What are the 3 Marks of a Faithful Friend? | Philippians 2:19-30
Today’s Episode: What Are The 3 Marks of a Faithful Friend?
Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30
Series: Philippians: The Unshakable Joy of Life in Christ
Who helps you follow Christ more faithfully? What if real friendship looks like shared sacrifice and joy? In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas examines the lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:19-30. We see how selflessness, reliability, and risk-taking for the Gospel are the hallmarks of godly character and enduring friendship.
Is it somebody who always tells you what you want to hear, or is there more to a good friend than that? And as regards your faith, can you name someone in your life who helps you follow Christ more faithfully?
Pastor Jim’s Show Notes:
Faithful Friends:
1. Are willing to go out of their way to nurture your friendship. v. 19
“This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves our troubles and doubles our joys.”
J.C. Ryle
2. Are genuinely concerned about your highest good. v. 20 (this makes them a rarity!)
“Friendship is a wonderful gift when you have it and it is increasingly hard to come by. Technology is great at giving us all sorts of acquaintances, but it’s not so great at giving us real friends.”
Kevin DeYoung
3. Selflessly interested in serving the agenda of Jesus Christ. v. 21
“Spiritual friendship is eagerly helping one another know, serve, love, and resemble God in deeper and deeper ways.”
Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage: Finding Happiness in Your Most Profound Relationship
“All the acts, thoughts, and attitudes of Christians should spring from the fact that they are “in the Lord” and are prompted by the Spirit’s energy. Everything they do should be consistent with, and submitted to, the Lord’s will.”
Homer A. Kent, Jr. Philippians: Expositor’s Bible Commentary
4. Have a proven reputation and track record. v. 22
Faithfulness is the term we use to describe loyal love, exhibited through “thick and thin”, over time.
“We are the first culture in history to put sexual intimacy above the value of friendship. The sustaining love you need to get through the inevitable suffering of life is friendship.”
Kathy Keller, LivingOut.org5. Are a living example of the love of Jesus. Epaphroditus, a familiar, living example of faithful friendship to the church at Philippi (vv. 23-30)
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis
