Compassion: The Life Source of the Church

Series: Faithfulness: A Deeper Look

The Life Force: Compassion

Philippians 2:19-30

  “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.  I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.  For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.  I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.  And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.”

                                                               Philippians 2:19-24

1.   A compassionate spirit is rooted in Jesus Christ.  

“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.”

 Galatians 1:13

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

 1 John 1:7

2.   A life of compassion is directed towards all people.  

3.   Compassion for others is essential for spiritual growth.

Encouragement in difficult times.

 Accountability in tempting times.   

4.   Compassion is expressed in the sacrifice of selfish interests.

“I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.  And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.” 

Philippians 2:23

“I’m hopeful that I’ll be released and maybe come to see you myself soon.”

  Philippians 2:24

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

 Philippians 2:3-4

“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” 

 Philippians 2:25

 “For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.  Indeed, he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.  

Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.  Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.”

Philippians 2:26-30