Taking Risks for Jesus

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died....welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ.

Philippians 2:25-27 & 29-30

Epaphroditus was a church member at Philippi. As far as we can tell he wasn’t a pastor or a deacon. He was just a normal guy except for this one thing: he risked his life to serve the church. One of the Greek words the passage uses to describe this risk means to throw down a stake or make a venture. It's like saying Epaphroditus gambled with his life for the cause of Christ.

How exactly did he do that? Epaphroditus traveled from Philippi to Rome to deliver a love offering from the church to Apostle Paul to help meet his needs in prison. This was a trip of over 1,000 miles probably on foot and by boat. It would have been a considerable sacrifice for Epaphroditus. Think about the time away from work and family, the physical exertion, and the danger of travelling with a large sum of money. Unfortunately, his trip was made all the more difficult by illness. Epaphroditus took ill and was near death’s door. We believe this happened during his journey, and yet he pressed on risking his life to deliver supplies to Paul. 

Epaphroditus put his faith into action by volunteering to do this one big thing for the gospel, and when it nearly ended up costing him his life, he pressed on anyway. He wouldn’t put his hand to the plow and look back. 

Epaphroditus almost died for the work of Christ. What will you do? What adventure will your commitment to the gospel take you on? What one big thing is God calling you to? Maybe it's starting a ministry in your community or church. Maybe it's going on a mission trip. God may even be calling you to surrender to a call to the ministry. One thing I know for sure is this. If you're a believer, God does want you to do something. He has a plan for you, and it will involve risk. Aren't you tired of warming a pew? Take a risk for Jesus!