Contenders: Follow the Leader
April 28, 2024
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
I. A Battle Buddy – Timothy
Philippians 2:19-24
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
A battle buddy will prove trustworthy in the toughest times.
II. Faith Family
Philippians 2:25-30
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
God designed us for community and calls us to work together as one.
A. Serving Jesus and others will cost you, but it’s worth it! B. Deep relationships are formed when you are on mission with other brothers and sisters. C. The church has always been sustained, enriched, and built up by unsung heroes.
Next Steps
- I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time
- I choose to be part of a LifeGroup. Contact me to help find a group.
- I commit to serving alongside others. Contact me about ways to volunteer.
Deep Dive
- Share a time you’ve served alongside others and deepened your relationship with them.
- Read Philippians 2:19-25 and describe what “proven worth” in serving together can look like.
- Are you serving well now, or do you need to engage more in serving the Lord routinely?
Springboard
- What brings you joy? What does this reveal about you?
- How can we find joy in Jesus even in difficult times?
- Read John 16:20 and discuss how we can rejoice in Christ.
