The Epaphrodituses of the World

Aim: To become more Christlike, through following a good example.

Doctrine: People like Epaphroditus are loved by Christ's church, because they give themselves entirely to Jesus, which manifests itself in service rendered.

Exegesis: The character of an Epaphroditus: this is a man with a heart (vv. 25-26), with influence (vv. 27-28), and with courage (vv. 29-30).

Further application: How to develop ''Epaphroditus''-type spirits: by reckoning ourselves already dead to sin, the world, the flesh and the devil; and by doing what we do for Christ, first and foremost.

Key verse: v. 25 ''Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need...''