June 03 2026

Wednesday June 03

“Ordinary Saints with Extraordinary Hearts”

Philippians 2:19-20

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we begin looking at Philippians 2:19-30, where the Apostle Paul introduces us to two ordinary believers who became extraordinary examples of Christian service. Up to this point, Paul has been teaching us about the submissive mind. He first pointed us to Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient unto death. Then Paul used himself as an example of sacrifice and service. Now he introduces us to two men, Timothy and Epaphroditus, who demonstrate what this submissive mind looks like in everyday Christian living.

Let's begin by reading Philippians 2:19-20: "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." What a remarkable statement! Remember, Paul is writing from a Roman prison. He is chained to a Roman guard. He is uncertain about the outcome of his trial. Yet even while facing his own problems, his heart is focused on the believers at Philippi. That is the mark of a mature Christian. A mature Christian does not become consumed with his own troubles. He remains concerned about others.

Paul wanted to know how the Philippian believers were doing. Were they standing firm? Were they remaining united? Were they growing spiritually? He cared deeply about them. But Paul faced a problem. He could not go himself. So he looked around for someone he could trust. Among all the believers in Rome, Paul found one man whom he believed would genuinely care for the Philippians. That man was Timothy. Paul says, "I have no one like-minded." The phrase "like-minded" carries the idea of being of the same soul or kindred spirit. Timothy had spent years traveling with Paul, learning from him, serving alongside him, suffering with him, and praying with him. Over time, Timothy began to develop the same heart that Paul had. That is what discipleship is all about.

Jesus spent three years with His disciples. Paul spent years with Timothy. Godly character is often caught as much as it is taught. Timothy learned how to care for people by watching Paul care for people. I am reminded of what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." Every believer needs someone to learn from and someone to help. One of the greatest needs in our churches today is spiritual mentoring. Older believers should be encouraging younger believers. More mature Christians should be helping those who are younger in the faith.

Timothy had a servant's heart. Notice Paul says that Timothy would "sincerely care" for their welfare. The word means genuine concern. Not professional concern.    Not forced concern. Not concern because it was his job. Genuine concern. Timothy truly cared about people. That immediately raises a question for us. Do we genuinely care about others? It is easy to become wrapped up in our own schedules, our own plans, our own problems, and our own needs. Yet Jesus constantly looked beyond Himself to the needs of others. Even while hanging on the cross, He cared for His mother. Even while suffering, He prayed for His enemies. Even while dying, He saved a thief. That is the heart of Christ.

One pastor said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." How true that is. People are looking for genuine Christians who will listen, pray, encourage, and help. A simple phone call can change someone's day. A handwritten note can strengthen a discouraged believer. A visit can encourage someone who feels forgotten. A prayer can lift a burden.

Many years ago, a Sunday school teacher faithfully visited one of her students every week. She was not a gifted speaker. She was not famous. She simply cared. Years later that student testified that her consistent concern was one of the reasons he came to Christ and later entered ministry. You never know what God can do through a caring heart. The submissive mind always produces concern for others. Selfishness asks, "What can others do for me?" Love asks, "What can I do for others?"

Perhaps today there is someone God has placed on your heart. Maybe it is a family member. Maybe it is a neighbor. Maybe it is a fellow church member. Maybe it is someone who is hurting. Don't ignore that prompting. Reach out. Encourage them. Pray for them. Show them the love of Christ. That is exactly what Timothy would have done. And that is exactly what Christ would have us do.

Let's pray. Father, thank You for the example of Timothy. Give us hearts that genuinely care for others. Deliver us from selfishness and help us to see people through Your eyes. Use us today to encourage someone and point them to Jesus Christ. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!