaphroditus, in a message, “A Son and a Brother.” Today's scripture passage is Philippians 2:19-30 on page 1828, in your Pew Bibles. 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. It’s impossible to put a price tag on friendship. Our relationships with some people are so significant that we often liken them to family. Close friends not only help us; they transform us. Just as “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Cor. 15:33), good company promotes good character: courage, leadership, humility, strength, faithfulness, and joyfulness. Proverbs 17:17 says: A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Close friends prop us up when we’re weak, lift our spirits when we’re down, and push us when we wear out. Friends motivate us—sometimes even without words—to be more than we could be without them. As we observe their perseverance, we’re prompted to endure hardship. As we hang around a servant leader, seeds of humility are planted into our lives. As a godly saint stares down adversity with a smile, we learn how to have deep-seated joy amid frustrations and challenges. We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that God’s Word is filled with references, accounts, and commendations of men and women who were faithful friends— There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a...
