Sunday, 12th February 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: THE TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE: The Epaphroditus Example
THEME SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:25-30
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What are your convictions in the faith (Christian faith) you have received?
- How determined are you willing to stand for these convictions?
The ‘To Live Is Christ’ devotional highlighted the necessity to live for a purpose which ultimately defines one’s life. Remember, “the greatness of a man is in the course he lives for and the price he is willing to pay”. We identify throughout human history that people who lived and paid the price for their purposes were people who had absolute convictions. Convictions that defied the challenges and odds that sought to prevent them from achieving their purpose in life.
Some, at the peril of their lives, still held on to their convictions.
In the last verses of Philippians chapter 2, we note the Apostle Paul introduces a fine man as a fellow worker and a fellow soldier - Epaphroditus. Additionally, one might wonder why Paul engages military terms to describe Epaphroditus. Unsure as to whether he served in the military or not, the description of a fellow soldier identifies with the kind of battle Christians are faced with, on enemy lines. Paul obviously might have seen the audaciousness of Epaphroditus’ faith and the tenacity with which he lived on the battlefield as a messenger from Philippi to serve in the gospel. Not only that, but Paul recounted Epaphroditus’ illness to the point of death and yet he was there to support Paul in the spread of the gospel. Paul emphasized that Epaphroditus almost died for the sake of the work of Christ. This is by no means an exaggeration but a definition of a man who had convictions and resolves. For Epaphroditus, to live is Christ and to die is gain. This brings to mind a portion in the words of Isaac Watts' song:
“Were the whole realm of nature mine that were a present far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Beloved, what is your conviction in the faith you have received? How determined are you to go all out for Christ? If you come to the point in your faith journey where you have to choose between your life and your love for Christ, what will it be? Today, there are many Christians who are cutting corners, in the name of survival. Also, many identify with Christianity but have no ounce of conviction in them. They deny Christ Jesus and their faith at the slightest resistance.
You might have heard it being said that Muslims die in suicide bombing for 70 virgins in heaven. It is absurd though but one thing is true – they die for something they sincerely believe. We have received the word of life and have we fully believed it with absolute conviction?
There are no differences in people but one – whom and what they have chosen to believe. Thank God that you have chosen to believe in Jesus, Son of the living God.
From today going forward, you’re being bold and audacious about what you’ve believed; determined never to be deterred irrespective of the difficulties that may come up against you.
Isaac Watts again said: “Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb, And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His Name? Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fight to win the prize, and sail through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God? Sure, I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.” Hallelujah!
FURTHER READING – Philippians 1:21
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How do I live daily by my convictions as a Christian and not deny Jesus?
CONFESSION
I affirm this day that by the power of the Holy Spirit that enables me, I choose to live for Christ Jesus daily in matters small and big at the peril of my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 22; Psalm 75; Psalm 76; Mark 8
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