MEMORY SCRIPTURE

Because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me (Philippians 2:30).

Paul’s commitment to developing Christian leaders through support and guidance greatly influenced the early church’s leadership.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. 6: Be Anxious For Nothing (Php. 4:4-8)
Tue. 7: Be Sober-Minded; Be Watchful (1 Pet. 5:8)
Wed. 8: Be Watchful; Stand Firm In The Faith (1 Cor. 16:13)
Thu. 9: Be Prayerful At All Times (Php. 4.5-7
Fri. 10: Be Thankful In All Things Eph. 5:20)
Sat. 11: Be A Godly Giver (Matt 6:19-21)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

We have a noble calling as Christian leaders: to serve God through serving others.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: Romans 1623; Philippians 2:25lf 4: 2-3,9,18-20; Philemon 1:10-16:3 John 1:1ff

Glory and honour be unto God as we proceed with the series of the Sunday school focusing on ‘Preparing God’s People for Leadership’. The previous lesson illustrated how Titus and Silas were identified and cultivated as leaders by Paul. It also aimed to challenge and rectify contemporary leadership strategies, which ought not to be founded solely on personal merit but on the calling and power of the Lord. Like Titus and Silas, we should embrace discipleship with humility.

This lesson is titled, “Paul Keeps Discovering and Developing Leaders (2)”. It delves into how Paul identified and nurtured Gaius, Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche, and Clement. It reveals the significance of these remarkable individuals in shaping our understanding of faith, generosity, hospitality, steadfastness, humility, obedience, fidelity and leadership. May we possess the humility to stand resolute in Christ and propagate His message faithfully, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. PAUL, GAIUS AND EPAPHRODITUS
2. PAUL, EUODIA, SYNTYCHE AND CLEMENT

LESSON EXPOSITION

PAUL, GAIUS AND EPAPHRODITUS (Rom. 16:23; Php. 2:25ff; 4:9,18-20;Phm.1:10-16;3Jn. 1:1ff)

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need
(Php.2:25)

a) Phm. 1:10-16: Paul met Gaius during his ministry and saw his strong faith and lovalty (Rom. 16:23). Gaius showed leadership by serving others and staying devoted to Christ, showing him as a potential future Christian leader.

b) 3 Jn.1:1ff. Paul invested time and effort in nurturing Gaius spiritually, guiding him in his walk with the Lord. Gaius humbly showed openness to Paul’s mentorship and wilignessto learn.

c) Php. 2:25-30: Paul identified Epaphroditus as a potential leader and
entrusted him with responsibilities. Epaphroditus exhibited courage and selflessness in his service – qualities essential for leadership.

d) 4:18-20: Paul guided and supported him, helping him grow in his faith and leadership. Embracing Paul’s teachings, Epaphroditus showed notable growth earning trust as a leader in the Church.

e) Rom. 16:23; Php.2:25f: Gaius and Epaphroditus worked with Paul in evangelism and supporting others. Their joint efforts in spreading the gospel forged a close relationship with Paul and facilitated their growth as leaders.

f) Both formally in ministry settings and informally in meals and gatherings, Paul spent time with them, pastorally nurturing their spiritual growth and addressing their needs. Gaius grew in understanding the gospel message and in his relationship with God.

g) Paul’s letters, including mentions of Gaius and Epaphroditus, provided guidance and encouragement for their leadership development.

h) Php. 4:9: Paul’s life and ministry served as a powerful example for Gaius and Epaphroditus, aiding their spiritual growth and leadership maturity through their close partnership.

PAUL, EUODIA, SYNTYCHE AND CLEMENT (Php. 4:2-3)

Do not grumble against one another brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the judge is standing at the door.
(James 5.9).

a) Php. 4:2-3: Paul acknowledged Euodia and Syntyche as fellow labourers in the gospel, recognising their leadership potentials and valuing their partnership in ministry.

b) Paul urged Euodia and Syntyche to reconcile their differences brethren (vv. 2,3), showing his investment in their leadership growih and stressing the importance of unity and cooperation among leaders.

c) v. 3: Paul extoled Clement as a fellow worker whose name is recorded in the Book of Life, implying Paul’s mentorship towards his activeness in ministry and leadership in Christ’s body.

d) Paul’s mentorship with Euodia, Syntyche and Clement is further shown in:

• Paul’s teachings guided their understanding of Christian faith, ethics and theology, providing spiritual instruction (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
• He likely mentored them, offering personal encouragement and support in their Christian journey (cf. Tit. 2:7-8).
• Paul’s establishment and nurturing of churches allowed them to connect with fellow believers and contribute to church life (Acts 14:21-23)
• Paul’s example as a dedicated follower of Christ inspired them to emulate his love for the Church (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1).

e) These had remarkable impact on Euodia, Syntyche and Clement:

• As they engaged in church life and learnt from Paul, their relationship deepened, with Paul offering necessary support, encouragement and correction (cf. Acts 20:20).
• .Paul imparted teachings through personal interactions, letters and possibly, through other leaders, like in his letters mentioning Euodia and Syntyche serving as guidance for believers (Col.4:16).

LESSONS DERIVED

1. A good leader remembers that a God-given vision requires teamwork for success.
2. Leaders should allow people to mature and not hinder their service due to past, reconciled transgressions.

QUESTIONS

1. Lists the influences of Gaius on Christian history and the biblical account. Give a succinct description of Epaphroditus,
2. Who are Euodia and Syntyche? What is the identity of Clement?