Where Are the Timothys?
David Wilkerson emphasizes the need for servant leaders in the church who embody the mind of Christ, as exemplified by Paul and Timothy.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ, as demonstrated by Paul while imprisoned in Rome. Paul expresses deep concern for the Philippian Christians, prioritizing their well-being over his own comfort, and reveals his disappointment in the lack of leaders who share this selfless mindset. He highlights Timothy as the only one who truly cares for the needs of others, contrasting him with those who seek their own interests. Wilkerson calls for believers to pray for a servant's heart and to focus on the needs of others in a self-centered world.
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It was to the Philippian Christians that Paul first introduced the truth, "Let the mind of Christ be in you." Paul wrote this message to them while he was imprisoned in Rome.
It was from a jail cell that Paul declared he had the mind of Christ, casting aside his reputation to become a servant of Jesus and his church. Now he wrote, "I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state" (Philippians 2:19).
This is the thinking, the outworking, of the mind of Christ. Think about it: Here was a pastor, sitting in jail, yet he wasn't thinking of his own comfort, his own hard situation. He was concerned only about the spiritual and physical condition of his people. And he told his sheep, "My comfort will come only when I know you're doing well, in spirit and body. So I'm sending Timothy to check up on you, in my behalf."
Then Paul makes this alarming statement: "For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state" (2:20). What a sad statement! As Paul wrote this, the church around him in Rome was growing and being blessed. Clearly, there were godly leaders in the Roman church. But, Paul says, "I have no man who shares with me the mind of Christ." Why was this so? "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's" (2:21). Evidently, there was no leader in Rome with a servant's heart--no one who had cast aside reputation and become a living sacrifice. Instead, everyone was set on pursuing his own interests. None had the mind of Christ. Paul could trust no one to go to Philippi to be a true servant to that body of believers.
Paul's words here cannot be softened: "Everybody's out for himself. These ministers seek only to benefit themselves. That's why there's nobody here I can trust to naturally care for your needs and hurts, except Timothy."
Our prayer should be: "Lord, I don't want to be focused only on myself in a world that's spinning out of control. I don't want to be concerned about my own future. I know you hold my path in your hands. Please, Lord, give me your mind, your thinking, your concerns. I want to have your servant's heart." Amen.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the mind of Christ
- Paul's imprisonment and his focus on others
- Sending Timothy as a servant leader
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II
- Paul's concern for the Philippians
- The importance of spiritual and physical well-being
- Timothy's role in caring for the church
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III
- The lack of like-minded leaders in Rome
- Selfishness among ministers
- The need for true servants in the church
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IV
- The call to have the mind of Christ
- Praying for a servant's heart
- Living sacrificially for others
Key Quotes
“I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you.” — David Wilkerson
“I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state.” — David Wilkerson
“For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Pray daily for a heart that prioritizes the needs of others.
- Seek opportunities to serve within your community and church.
- Reflect on your motivations and ensure they align with Christ's teachings.