Day 14 – June 14, 2025
55-day Devotional Journey – Day 14
“The Calling to Serve the Church”
Scripture:
“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.” Philippians 2:25–30 (ESV)
Epaphroditus was a representative sent by the Philippian church to Paul in Rome, bringing a financial gift to support Paul’s daily needs. While in Rome, he became seriously ill—nearly to the point of death. Because of this, Paul decided to send him back to the Philippian church. In this passage, Paul uses five descriptions to express his relationship with Epaphroditus:
My brother
Fellow worker
Fellow soldier
Your messenger
Minister to my need
If we were to describe our relationship with the pastors or elders in our own church community, how would we put it into words? After reflecting, consider finding an opportunity to share your thoughts with them.
Epaphroditus’s personal situation was this: though he had been deathly ill, God healed him. And whether in sickness or in recovery, what concerned him most was the Philippian church—his spiritual family. He was distressed that they had heard about his illness and were worried for him. He longed to return and report back about Paul’s condition.
Epaphroditus’s life is a true portrait of a believer who “looks not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Even in hardship, he remained committed to the well-being of the church. Today, even when facing personal struggles, how can we live out a deep commitment and sacrificial love for our church community?
By Pastor Brian Wong