-We’re going to consider verses 29-30 together since they form one complete unified thought. The fact is that Epaphroditus literally risked his life for the work of Christ. For this, Paul says, he is to be held in high regard, he is to be received and treated with honor, as are all those who risk their lives for the work of Christ. They may or may not be literally martyred, but in a very real sense all who choose to follow Christ do become His martyrs, His witnesses (Acts 1.8). And while death is definitely risky in a temporal sense, this death-to-self which may or may not also entail physical death or danger is actually accompanied by a greater reward (Matthew 5.12) - there is no ultimate risk to fully follow even unto death the One Who Himself eventually paid the ultimate temporal price.
-Risk actually is a mostly unknown commodity in the bloated uber-comfortable western church. We know relatively nothing of risk. Oh, we know how to put our portfolios at risk. We perhaps put our reputations at risk when we involve ourselves with religious activities or espouse what would be construed by some as a 'politically incorrect' doctrinal position, and can subsequently acquire the label of ‘religious person’ or ‘intolerant’, but in the grand scheme of things there is very little lost and sadly very little gained as it relates to the progress of the Gospel. We risk exposing ourselves to something unwelcome or unpleasant, but there is no exposure to real danger. Can’t do that, that would be foolish (I jest of course)(1Corinthians 1.18 - if the Word of the Cross is foolish, how much more the work...?).
-Many of us in the west who name the Name of Christ have decided we could never cross an ocean or a border in order to help spread His Name among another people where those who follow Christ really need outside help to build His Church or where there are few or none who truly follow Christ (especially if going might involve ‘raising support’). Too risky. Too uncomfortable. We can be just as reluctant to talk with our own neighbors about Christ for fear of really putting our relationship and reputation at risk. That would be most unpleasant. But truth be told, even in these situations, we are in no real danger, our lives are not at stake. Epaphroditus almost lost his life. And through the centuries countless Christ-followers have similarly put their very lives on the line in order to help others follow Christ, not to mention risking death to simply follow Him themselves. These ones, Paul says, are to be held in high regard. We need to honor them. How might you (and I) be able to do that...?
-Many of us in the west who name the Name of Christ have decided we could never cross an ocean or a border in order to help spread His Name among another people where those who follow Christ really need outside help to build His Church or where there are few or none who truly follow Christ (especially if going might involve ‘raising support’). Too risky. Too uncomfortable. We can be just as reluctant to talk with our own neighbors about Christ for fear of really putting our relationship and reputation at risk. That would be most unpleasant. But truth be told, even in these situations, we are in no real danger, our lives are not at stake. Epaphroditus almost lost his life. And through the centuries countless Christ-followers have similarly put their very lives on the line in order to help others follow Christ, not to mention risking death to simply follow Him themselves. These ones, Paul says, are to be held in high regard. We need to honor them. How might you (and I) be able to do that...?
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