Timothy: Faith Keeps GOD First - 2 Timothy 1 and 2 - June 25, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Timothy: Faith Keeps GOD First – June 25, 2006

This is the last lesson in our series on “Godly Men of Faith.”

We have seen from our study of both women and men of the Bible that these are ordinary people, just like us, who have had an encounter with GOD. Each of us has our own encounter with GOD. Our journey is being recorded in our hearts and minds. When we study the lives of other people we can relate events in their lives with situations in our lives. We need to keep in mind that GOD deals with each of us in HIS own way and does not necessarily interact with us the same as HE does with others.

Our scripture is 2 Timothy 1:1-14 and 2:1-7

Our study today is about Timothy. Here is some background on Timothy:

v It is believed that Paul led Timothy to CHRIST during his first missionary journey to Lystra, Timothy’s home town. Paul refers to Timothy in his first letter to Timothy as his spiritual child. 1Timothy 1:1-2 - 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus, our hope: 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith. Paul makes another reference to Timothy being his son in the faith.
v Timothy first appears in Acts 16:1-3 - 1 Then he went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. 3 Paul wanted Timothy[1] Lit wanted this one to go with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.
v We learn in our lesson today that Timothy’s mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) are both Christians.
v Timothy’s father was Greek and as a result Timothy was not circumcised until Paul circumcised him before they went on a missionary journey – Acts 16:3 - 3 Paul wanted Timothy[1] Lit wanted this one to go with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek..
v We know that Paul had great confidence in Timothy and left him in charge of several situations. Paul was forced to leave Berea because of an uproar started by Jews from Thessalonica. Paul left Silas and Timothy behind to strengthen the work in Macedonia: Acts 17:14-15 - 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul away to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy stayed on there. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.
v After Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Athens, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to ensure the believer’s are well grounded in their faith in CHRIST and to encourage them. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-9 - 1 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. 2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s co-worker[1] Other mss read servant in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to[2] Or we are destined for this. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing. 6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love, and that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience because of you before our God,
v In Acts 19:22 - 22 So after sending two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he (Paul) himself stayed in the province of • Asia for a while.
v The mission Timothy and Erastus was sent on failed and Paul had to send Titus to straighten things out. Possibly Timothy was considered the team leader because in 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 it seems Timothy was held accountable for the failure of the mission. - 10 If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear from you, because he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 Therefore no one should look down on him; but you should send him on his way in peace so he can come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.[2]

This last bullet, I think, is important in setting the stage for our scripture study. The fact that Timothy had to have someone else come to his aid could have shaken his confidence and faith. Keep in mind this is a personal letter to Paul’s son in the faith, Timothy. Did Paul need to encourage Timothy at this time in his life? I think so.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 1:1-7:

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the promise of life in Christ Jesus: 2 To Timothy, my dearly loved child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thanksgiving
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my forefathers did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, 5 clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also. 6 Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit[1] Or Spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Keep in mind Paul is under arrest in Rome and this is thought to be his last letter before he is killed. Paul begins his letter with a gracious opening and reminds Timothy that he considers him his spiritual child. Paul has mentored Timothy. Paul reassures Timothy that regardless of what he is encountering he is still his spiritual child in the faith.

For Timothy to follow in Paul’s footsteps must have been an awesome responsibility for young Timothy. I am sure Paul is a spiritual giant in Timothy’s eyes.

Paul and Timothy were encountering a wide variety of issues as they ministered throughout the regions. Timothy may have thought Paul had distanced himself from his heritage. This could be the reason Paul reminds Timothy that he is grateful for his heritage as a Jew and still acknowledges the forefathers of the faith such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Timothy had to be reminded that CHRIST is the fulfillment of the law.

Paul tells Timothy that he prays for him often.

Paul recalls the time they departed from each other with tears but he looks forward to the time they will see each other again.

Paul reminds Timothy of his faith in CHRIST and ties it to the same faith of his mother and grandmother. It is thought that Timothy’s mother and grandmother accepted CHRIST before Timothy.

It seems to me that young Timothy’s faith has been shaken and Paul is trying to reassure him in his faith. He reminds Timothy of the gift he received when Paul laid his hands upon him.

I am convinced that GOD allows us to experience some very special spiritual things or spiritual markers in our lives for us to recall during the dark times in our lives. This reminder of recalling that moment when Paul laid his hands on Timothy could be such a spiritual marker.

Paul reminds Timothy that GOD does not give us a spirit of fear but we have the HOLY SPIRIT WHO is our teacher, enlightener, comforter, assuror, guide and power. We all have to be reminded of GOD’S care during dark times in our life. Our hope and light during these times comes from GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT. Often GOD will send a fellow Christian during these times to encourage and stand with us.

Let’s read 1 Timothy 1:8-14:
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this [gospel]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher,[2] Other mss add of the Gentiles 12 and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me[3] Or guard what I have entrusted to Him, or guard my deposit until that day.
Be Loyal to the Faith
13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.
These verses continue to reinforce and encourage Timothy.

It seems that Timothy is struggling with some issues with GOD and possibly with the fact that Paul is under arrest and GOD has not delivered him.

Has Timothy’s expectation of GOD not been fulfilled in his ministry and in delivering Paul from prison? When GOD has worked mightily in our lives, we expect HIM to jump when ever we make a request. If HE does not jump to our aid, we become discouraged. Did Timothy think that since he was going through a tough time in ministry that he needed Paul to be with him but GOD had not delivered him from prison? Did Timothy think GOD was not working as mightily in his life and ministry as HE once did or as much as HE had in Paul’s ministry? We have more questions than answers.

So we need to shift our thinking to what is Paul telling Timothy and what is GOD’S message to us today.

When things in life do not go as we think they should, that is the time we need to remember our testimony and commitment to our LORD. It is a time to remember the things we have been taught about our LORD. It is a time to remember the spiritual markers in our lives. We need to shift our focus from the circumstances around us to who GOD is and HIS power that will deliver us or sustain us. This is the time we must recall our spiritual heritage and know that the HOLY SPIRIT lives within each of us and is our power to overcome or endure all circumstances. It is the time to ask the HOLY SPIRIT to pray in our behalf and along with us to get through these times and deliver us safely to the time when we will again rejoice in the LORD. With the brothers may connect with Paul or Timothy.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2: 1-7:
Be Strong in Grace
1 You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 To please the recruiter, no one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of everyday life. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hardworking farmer who ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Is Timothy overwhelmed with the burden of the ministry?

Paul again reminds Timothy that he is his son in the faith and for him not to become discouraged but delegate the responsibility for the ministry to other faithful people who can help him. Train faithful people to teach and train others in the faith. This will multiply disciples in the faith.

Paul gives Timothy several examples to consider. He needs to keep in his mind the responsibility of a soldier. A soldier has to focus on his duties and cannot be compromised with other distractions. Timothy needs to realize that he is in spiritual warfare and he needs to focus on the battle. The same is true for the athlete, who has trained for an event. The athlete must focus upon crossing the finish line according to the rules of the contest to win.

Paul seems to be saying, "Timothy, just in case you still need to get the picture think about the farmer. He works hard and trusts that he will be rewarded with the fruits of his labor. So Timothy as you labor for the LORD you also need to be the first to receive the joy of serving HIM. You need to keep in mind that it is the LORD WHO gives the increase. So, Timothy stay focused and rejoice as you see the LORD produce results.”

Often we get so caught up with doing that we get burned out in service. There are times we need to refocus on our relationship with our LORD and ask HIM to reveal to us what we need to do or not do to restore us to useful service.

Paul uses the analogy of a soldier, athlete and a farmer as examples for Timothy to consider and the LORD will give him the understanding he needs to carry on with his calling to serve.

Timothy needs:
v The commitment and the unswerving devotion of a soldier. Timothy is in GOD’S army fighting spiritual battles and it is not easy.
v The discipline and dedication of an athlete. If Timothy quits before he reaches the finish line then all of his training has been in vain. He needs to complete the race for his own good and for those who are depending upon him.
v The trust a hardworking farmer has when he tills the field, plants the seed, works the fields, and depends upon GOD to send the right amount of rain and temperature to produce a good harvest. Timothy knows when the farmer has done all he can do the results are in GOD’S hands. It is important that he knows he has done his best to prepare the crop for the best yield. Just as there is more work than the farmer can do alone, Timothy needs to delegate the work load by training other faithful people to help him.

As Timothy dwells upon the examples Paul gave him, how do you think GOD used each example to rejuvenate Timothy’s service to HIM?

Do we need for GOD to rejuvenate our relationship to HIM? As we dwell upon these examples, ask the LORD to show us what we need to do or not do in order to serve him better. Let us not grow weary in serving our LORD.