We Need More Timothys - Philippians 2:19–24
Rejoice Always Series – Part 11
Philippians 2:19–24 (NKJV)
"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly."
A Drop in Attendance — A Shift in Discipleship
A hundred years ago, 50% of the UK attended church weekly. Today, in some places, it’s as low as 5%. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a spiritual crisis.
Contrast that with the first hundred years of the early church:
No social media. No buildings. No radio. No TV.
And yet the gospel reached over 100 major cities across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
What made the difference? They raised and released disciples.
We don’t just need more events, more content, or more programs.
We need more Timothys.
Part One: Paul Did A Lot — But Not Alone
Paul is credited with writing 13 of the 27 New Testament books. He planted churches across Asia Minor and Europe and led one of the most impactful ministries in history.
But he didn’t do it alone.
He built a team of disciples. He raised leaders like Timothy and entrusted them with responsibility. Paul mentions many such co-laborers:
Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23)
Luke & Demas (Colossians 4:14)
Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21)
Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25)
Phoebe (Romans 16:1)
Priscilla & Aquila (Romans 16:3)
Mark (2 Timothy 4:11)
Aristarchus, Onesimus, Epaphras, Barnabas... the list goes on.
Churches don’t grow by accident. They grow when faithful pastors preach and pray, and when faithful disciples like Timothy take ownership.
At Wandsworth, we have many potential Timothys. Are you one of them? Do you want to be?
Part Two: Who Was Timothy?
Twice in our Philippians passage, Paul says he will send Timothy. The word "send" means to commission, to authorize, to entrust with a task.
Not everyone in the church was a Timothy. Paul says:
"I have no one like-minded" (v.20)
"For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus." (v.21)
Even Paul had disappointments:
Demas loved the world and walked away (2 Timothy 4:10)
John Mark abandoned the mission early on (Acts 15:38)
But Timothy could be trusted:
He had "proven character."
He served like a son with a father.
He was faithful, not just flashy.
Consistent, not just charismatic.
Paul didn’t value talent as much as trust.
Part Three: Timothy Reminds the Church of the Right Way
Imagine if my wife and I went away for a year and came back to the church to find:
Couples divorcing without reason.
Singles living together and being inappropriate.
No discipline or follow-up.
Fellowship groups that feel more like club nights than discipleship.
Why does this happen? Because we forget our way of life in Christ.
That’s why Paul says:
"I have sent to you Timothy... He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church." (1 Corinthians 4:17)
As the church grows, I can't be involved in every detail. That’s why we need more Timothys — people who will:
Teach others.
Live out what they've seen and learned.
Stay focused on Christ, not self.
Part Four: Timothy = Destiny
When Paul first met Timothy, he wasn’t a leader yet:
"A certain disciple was there named Timothy... well spoken of... Paul wanted to have him go on with him... he took him and circumcised him." (Acts 16:1-3)
Timothy became a great leader. His legacy still echoes today.
What made the difference?
Paul was able to circumcise him.
He was willing to cut away the flesh that stood between him and destiny.
"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24)
What if Timothy had said no? What if he chose comfort over calling?
Could you be missing out because you refuse to let God cut away the flesh?
Pride?
Lust?
Independence?
Self-seeking desires?
Everything can change when you humble yourself.
Become faithful. Be trustworthy. Build consistent character.
Destiny is on the other side of humility.
Ask yourself: How can I take what I’ve been taught in Christ and give it to someone else?
Final Thought: God Has Great Things For Our Church
But it won’t happen by chance.
It will happen through people like Timothy — faithful, dependable, teachable, Christ-centered disciples.
Are you going to be one of them?