The Script
28So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away. Philippians 2:28-30
The Plot
Leonidas, King of Sparta, was preparing to make a stand with his Greek troops against the Persian army in 480 B.C. when a Persian envoy arrived. The man urged on Leonidas the futility of trying to resist the advance of the huge Persian army. “Our archers are so numerous,” said the envoy, “that the flight of their arrows darkens the sun.”
“So much the better,” replied Leonidas, “for we shall fight them in the shade.” Leonidas made his stand, and died with his 300 troops.
Even in death, King Leonidas’ bravery sparked a resistance that ultimately conquered the Persian army.
As brave as those 300 men were, Paul teaches us that the real heroes are those who serve Christ - even to their death. Paul lived and taught that we should honor those who give their lives for the sake of Christ.
The Walk Through
- Who did Paul teach us to honor?
- Who are some modern day examples of men and women we should honor?
- How can you show honor to others who serve Christ, sacrificially?
Ad Lib
Show me the man you honor and I will know what kind of man you are. Thomas Carlyle