Built to Bring Your “A” Game

Vance Havner once made the statement that most Christians live such a subnormal Christian life that if they began to live a normal Christian life people would think them abnormal.

George Gallup, Jr. said: “While religion is highly popular in America, it is to a large extent superficial; it does not change people’s lives to the degree one would expect from the level of professed faith.” (The People’s Religion) 

To put it very simply, most Christians live an average Christian life. The average Christian spends little time in Bible study and prayer. The average Christian rarely shares their faith. The average Christian goes to Church on a regular basis but, Christian service and personal spiritual growth are not important to them.

In all honesty, someone who spends time in the Word of God and prayer; who is passionately and persistently sharing their faith; who seeks the will of God and does the will of God and puts Christ first in every aspect of their life by today’s standards is not your everyday Christian.

The Christian life that many live may be normal by religious standards but subnormal by God’s standards. Many times, what we accept as a fair Christian life is in God’s eyes – a failing Christian life. It may be an average Christian life but it is certainly not the acceptable Christian life.

I think we have all met someone who talks a big game, but when it’s time to show up, they’re nowhere to be found? We’ve all seen it.

• They say the right things…
• They sound committed…
• They look the part…

But when it’s show time, they’re missing-in-action. Now on the flip side, you’ve also met those people who don’t say much, but you can count on them every single time.

• They show up.
• They stay steady.
• They’ve got your back.

And when things get hard – they don’t disappear. And here’s the truth: Faith isn’t proven by what you say, it’s proven by how you live.

Up to this point in Philippians 2, Paul has talked about the mindset of Christ, humility, obedience, working out your salvation. But now Paul does something powerful. He stops talking theory and starts showing examples.

After calling us to live out our faith, Paul now puts real people on display to show us what that kind of life actually looks like. And he gives us two men, Timothy and Epaphroditus, who didn’t just talk about faith – they lived it. They were “A” Game Saints.

“A” GAME SAINTS GENUINELY CARE FOR OTHERS (vv.19–21)

“But I trust the Lord Jesus to send Timotheous shortly unto you…”

In our text, we find a Christian that was not normal. Paul speaks of Timothy as one that was not your average Christian. He was not your everyday kind of believer.  

Paul says about Timothy: “I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state.” That’s a big statement. Timothy didn’t just pretend to care, he genuinely cared. That word care means, “to be anxious about . . .” Timothy had a sincere concern about the spiritual well-being of others.

In verse 21, Paul even contrasts him with others who were focused on their own interests instead of Christ’s. And let’s be honest, that’s where most people live.

• Looking out for themselves.
• Protecting their time.
• Guarding their comfort.

But Timothy was different. He had the heart of Christ.

It’s the difference between someone riding for themselves, and someone constantly checking their mirrors to make sure the whole group is still together.

Real faith shifts your focus from yourself to others. Let me ask you – Do you genuinely care about people? Not just in words, but in action?

• Who are you checking on?
• Who are you serving?
• Who are you investing in?

Because faith shows up in how you treat people. Sadly, the average Christian, and even the average church is uninterested and uncaring about the spiritual condition of others. Really caring is more than what you say with your lips. It is something that you show with your life.

But, notice something else with me about “A” Game Saints:

“A” GAME SAINTS PROVE THEIR CHARACTER CONSISTENTLY (v. 22-24)

“But ye know the proof of him…”

That word “proof” means, “Tested and proven.” Timothy wasn’t a flash in the pan. He wasn’t a one-time standout. He was proven. His character had been tested… and it held up.

You don’t trust someone on a long ride who’s never been on the road before. You trust the one who’s proven themselves mile after mile. Character is built over time, and revealed under pressure. Anybody can look good for a moment. But consistency is what sets people apart.

Paul realized that the task before him was too great for one person, so he was grateful for the consistent, unwavering partnership that Timothy provided.  

Let me ask you, Are you consistent in your walk with God? Not just when it’s easy, not just when people are watching, but day in and day out? Are you someone that we can thank God for because you are a great partner in the ministry? Are you bringing your “A” Game to this ministry?

Because real faith isn’t occasional, it’s consistent.

“A” GAME SAINTS PUT THE MISSION OVER THEMSELVES (vv.25–27)

Now Paul introduces Epaphroditus. He calls him:

• Brother
• Fellow worker
• Fellow soldier

That’s not casual language, that’s commitment. This man was all in. He was sent on a mission and he took it seriously. So seriously, that he got sick and almost died.

This is the guy who doesn’t bail when things get tough. He stays with the mission, even when it costs him.

Kingdom work is not about convenience, it’s about commitment. If your faith only shows up when it’s easy, then it’s not deep. What’s your priority? Your comfort OR God’s mission? Because real faith says: “It’s not about me, it’s about Him.”

And sometimes that commitment comes at a cost…

“A” GAME SAINTS ARE WILLING TO RISK IT ALL (vv.28–30)

Paul says Epaphroditus “for the work of Christ… was nigh unto death.”

He risked his life. Not for fame. Not for recognition. But for Christ. And that kind of faith stands out.

This is the type of person who keeps going even when the road gets dangerous, because the mission matters more than the risk.

Here’s a simple truth – Faith that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.

Following Jesus was never meant to be safe. It’s worth it, but it will cost you something. So, let me ask you, What are you risking for Christ?

• Your comfort?
• Your reputation?
• Your time?

Or are you playing it safe? Because real faith steps out… even when it’s uncertain.

And because of that kind of faithfulness…

“A” GAME SAINTS ARE WORTHY OF HONOR (v.29)

“Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation.”

Paul says we should honor people like this. Why? Because faithfulness matters. Not fame. Not spotlight. Not popularity. Faithfulness.

God values faithfulness over flashiness. The Kingdom runs on faithful people, not famous ones.

Honor those who live this way. Encourage them. Support them. And then ask yourself: Am I becoming someone worth following? Because God is using your life for something bigger than you.

Let me bring this home. There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who talk about faith, and those who live it out. And everybody can see the difference.

Timothy didn’t just talk, he cared. He was consistent. He was proven.

Epaphroditus didn’t just believe, he served. He sacrificed. He risked it all.

And Paul paints a picture for us of what “real faith looks like.”

So here’s the question: “What kind of Christian are you? Are you just talking about faith, or are you living it?”

• Real faith cares for others;
• Real faith stays consistent
• Real faith puts the mission first
• Real faith takes risks
• Real faith is worth honoring

This week, I encourage you to bring your “A” Game. Care for someone. Show up consistently. Step into the mission. Take a step of faith. Because the world doesn’t need more talk… It needs more people who go all-in Full Throttle with Jesus.