If you are in Christ, you have been chosen.
Chosen for a mission of supernatural significance (Matthew 28:19–20).
Chosen to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
Chosen to be a living epistle, written on the hearts of man (2Corinthians 3:2).
Chosen as a beacon of bright light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14).
Chosen for a privilege you could never earn and do not deserve—to be on co-mission with Christ for the spread of the gospel and the glory of God. As we park in Acts 15–16, Timothy is our mascot for this truth. He was a part of something truly remarkable, a movement of God’s Spirit unlike anything the world had seen before. With his own eyes Timothy saw sinners become saints in droves. He saw churches being formed where there had never been churches before. He saw believers growing in strength and power in a culture determined to weaken them. He saw the fruit of a harvest of souls grow so rapidly he could measure the change day by day (Acts 16:5).
Timothy didn’t earn the right to be used by God in this way. It was mercy, not merit.
His position was preceded by a “sharp disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39). How’s that for starting off on the wrong foot? He was half Jewish with a momma who could no longer fit within the religious establishment. He was half Greek in an era when Gentiles were just discovering the door to the kingdom was open to them. Paul attempted to bridge the gap with a ritual to appease some, but likely just placed a bigger magnifying glass on the fact that Timothy didn’t fit into the expectations of others (Acts 16:3). He was a misfit, chosen for a mission he wasn’t qualified for. Aren’t we all?
Timothy’s calling reminds me of a beloved quote from another unlikely instrument. Helen Roseveare, the daughter of an English mathematician, was called by God to love and serve the people of the Congo. She saw the Spirit of God move too and once reflected,
“Looking back, one has tried to ‘count the cost,’ but I find it all swallowed up in privilege. The cost suddenly seems very small and transient in the greatness and permanence of the privilege.”
That’s the song that all unlikely instruments play: the greatness and permanence of the privilege of serving Christ. As we see how God used Timothy, let’s consider our own calling. Jesus didn’t draw us to Himself because we are worthy. He doesn’t use us to build His kingdom because we’ve climbed an invisible ladder of perfection or performance. Instead, He specializes in calling the underqualified and undeserving. Let’s marvel anew at our Timothyness—unworthy, yet chosen to serve.
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47 thoughts on "Paul Selects Timothy"
❤️
Thank you!
I noticed that too! I’m wondering if maybe Timothy took over writing at that point?
Sara F – Luke is still telling the story. It is at the point of the change that he is involved in the events ❤
Y’all’s comments are so helpful thank you for your transparency and grace with each other. I’m praying for all sisters tonight, but especially for the requests below❤️
Anyone else notice the shift in 16:10 to first person? Who is telling the story at that point?
My Bible’s footnote says “Luke, the writer of this book, here joined Paul and accompanied him on his journey.”
Ariana, I get where you are coming from. Following God can feel burdensome, especially when you are three days behind in your Bible study, haven’t prayed in a while, and groan when you have to get up early on Sunday to go to church. We’ve all been there. My recommendation is to add a few things to your passive time. spend time in the car or when you prepare meals and listen to praise music or Christian podcasts. These tools enable us to “worship” in our own way and allow us to enjoy learning more about God and his plan for our lives. I have found these actions open my heart to God more and then study, prayer, and worship seem to fall into place a little easier. I still get behind in studies and grumble occasionally when I have to get up early for something, but I’m a work in progress. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
I think it’s a beautiful thing to be chosen by God. It means that God wants you to publicly share the gospel with others.. to carry it to the ends of the earth, and get dozens, even millions of people saved! I pray that whenever God calls us to send us.. that we will not use our regular excuses of “oh, i’m not ready” or “I’m not capable enough” and just go.. and of course trust him!
It’s also interesting to look at the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in this section of Acts. I can definitely understand why Paul perhaps had his own doubts of bringing Mark along.. and I definitely understand why Barnabas saw more in him and wanted to give him a second chance. However, I think it’s important for us to not judge Mark too harshly, or, at all. Some of us have done the same thing, leaving God because for something else.. but the important thing to focus on is that God has forgiven us for that.. and we have returned to Him!
But when we choose to join the followers who were sent out to Jesus, we have to remember that all of us are in it together.. no one is better than anyone else. Its better to work together than instead of against each other
I love how the Holy Spirit lead them to where they needed to go and where they weren’t suppose to go. I want to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading like that in my life.
Unworthy, yet chosen to serve. ❤️
Did anyone else notice that Paul not only picked up Timothy but in Acts 16:10 he picks up Luke? Starting with Acts 16:10 everything is phrased “we”. Paul had a new convert and someone who had been with Christ traveling with him. I sometimes feel like Timothy when I’m doing some of my devotions and studies because of all the new information I’m learning. At other times I feel like Paul I know the rules but I’m the one to pass on my knowledge. And yet at other times I feel like Luke because I’ve been a Christian for all my life and I know many of the stories forward and backwards. The one thing I’ve learned is that, through new insights, I don’t know all I need to know (and probably never will) about being a Christian, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible.
Have wonderful and blessed day sisters.
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Jude 1:24 mentions “to the One who is able to keep us from stumbling” – this means that our God is great enough to help us make whatever changes are necessary, we just need to lean on him.
New nature comes from a closeness with the Lord and learning His nature intimately. Holy Spirit will cultivate in you a heart of grace, just like his, and the fruit of the Spirit will manifest in your life too. As we lean in to him more, we crave him more, and the outside life just begins to sort of “slough off.”
Lean on His Grace, tuck in to His love, and talk to Him about this daily. He will give you the strength you need, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Remember He has made you accepted in the Beloved.
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Jude 1:24 mentions “to the One who is able to keep us from stumbling” – this means that our God is great enough to help us make whatever changes are necessary, we just need to lean on him.
New nature comes from a closeness with the Lord and learning His nature intimately. Holy Spirit will cultivate in you a heart of grace, just like his, and the fruit of the Spirit will manifest in your life too. As we lean in to him more, we crave him more, and the outside life just begins to sort of “slough off.”
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Jude 1:24 mentions “to the One who is able to keep us from stumbling” – this means that our God is great enough to help us make whatever changes are necessary, we just need to lean on him.
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Jude 1:24 mentions “to the One who is able to keep us from stumbling” – this means that our God is great enough to help us make whatever changes are necessary, we just need to lean on him.
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Arina,
So very good. Thank you, Erin!
Also would appreciate prayers as I have three appointments. A routine mammogram. I get my cast off and x-rayed and praying it’s healed enough to drive.
There of been many times when I have felt unworthy to serve, but here I am. There was a season when I was asked to sit out because of my separation. It was a very hard and painful season. But as Tina would say: But God… I was able to go back to serving but this time in the high school ministry. I wanted to be where my daughter is. Not in her small group but at least serving where she’s at. I am so privileged to have a wonderful group of freshman girls (my daughter is a sophomore). They are truly amazing! My heart is filled with joy. Sometimes I’m exhausted from a full days work but I go anyway..
Arina, my heart is with you this morning. I echo these other women who speak grace to you. Very good advice from Linda Gilbow. May you be have more grace for yourself.
Callie, how wonderful that by spending time in the word, your perspective quickly shifts. May God bless your marriage.
Foster Mama, may you have wisdom for this unique and stressful situation. May God give you the fruit of peace as you walk with Him in this.
I have been thinking a lot about Jesus’s command to make disciples, as this devotional mentioned. Matthew 28:19-20.
I heard a pastor share on a podcast that he was making the mistake of making converts and not disciples when he first started leading churches. I think the Lord blesses both, but I want to be someone who impacts a life to want to be a disciple.
I am trying not to make following Jesus look hard. I’m afraid that I may put my personal convictions on others, as a yoke. That is my fear, at least. Oh, I hope I don’t. Yet, I do not apologize for what the Lord has taught me. I do not want to follow the world. I want to stand firm in my beliefs and have big grace for those God has placed me with. Lord, please help me be both merciful to others and zealous for truth. I can be both. I also don’t want to speak so compassionately I dismiss truth. No. I need the Holy Spirit to do these things, big time. May You give us wisdom, Lord, today, as we seek You.
Arina I relate to your comment and sometimes feel this way myself. As Linda said, we are saved by grace. God knows we are human and flawed and He chose us anyway. I often struggle with what unbelievers will think of my faith, but I realize, they see it anyway through the life I live. We are sometimes the only God someone gets to see. So don’t worry, instead focus on getting closer to God. Spend more time with Him. Talk to him about the comment you left here today and let Him tell you how He feels about it and about you. Praying for you Arina <3
Whoops posted too early. I wanted to say that the struggle is real, and that I you Arina for being honest about your struggles. I will pray for you and I hope some of the comments helped you like they helped me.
Arina thank you for sharing your struggle. Yesterday I had such an uncharitable attitude I felt so ashamed, I did t even want to pray I felt like hiding like Adam and Eve did in the garden.
What a blessing this reading was today! I celebrate my husband’s 25th birthday away from him today as he completes his army basic training, and I was tempted this morning to sit and feel sorry for myself. Today’s reading reminded me that as difficult as this new season in my husband and my life seems at times to be, it becomes a marvelous gift when I consider the great privilege it is to serve with my husband for our savior.
IF God had to depend on perfect people to accomplish His work, He would never, ever get anything done. Our limitations and imperfections are good reason for us to depend on the grace of God, for our sufficiency is from Him alone. Blessings to all. Praying for requests. ❤️
Reminds me of the story of Gideon. God is faithful! And He has a plan for us even when we don’t feel like we can be used for something so great— those He calls be equips— no matter what he calls us to, he will give us everything we need to live out that calling. One step at a time.
Living in the constant state of failure isn’t fun! I’ve been there lots! What helps me is to keep going back to the word and time with the Lord. Praying for you!
Aroma…thanks for your brutal honesty this morning… you are not alone in your questioning…many of us experience the same things… (perhaps the ??s are different, because Satan so carefully plants seeds of doubt in ways that will distract us from God’s truth) Reread today’s lesson, and give thanks that God chose YOU, just as Paul chose Timothy… we are ALL flawed, chipped vessels… BUT by God’s Grace, and the Holy Spirit’s presence, Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God uses our willingness to reach others with His message!!
I have often been touched by your comments, and I appreciate you’re humble spirit. When I reread my comments, I realized that I’m also preaching to myself!
Thank you LORD for SRT.,. Keeping our focus on the TRUTH of God’s Holy Word in these days of Doubt and Confusion!!
Haven’t read yet but, if I can ask for PRAYER…A door has opened for someone to help us with “next steps” in the tough situation that has saddened me this past year. I genuinely have peace, much of it based on promises I feel God is giving me. The prayer request is based on the fact that hubby and I process things VERY differently and he’d rather leave the loose ends and awful results (i.e. if the other parties want to mess up their child, “that’s on them”) and he’s just “sick of it” BUT I need to clear up some things with the parents/ one child to make sure they are acting from a position of full understanding…then I promise to continue to accept God’s will, even if I don’t like it. This mediator who is coming to our house on Friday seems to really see how hubby&I have been wronged and willing to use her role to improve things for everyone. Please, please PRAY re: any tension this may cause with hubby (he’s stopped trusting anyone involved). I am a wife who honours her husband but,…for everyone’s sake, I pray that I’M RIGHT and important inroads can be made.
Sorry that’s long and convoluted.
(Not sure why I’m so behind with reading these past couple weeks but, loving all the wonderful comments and praying alongside. NANAK, your words yesterday resonated with me.)
Arina,
We all struggle with the idea of “being a good Christian” but what does that mean anyway? We aren’t ever good enough in and of ourselves but…He is always and eternally our perfect good. What calms my spirit when failure overwhelms me is that God loves you and me beyond our wildest comprehension, so much so that He sent Jesus to rescue us. Let that love pour over you when you feel “not good enough”, Jesus took care of that at the cross.
I love how SRT included Matthew 5:14 in todays devotion. I do the readings before reading the devo and reading about how Paul and Timothy were spreading the gospel reminded me of the passage about us being “salt and light”. It convicted me. So I read that passage in Matthew 5:13-16. With every encounter I make with other people, I am either shining my light or hiding it. If I hide my light, I am blocking people from seeing God. It was so cool to see that very same passage included in the devotion even though it was not listed in the original readings. Lord, make me bold. Don’t let me hide the light.
Arina, I get you girl! I have been there many a time! Here’s what I am learning. God loves me. Period. Even if I never do another thing for Him, He loves me. His love compels me to love others well. Try to be more gracious with yourself. You are not a failure and you have not failed. If you’ve been disobedient, simple turn back to the Father, ask Him to forgive you, and ask for His help going forward. I am learning that my actions are more telling about my love for Jesus than my words. Love your beautiful self well! It’s almost impossible to love others (as ourselves) if we don’t love ourselves! Don’t give up! He’s got you! I am praying for you!
Father fill me with Your Holy Spirit to always be an instrument of your Word, Grace and Mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen
Loved today’s message that God does not call the equipped, He equips the called. Praying for willing hands and feet to go where I am called, and serve how I am called to serve. I think in this season my mission field is my patients, and sharing Christ’s love with them. @SarahJoy thank you for sharing the 2 Timothy passage and @Karen thank you for sharing Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Lord help me to embrace the privilege of service to you, & to recognize the opportunities you bring my way.
Timothy’s testimony also includes the faith of two women: his mother and grandmother. (2 Timothy 1:5) I love that the Bible includes the impact of women on his faith story. My life has certainly been impacted by some amazing women!
As I consider the call to action, I believe my call is to love those who come into my circle with radical love. My husband, my girls, the patients where I interpret, the students where I sub, my coworkers, my neighbors…
An encouragement from Paul to Timothy: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of LOVE and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ❤️
What I love about this is that I’m learning just how much of a “misfit” Timothy is to the people those days. It’s not something that ever crossed my mind before.
And how much the Holy Spirit told them where to go. Could you imagine living out of a suitcase and guided by visions for that long?
What I love about this is that I’m learning just how much of a “misfit” Timothy is to the people those days. It’s not something that ever crossed my mind before. And how much the Holy Spirit told them
Arina,
You just shared feelings that probably most of us have felt at one time or another! I read these events that took place I in the Bible and try to envision myself doing what I just read. I think I would have failed. But, I try to do what I CAN do! I don’t preach, but I can teach children’s church. I don’t sell everything to be a missionary overseas, but I can take time to make a dish for a neighbor that just had surgery or a death in the family. I don’t write books of the Bible but I can write a note of encouragement to someone struggling, with reference of a favorite scripture! Nothing is too small to be used by God when we do things for His glory. I just read something in an old Guidepost. It said, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”
Taking time to help others is a type of “sacrifice”. Putting others before yourself. We can all do that! God put you where you are for a reason!
One of my favorite scriptures that I say to God almost every morning is Psalms 143:8. I am saying a prayer over you now, that this scripture touches you, and encourages you to keep putting one foot in front of the other toward God
God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called. Praise be our God who supplies all we could ever ask or imagine, according to His great love!
It always makes me think how in this time these men don’t have social media, or the modern means of transportation to spread God’s word. They are doing it by word of mouth and traveling by foot, animal, and sailing. We have much “easier” means to get God’s word out now and yet I still struggle to do it. Lord help me to find a way to share your word and thank you for allowing me to even if I am not worthy to.
I am learning things I didn’t know before with this study. How God uses the unworthy to build His church so that His glory can shine even brighter. He is not looking for the smartest or the best scholar or the privileged. He wants the humble and lowly whom He can mold and grow to be His. God does not need prideful people leading His church. He needs people with compassion who truly love others and always puts the welfare of others before themselves. Someone who understands the need of discipleship
Arina – Dear, sweet sis, thank you for sharing your struggle. The “growing pains” of maturing in our faith can be discouraging for sure. Lean into it; don’t give up. The struggle will produce the joy, the understanding of the privilege.
Serving God hasn’t been feeling like a privilege. More like a burden. Another thing I need to do to be a good Christian. I’m afraid of what others will think if I talk about my faith with unbelievers. I’m afraid I need to give up more things I don’t want to. Still, I try to do my best. This is what you’re supposed to do, right? What would other think if I gave up trying? I would fail God again. That I feel like this feels like another failure. I know that I don’t need to work to earn my faith, but do I also believe it?
Arina, you were saved by grace and faith, not good works. Your walk with Christ is a walk of faith and grace, too. Don’t compare yourself to others. You have a unique calling because you are one of a kind. Don’t focus on what you should and shouldn’t do. Focus on abiding in Christ. Read and study your Bible. Pray daily. AS you walk closer to Jesus, focusing on Him, HE will do His work through you. YOU CAN’T PRODUCE FRUIT; that is the job of the Holy Spirit. You are the branch. Read and study John 15:1-11. (Do not get sidetracked by the verses that talk about the branches that will be taken away and burned, that’s another, conversation). You concentrate on the other truths. Abide. Draw near. The Holy Spirit LIVES in you – train yourself to be more aware of that during the day. Big hugs, sister!