PAUL AND TIMOTHY
Acts 16:1–5; 2 Timothy 2:1–2, 3:10–12
Do you know how to ride a bike, bait a hook or drive a manual transmission? If so, could you tell others the steps required to accomplish these tasks? Would it be more effective to add a demonstration to your words in order to show the person needing the knowledge?
Several years ago, there was a gentleman on TV performing an exceptional number of pushups without slowing down. One of my daughters looked at me and asked, “Can you do that?” Trying not to disappoint her as well as trying to avoid the question, I replied, “Sure.” She then looked at me and said, “Well, do it!”
We need men and women in our churches who do not just talk big; we need them to deliver.
It should be the desire of every mature, adult Christian to mentor and disciple younger believers. This requires both words and work. The perpetual goal is not to promote ourselves; the goal is to have them pattern their lives after Christ.
Mentoring occurs best when a person walks alongside us and sees our example. (Acts 16:1–5)
While ministering to the believers in Derbe and Lystra, Paul became acquainted with Timothy, a young man with an impressive reputation. We can safely assume Paul, being led by the Spirit, encouraged Timothy to come with him for the sake of sharing the gospel.
Timothy’s mother was Jewish and his father was Greek. It is noteworthy that Paul was willing to break cultural barriers based on heritage. Some would not have accepted Timothy due to his Jewish background, yet others would not appreciate his Greek ancestry. Paul’s acceptance of Timothy showed others that Christ came to break down many of the walls built by the traditions of men.
Encourage those you disciple to also disciple others. (2 Tim. 2:1–2)
Paul was adamant about passing the work and ministry of the gospel down to later generations. Paul wanted to assure someone was always available to spread the message of Christ.
If there is a generation gap in your church, could it be that the previous age group did little or not enough to work in the field?
We often need to be reminded to continue in our walk and growth in Christ. (3:10–12)
At this point in the story, Timothy was a pastor and God was using him, but Paul did not stop pouring instruction and motivation into him. More than ever before, Paul implored him to stay strong and live a godly life.
Paul reminded Timothy of all the persecution and troubles he had endured for the glory of God. He recalled that with every difficulty he faced, God was faithful to deliver him.
Paul did not present to Timothy a pain-free life if you follow God, but he did say it would be blessed by the presence and provision from above.
Fellow Christians, do not give up. You have come too far, God is too good and heaven is too sweet to lose sight and quit now. Keep serving, one pushup at a time.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
