Scripture Reading: Acts 16:1-5, 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:18-20, 1 Timothy 4:11-16, 2 Timothy 1:1-6, 1 Corinthians 4:14-17, 1 Corinthians 16:10-11, Philippians 2:19-24, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-6
“Everyone needs a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy.” Maybe you’ve heard this pseudo-biblical truism offered up before. It means that everyone needs a spiritual mentor, a spiritual encourager, and a spiritual mentee. It’s true as far as it goes, but as is often the case when we distill biblical characters down to a single trait, it misses the more magnificent and complex reality of God’s work in those people’s lives. Let’s consider Timothy.
When introduced in Acts 16, Timothy was a young believer who was raised to faith by his mother and grandmother (2Timothy 2:5). He was well thought of by his fellow Christians, so much so that Paul singled him out as someone to partner with in his ministry. Is Timothy a mentee? Yes, but he is so much more. He allowed Paul to circumcise him, which might seem like a bizarre fact to include. But this tells us something about Timothy; he was already intent on bringing the gospel of Jesus to all people, Jew and Gentile, and he would not let any cultural barrier stand in the way of getting to carry the truth of Jesus far and wide. So from the very beginning, we know that Timothy was devoted to Christ and His gospel above all.
We see this emphasized over and over again as Paul wrote to and about Timothy. Paul referred to him as “my true son in the faith” (1Timothy 1:2) and his “dearly loved son.” (2Timothy 1:2) Timothy was not merely being trained in ministry, as if it was an internship or a residency—he was being spiritually fathered and loved and poured into. As Paul poured into Timothy and included him in the ministry of preaching, shepherding, and church planting, the Holy Spirit grew Timothy.
The Lord placed a call to ministry on his life, and as he obeyed it, (1Timothy 1:18) Timothy became a faithful and trusted shepherd of his own flock. He cared about the interests of Christ ahead of his own (Philippians 2:19–21). He was sent into messy situations, like the divisive issues of the church in Corinth, in order to remind them of the ways of Jesus. And even in the face of their derision for his age and resistance to the gospel, above all Timothy served Jesus. Yes, he was raised up and trained by Paul and he was loved by Paul, but Timothy was a servant of Jesus. “And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith” (1Thessalonians 3:2).
As we consider his life, this is what we want to imitate and ask God for: “sincere faith” (2Timothy 1:5) and to be “an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1Timothy 4:12).
Written by Barnabas Piper
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56 thoughts on "Timothy"
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I like how this series pulls different passages from the books of the Bible and puts them side by side so you get a collected story for each person. For example in the KJV reading I didn’t understand that Timothy worked so closely with Paul over an extended period of time. It’s nice getting this fresh perspective!
They either collected a bunch of verses or as many as they can, depending on the person.
I love the generational faith that is described in these passages today. I love how Timothy’s grandmother had faith, then his mother and then him. I want to have the kind of faith that gets passed down to my children too.
Yes, good point!
FOR SRT TECH TEAM –
This is interesting AND baffling!!! I was able to REPLY on my Samsung A11 and I could see the reply posted. Same with my laptop.
I decided to check here (Kindle Fire) on a whim and I saw that the replies aren’t visible.
I hope this helps as you work through this challenge.
All of your efforts are VERY much APPRECIATED!!!
Happy to see he message I wrote on my Kindle
Fire shows up here. Very odd, though!
Rely option works on my Samsung A11- at least right now!!! Happy dancing!
Ohh..let me reply to you! Usually I get one and done. strangely.
Praying you break through!
**REPLY** ;)
Having role models in the faith is so vital both through the examples in the Bible and in our daily lives. I’ve learned a lot more this past year about being a mentor through a program at our church. I have had the privilege to mentor a young 13 year old girl as she goes through her Confirmation years and beyond. I pray I am being the example I would have loved to have at that age. Have a great day She’s and pray about any mentoring opportunities in your community!
That’s awesome, Nicole! Our school district used to connect kids and mentors. Mostly having lunch with ‘your’ mentee at school. Good place to start looking. ❤
Oh yes..I did that too!
The reply button might be fixed!!!
That’s beautiful Nicole!
So true Searching! It’s definitely a question worth asking ourselves at the end of the day! Were my actions, thoughts, deeds worthy of imitation today? I don’t have a mentor which I really yearn for. I have close friends and we encourage each other in the faith, but not a true mentor. I kind of think of you ladies as my mentors, I learn so much from all of you! Would you please pray for the Lord to send someone (in flesh and blood) my way?
Rhonda – you are a true example of what a mentor looks like. I’m in awe when you talk about how intentional you are with your butterflies. They are blessed to have you in their lives.
Praying for your flesh and blood mentor/friend! God answered my heart’s desire a few years ago. ❤
That’s so sweet Tami! It is definitely a passion that has sprung without my doing or planning!! I met with my mentor (one of the 2) that is over the partnership with my other mentor- the leader of the actual jail ministry, but she stepped down and made ME leader this past month!! So I met with first mentor I mentioned, and as I talked to her I told her how it all started with her pushing me out of comfort, and bringing me to that first meeting with the other!! (okay–that is confusing..!) But the point is it’s not me, but God giving me that passion and purpose!! I too, think of the ladies here as all of us growing each other…I miss churchmouse and Angi, and JenniferloveJesus, and Dorothy!!
I will pray you find someone in your church or elsewhere. I really grow when I serve in any way! Seeing God work grows US! You know you can see what God lays on your heart and go from there. I first just googled ways to volunteer in my area, and a food pantry came up, so I started there. Then I learned that my (new then) church teams up with them. But you will see ways to volunteer in your city. And watch how God will work! Hugs and love to you Tami! And for your encouragement always!! :)
Wow, I’m able to respond! This is from my phone and not my iPad so maybe that’s the key! That’s some story Rhonda – I got it I think lol. I just signed up to serve on a missions team cohort so there’s that. I finally have the time now that I’m not care taking I’ll be praying for God to lead me to where else he wants me. Thank you for your prayers ladies :-)
❤ It works!!! Yay!!!!!!!!
Tami, so happy to pray for/with you and hear how God works! ❤
God designed spiritual growth to happen in community. Like Timothy, we’re called to both receive from those ahead of us and pour into those coming behind.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Lord, thank You for the example of Timothy’s faith and courage. Help me to seek out the mentors who will guide me, the encouragers who will lift me, and the mentees I can disciple. Teach me to give and receive in faith, so that Your gospel will continue to spread through generations.❤️
Amen and amen! ❤
SEARCHING- The “imitate me” verse jumped out at me ad well, but with a definitive thought that I would NEVER be bold enough to ask that someone imitate my faith walk! Yes, there are parts that are worthy of imitation: prayer, daily time in the Word, loving others, you ladies know what I mean! Imitate Jesus? YES!!! Me- ?
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BUT – this lesson is on Timothy-dare I say one if our ‘sweethearts’ of the Bible. I love his example in faith.
Barnabas said, “As we consider his life, this is what we want to imitate and ask God for: “sincere faith” (2 Timothy 1:5) and to be “an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1Timothy 4:12).”
Amen!
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TINA- Timothy had a lengthy job description, too! I hear your thoughts! This passage in 1 Thessalonians 3 gives us a glimpse-
“We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.”
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RHONDA J- Thank you for sharing about your ‘butterflies’ and the way you teach, encourage, and mentor them. As I have said before, I remember your first step of faith out of your comfort zone (that you shared here) – praying with your neighbors after the hurricane and just rejoice with you in where God had taken you!
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Love, hugs, and continued prayers! Looking forward to some praise reports soon! ❤❤❤
Off to have a test done- just routine schedule.
Thank you!! Yes, praying for my neighbors after hurricane!!! That was a HUGE step out!! I am often overwhelmed where God has taken me! The desire is what it takes I think! God use me, I want to say yes!! I am eager and hungry for you Lord!!
I am working on resting at his feet, just being in his presence, turning off the doing, praying, and listening. no radio. no distractions. It is hard.
I’m glad all my nervousness and scared moments was noted here to all of you!! Meaning- glad I shared at the time, b/c hopefully it is a testimony how God uses the unqualified!!
It is definitely a testimony of your faith, trust, and dependence on Him, allowing Him to move you out of your comfort zone- as you have mentioned many times. ❤ You truly inspire us to do the same!
I hope and pray to display a Timothy-like sincere faith in all things.
praying this too!
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Imitate me. Good words, SEARCHING. Oh, to be imitated. Puts a new perspective on the woman I am each day. Most days I need to be more like Him (and less like me!).
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I have always loved and been drawn to the scriptual content describing these relationships and the example of Timothy. There is a depth and richness to seek after. The challenge at the end of today’s devotional is good to rest my heart on. May my will and hearts desire be to live a life of sincere faith and be a genuine, true example.
“As we consider his life, this is what we want to imitate and ask God for: “sincere faith” (2Timothy 1:5) and to be “an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1Timothy 4:12).”
I was not able to access SRT yesterday, but can see in going back today that the tech hiccup has been resolved. Hope they will be able to address commenting soon? So odd to me that some can comment and others can not.
Praying for all those requests and needs shared.❤️
How are you faring, Wendy? Any update? ❤
I think the reply glitch is fixed! Thank you SRT IT! We love our reply option!❤️
As I read these letters to Timothy from Paul, I related to how he felt! I too, write letters to my many butterflies that are in jail and prison! I see something different in them, their desire for Jesus, to receive him, love and grow in him. We nature them while they attend our classes and learn, but I write to them to encourage and strengthen them. Then when they go on to prison, I find them and write them more. At this point I am praying fervently that they keep strong, walk the walk and talk the talk, not be given over to Satan, but to keep running the race well!! I know his intense desire to feed into him and help him, but not knowing how it is actually going to go! It’s hard for a lot of people to understand in this day and age, where you can just see on fb or IG what people are up to and how they are doing. But with them, I really have no idea how they are doing except for our letters back and forth, and trusting the Lord that my words are impactful, and that theirs is truth back!!
I have learned so much having mentors in the last 4 years since joining this church that the Lord led us to! I am so thankful and would not be doing the wonderful things the Lord has entrusted me with without them continuously making me step out with my insecurity and unbelief in myself!! Oh how I wish everyone had wonderful mentors! And YOU can be one to someone else! Young or old, everyone needs a close Christian friend to guide them and exhorts them. Gently correction, words of praise, and prayer always, prayer!!
I love that this community is full of mentors and sisters in Christ that share their wisdom each day…for years!! Can you imagine if no one felt “good enough” to post, there would be no comments that we could glean from each day!! We are meant to talk and share. I see how my hubs needs this. We are not meant to walk alone, only with a Sunday service for our nutrients.
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Yes, Searching! What a convicting and revealing question we really MUST ask ourselves, daily!
Anen
When I told my people I was thinking of retiring at the end of summer, I was asked to write a list of my job description..
In the role of cook, I wrote of the relevant things needed to keep the kitchen running smoothly and without incident, ie temperature charts, stock rotation, deliveries put away as soon as possible especially the fresh goods… and the obvious “try not to poisonng anyone ”
I handed my extensive list over to my line manager, who asked.. “Where is the rest”
I responded with. “This IS the job description ”
She replied” what about the other stuff you do. I know you do immeasurably more than on that list, you listen, you talk, you hug,you love, you mentor, you give time.. these all need to go on the list!
“How do I write these as my job description, this was just me being me..
BUT GOD..
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Here’s the thing, by God’s grace, I filled this job, all those years ago, when I was asked to help out at the Church, with the words “if it’s God’s will.”
A few weeks later, to cut a long story short, the two days required became available, and so the story carried on until I was able to do the 4 days wanted..
I have been blessed, I have grown, been stretched, I have known mercy, oh the grace of the Holy Spirit within me, directing my walk and path on this journey.
I so feel it’s been a complete honour… the amazing thing for me is that I have silently been this person, without fuss, without agenda, without fanfare, but by his Grace, I have travelled this road in love and by Grace, and I pray a conduct befitting of a follower of Christ, just like Timothy and the teachings of the saints alive, along the way..
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Amen.
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Disclaimer alert!
This is not about me, BUT about HIM who has been my help and guide in ALL circumstances.. and HIS Grace.. and ALL I’ve learnt along the way to be as best as I can be.. for HIS Glory..
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Blessings dear hearts..❤️
❤Blessings back to you, Tina! Excited to be able to reply! ❤
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What an honor to be known for a “sincere faith.” I pray my heart and life demonstrate a sincere faith.
What a beautiful picture of living for Christ
Amen❤️
Regarding Timothy’s ministry, Paul reminds him –
be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (footnoted as ‘teaching’)
Meditate on these things
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
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In other words, walk the walk and not just talk the talk.
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1 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
. Wow, do I have the nerve to say that to anyone? Even if unspoken, we are teaching others by our behavior. Never think that no one is watching … God always is, along with others you may not notice.
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Joining CEE GEE and other sisters in prayers for the safety and protection of firefighters and all affected by the Canada wildfires.
INDIANA ELAINE- praying for pain relief and speedy healing, that pain meds do their job in the meantime.
LINDAK – thankful for the minimal pain last weekend, and praying for pain free traveling this coming weekend
MARIA J – praying for the safety of your daughter and family. Your accuracy example reminded me of a baking failure when I grabbed all purpose flour instead of self-rising for a recipe – I stared at the epic fail, thinking ‘what in the world?’ and then noticed the bag of AP flour sitting there, looking totally innocent :/
LARAE TAYLOR – praying as you begin discipling this young mom accurately in truth, may you both grow closer to the Lord, praying for her marriage situation
So good Searching!! “Do have the nerve to say to anyone Imitate Me??!” That seems like a conceited thought, but knowing God’s grace and use of my story…I want others to receive and have what I have in Him!!
Great take away, sister!!!
Praying for health improvement for family member! Still praying for teens- may God place godly people in their paths this school year. ❤❤❤
Amen
Mentor- Encourager-Mentee, I love this! I pray I can be all of these. Mentoring younger women, encouraging all and most of all always still learning.
Amen❤️
“Timothy was devoted to Christ and His gospel above all.”
Looking forward to meeting Timothy in heaven and learning more about his adventures with Paul and the early church.
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MARIA J – praying for the safty of your daughter and her family. Also praying for all being displaced by the wildfires.
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LARAE TAYLOR – praying today is the first of many meetings with the young womanand that both of you will grow in your faith.
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RHONDA J – continued prayers for M and her family.
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I love Paul and Timothy’s relationship. I pray for a relationship like this.
I aim to be an example of a Christ -Exchanged life woman/mother/daughter. To live righteously is to live fully surrendered like Paul, Timothy and many others during that period.