Four Examples of Extreme Faithfulness

I. The Example of the Apostle Paul 2:16-18

1.  What would bring Paul the maximum amount of joy?
    
2.  Paul's success would be determined “In the Day of Christ”
    
3.  Being poured out as a drink offering

    

II. The Philippian Believers 17-18

Paul is showing here, by implication, the universal priesthood of the believer – which has taken the place of the OT priesthood.

The church in 1 Peter 2:5 – “a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices”.

Rom. 12:1 -- Present your bodies a living sacrifice... which is your reasonable service.

III. Timothy 19-24

1. Paul's purpose in mentioning Timothy v. 19, 23-24

2. I trust in the Lord – I hope v. 19a, 23

3. That I also may be encouraged v. 19b

4. Paul's character reference for Timothy 20-23
   a) v. 20 -- His heart (see 1:15-17)
   b) v. 21 – His goal (see 2:4)
   c) v. 22 – His proven character (see 1:1)

IV. Epaphroditus 2:25-30

1.  His identity  v. 25
    My brother -- my fellow-worker -- my fellow-soldier.
    Anslem says – common sympathy – common work – common danger

2.  His Illness  26-27

3.  His Service  28-30

Final Applications: