Q4. Timothy's Character

[Pastor Ralph]

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?

[kas]

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.

[TennLady01]

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.

[Candygoo58]

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.

[Sgt_Z_Squad]

4a.) From what you've read in Philippians so far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem?

4a.) Selfishness not selflessness.

4b.) How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem?

4b.) Paul tesitfies that, "that he (Timothy) has proven himself." (v. 22)

4c.) How does Paul's call to honor men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem?

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.

[Helen Spaulding]

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.

[MannyVelarde]

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

[Marymi]

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.

[randi]

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.

[Sue]

Lesson 5 Q 4

(a) So far, what seems to be the Philippian church's chief problem is bickering and dissention.

( 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.

[pickledilly]

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

[AngelOnLine]

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.

[June]

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."

[revking88]

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.

[grace]

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.

[Helenmm]

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!

[Magnus]

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

[Alicea]

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.

[Dick Ross]

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

[dajady2000]

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.

[learning2]

What is the significance of sering Jesus as a 'slave' as opposed to serving him as a preference?

Serving Jesus as a slave, so that we do the masters well. Do what we are commanded to.

Preference, mean by our own well, not Jesus.

What does it say about the quality of our service?

to serve with all our minds,hearts,soul and body. We must do the best we can, and rely totaly on God. Even if it costs us greatly.

Of our comminment: with all our hearts,minds,soul and body.

whats is wrong with leaders who serve out of preference?

they are seving their own ideals. Not what God is shown thourgh his word.

[Linda Stanley]

I believe the Phillippian church's needed more of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul preached to them about humility and unity. So,just like us at times we murmur and grumble because things are not going our way. They did show love and great concerns about Paul in prison, so they sent Epophroditis to assist Paul. I believe God works in many ways in helping us in our calling.

Epophroditus became very sick, and Paul sent him back home. I believe this happen so he could go back to the Philippian Church and carry on Pauls ministry to the people.

The world likes people who are intelligent, beautiful, rich, and powerful. They even honor them. "but" What is in their heart? They seek only what they can get from the world.

We!, Must honor those who give their life, or lives for the sake of Jesus Christ. They take the " Word of God" (Good News) into the places we can not go ourselves.There is a lot still yet to be done,right in your home town.We can spread the Gospel where ever we go,and honor God.Amen

[Lawrence]

Q4- The main problem was that they were not free from Judaizing influence and they needed to be forwarned of its dangers as it had crept into the Galatian Churches. Paul wanted the people to be likeminded like Timothy, Philippians 2:20-22. Epaphroditus was also likeminded and loved the people. AMEN.

[glory]

I BELIEVE THEIR CHIEF PROBLEM IN THE CHURCH AT PHILLIPPI WAS MURMURING, GRUMBLING AND COMPLAINING WHICH WAS CAUSING DIVISION AND STRIFE AMONG THEM.BASICALLY, THEY WERE SELFISH AND MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEMSELVES THAN SURRENDERING TO GOD'S WAY OF DOING THINGS.

PAUL POINTED OUT TWO GREAT EXAMPLES OF SELFNESSNESS IN TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS.TIMOTHY WAS SOLD OUT TO DOING KINGDOM WORK. HE WAS CONCERNED FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS AND NOT JUST HIMSELF.HE PROVED HIMSELF TO BE OF GOOD CHARACTER.EPAPHRODITUS ALMOST DIED WORKING FOR THE LORD.

PAUL WAS USING THESE TWO MEN AS SHINING EXAMPLES FOR THE OTHERS TO FOLLOW.I THINK HE WAS USING THEIR GOOD CHARACTER TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM THEY WERE HAVING IN THE PHILIPPI CHURCH.PAUL WANTED THE CHURCH TO COPY THESE TWO MEN IN ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR.HE WAS CALLING THE CHURCH TO HONOR THESE MEN FOR THEIR SELFNESSNESS TOWARD GOD'S WORK AND USING THEM AS EXAMPLES FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW....GOD BLESS........

[JustJeff]

The Philippian church seems to be suffering from weak leadership causing some disunity.Paul sends Timothy and Epaphroditus as role models, persons to emulate by their use of the Holy Spirit and character. Timothy for his knowledge and application of the Good News, Epaphroditus for his commitment to the work and to his home church.