Philippians 2:19-2:30
The Three Amigos
An Outline of Philippians
1:1-11 Paul & his concern
1:12-18 Imprisonment & preaching
1:19-30 Live well (or die well)
2:1-11 Have Christ's mind
2:12-18 Work it out: use Christ's mind
2:19-30 Welcome Paul's Friends
3:1-11 Worthless works: what Paul was
3:12-21 Press on to the goal: what Paul is
4:1-9 Reconcile & rejoice
4:10-23 Thanks & blessing

 
The Passage: Phil 2:19-30
Paul tells the Philippians that some friends of his are headed their way (v19-30); they are already familiar with both Timothy and Epaphroditus, but he takes the opportunity to comment on their character and to encourage the Philippians to respect them.
 
1. Phil 2:17,18 - About Paul...
"being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith"
mutual sacrifice - he's a drink offering, they're faith is sacrifice and service
num 28:7 - "Then the drink offering with it shall be a fourth of a hin for each lamb, in the holy place you shall pour out a drink offering of strong drink to the LORD."
2 sam 23:15,16 - "David had a craving and said, "Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!" 16. So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD;" 17. and he said, "Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?" Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did."

He is delighted to do so - "I rejoice and share my joy" (v17)
and you all too!
He is concerned for the Philippians (v28)

 
2. Phil 2:19-24 - About Timothy...
Timothy is genuinely concerned for their welfare (v20)
He seeks after Christ's interests (i.e. the welfare of the Philippians) (v21)
He served Paul like a child serving his father (proven worth) (v22)

 
3. Phil 2:25-30 - About Epaphroditus...
Ephaphroditus is paul's brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier (v25)
He is Your messenger and minister to Paul's needs (v25)
He longs for the Philippians (great affection and concern) (v26)

 
Application
1. An example of unity through one mind
This is a great example of Paul's unity with the Philippians because their interests are both Christ's.
Expressed as a goal already:
"that I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind stiving together for the faith of the gospel" (1:27)
"make my joy complete by being of the same mind" (2:2)

What is the one mind?
2:5 "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ..."
v3 "with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself"

 
2. "Hold such men in high regard" (v29)
This is what we should value.
 
What does this say about Christian maturity?
So far paul has expressed his goals for maturity to the philippians as:
unity and selflessness
These are all examples.

 
A. Don't be afraid to say that there are people who are worth respecting/emulating (everyone is not equal).
 
B. Respect people for their Christlike character, not their money, beauty, or status.