“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching…” – 2 Timothy 1:13 (NIV)
The baton has been passed unto Timothy. He has to finish the race well.
Timothy, which means ‘honouring God’, saw sincere trust in God first through his grandmother, then his mother. He was an early Christian – as Paul would remark, “…from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures” – 2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV).
Timothy was an evangelist and follower of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Ephesus. For some, he didn’t come from the right background, and his father wasn’t a spiritual leader. God, however, used him despite the advantages and disadvantages that surrounded him. He was commissioned for ministry through the laying of hands on him by the Elders. His ministry was preaching, prophesying, and healing – 1 Timothy 4:14.
Paul met Timothy while he was travelling through Lystra on a missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). People spoke highly about him, as he was a leader in the early church and a valued brother. Pau knew that he (Timothy) was gifted and encouraged him to do more since a legacy was left, beginning from his grandmother – 2 Timothy 1:5. Thus, Paul became his spiritual mentor, brother, and coworker. Timothy was viewed as a true son of the faith. He trusted God for strength to do what is right.
The foundation was already set when Paul encountered Timothy, and he encouraged him to focus on three spiritual priorities:
1. Nourishment from God’s Word.
2. Training in Godliness
3. Mission-minded approach to ministry.
Timothy served in Ephesus and died as a martyr for his faith. He spoke truth to perverse behaviour – the legacy he was taught. Timothy completed the course before him, he left nothing undone, and he crossed the finish line. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) tells us, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Friends, only winners receive the prize.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the way You have gifted us. Please forgive us for the way we may have neglected these blessings. Help us to further Your Kingdom through Your Word, love, and patience; in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24; 1 Timothy 6:20-21
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 66:13-20; John 13:18-38; 1 Samuel 13; 1 Samuel 14:1-23
