Connecting and Reconnecting Others
As followers of Jesus we are able to share with one another the rewards and joys of our faith as well as its demands and sorrows. In doing so, we come to experience the love and comfort of belonging to a community of believers that is as concerned for us as we are for ourselves. Paul’s desire and plans to unite Timothy and Epaphroditus with the Philippian church remind us of the joy that can be experienced by all who are connected with a Christian community.
Read Philippians 2:19-30 and consider how Paul exemplifies the responsibility of unselfishly valuing others above ourselves mentioned in Philippians 2:3-4. How have you witnessed and experienced this? What might make this difficult for you?
How would you characterize Paul’s relationships with Timothy and Epaphroditus?
Read Philippians 2:25-30 and think about the mutual experience of joy and sorrow shared by Paul, Epaphroditus, and the Philippians. How can these shared experiences of ups and downs help to strengthen us individually and as a church?
Consider Paul’s description of Epaphroditus as a co-worker and fellow soldier in verse 25. Who would you say are your co-workers and fellow soldiers in influencing others to find and follow Jesus? In what ways can you actively engage in getting people connected and reconnected as co-workers and fellow soldiers at LifePoint? Do you already have someone in mind?
Paul tells the Philippian church to welcome Epaphroditus in the Lord with great joy. What do you think that looked like then? What should it look and feel like today for us to welcome back with great joy those who return to our church?
Allow Paul’s display of love for the Philippian church in uniting them with Timothy and Epaphroditus to encourage you this week to connect and reconnect others with Christ and our church.
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