Timothy, a Dependable Follower

GOLDEN TEXT: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” —I Timothy 4:12

ACTS 16:1-3

PARENTAL teachings and example exert a strong influence in one’s life, and this was true in the case of Timothy, a young disciple whom Paul first met in Derbe and Lystra. In II Timothy 1:5 Paul speaks of the “unfeigned faith” of Timothy, and adds that this faith also “dwelt first” in Timothy’s “grandmother Lois” and his “mother Eunice.” We cannot take from this, however, that God’s calling of the members of the “little flock” to whom it is his good pleasure to give the kingdom is necessarily governed by heredity. However, called ones who have been blessed by having consecrated parents have much for which to be thankful.

Timothy’s mother was a Jewess, but his father was Greek. It was a “mixed marriage” religiously, and despite the great faith and devotion of the mother, apparently she had been restricted to some extent in carrying out all the conditions of the Law so far as Timothy was concerned, for he had not been circumcised. As a follower of Christ his circumcision was not essential to salvation; but Paul decided that his influence would be greater among devout Jews if he were circumcised, so he gave instructions that it should be done.

Circumcision was not exclusively a feature of the Law Covenant, for the Lord enjoined it upon Abraham, and it was practiced by his descendants prior to the giving of the Law. The historical records of the Bible seldom give full details, and it may well be that Timothy was held in disesteem by the Jews because he had not been circumcised; so Paul reasoned that there would be no point in permitting this handicap to his ministry to remain, especially since it was a custom which had been followed by all the natural seed of Abraham.

Timothy was a young man—probably one of the youngest to engage in the ministry at that time. Paul realized that the older brethren might not have confidence in this young disciple, and that this would be discouraging to him, so he wrote, “Let no man despise thy youth.” However, Timothy was not to argue with the brethren to convince them that even though he was young he was fully capable of participating in the ministry.

Actions speak louder than words, so Paul’s suggestion to Timothy was that as an offset to the brethren’s viewpoint concerning his youth, he endeavored to be an “example of the believers.”

“In word.” One’s habit of speech is a true index of the heart. If Timothy loved the Lord more than life itself, and was well grounded in the truth as a servant in the church should be, his speech would prove it.

“In conversation.” This word in the Greek text is one which means “behavior.” The Revised Version translates it “manner of life.” It would include behavior in conversation, for that is a part of one’s conduct. However, it extends also to the whole course of life.

“In love.” One might speak “with the tongue of men and of angels,” and yet have the wrong motive. Timothy, for example, might display a great deal of eloquence “in word,” yet if he was thereby endeavoring to impress the brethren with his ability and was not motivated by love, the brethren would have good cause for not being too impressed by his ministry.

“In faith.” Faith in the life of a Christian should extend beyond his belief in the doctrines of the divine plan, to confidence in God’s overruling providences in the everyday affairs of life. Such a faith leads to composure and evenness of temperament in the face of trials and difficulties. These are qualities which are not so likely to be displayed by those young in years as by those who have had more experience in life. If Timothy possessed them it would be another reason his youth should not be despised.

“In purity.” Purity means unmixed, and in the Christian life, implies unreserved devotion to the Lord and to the doing of his will. This leads to purity of doctrinal beliefs, and also to purity of conduct based upon those doctrines. On the average, the young are considered to be less inclined to singleness of purpose in life than older people. As one’s mind matures, and reaps the benefit of life’s experiences through the passing years, a fixedness of purpose should develop. But one who is consecrated to the Lord has an advantage in this respect, for the Holy Spirit, through the Word, gives him perspective and balance others do not enjoy. Timothy had this advantage, which compensated in large measure for his lack of years.

PHILIPPIANS 2:19-24

PAUL held Timothy in very high regard. He wrote to the Philippians, “I have no man likeminded,” or as the marginal translation reads, “so dear to me.” Others, Paul reveals, “seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Paul was such a whole-hearted servant of the Lord himself that it must have been a source of great disappointment to him to find so few who had the same outlook. But he did find this unselfish quality of full devotion in Timothy, and he appreciated it greatly.

Many in every part of the age have rejoiced in the blessings of the truth, and have been willing to serve when conditions were favorable, and it didn’t cost too much. Not many have caught the real spirit of the truth, and have been swept on by it into sacrificial death, as was the case with Paul and Timothy. Professed Christians have been numbered by the millions, but in the entire Gospel age there have been only a “little flock” like these two “examples of the believers.”

II TIMOTHY 2:1-5

PAUL’S reference to Timothy as his “son” is intended to show his great affection for this young and faithful soldier of the cross. It does not indicate that Timothy was one of Paul’s converts; for, from the account in Acts 16:1-3, seemingly Timothy was a follower of Christ when the apostle first met him. He had, nevertheless, been a spiritual guide to him and probably taught him many of the deep things of God.

Paul was one of the twelve apostles, and they had no successors. Nevertheless, he had such great confidence in Timothy that he commissioned him in a special way to continue the ministry which he had begun, admonishing him to commit to other faithful men the things “that thou host heard of me.” However, this commission was not limited to Timothy, for every consecrated follower of the Master, from Pentecost to the present time, has had the responsibility of carrying the torch of truth and of passing it on to others that they, in turn, might keep it displayed in a dark world.

To do this faithfully has always required courage and endurance; for those who let their light shine are buffeted by persecution and by the cold indifference of the world. It has been necessary for all of them to “endure hardness” as “good soldiers of Jesus Christ.” The “soldier” illustration of the Christian life is one which is well calculated to emphasize its rugged aspects, and the necessity of being prepared to meet with opposition.

“No man that warreth,” Paul wrote, “entangleth himself with the affairs of this life.” Timothy had served the Lord with a singleness of purpose which was commendable. He had kept himself free from earthly entanglements, and was thus in a position to respond to the call to service whenever, and from wherever, it might come. Paul was now admonishing him to maintain this attitude, assuring him that to do so would certainly be pleasing to the Lord, who “had chosen him to be a soldier.”

But singleness of purpose and the spirit of endurance are not the only essential qualities of the Christian life. Changing the illustration from a soldier to an athlete, Paul explains that one who strives for mastery is “not crowned except he strive lawfully.” To “strive lawfully” means to be governed by the Lord’s will in all that we undertake to do in his service and in the service of his people and the truth.

QUESTIONS

Is the Lord governed by hereditary considerations when calling people into the narrow way?

Why did Paul consider it advisable for Timothy to be circumcised?

What course did Paul advise Timothy to take in order to prevent the older brethren from despising his youth?

What was one of the qualities which helped to endear Timothy to Paul?

Why did Paul refer to Timothy as his “son”?

What has been one of the responsibilities of every true follower of the Master throughout the age?

What particular characteristic of the Christian life is illustrated by the life of a soldier?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |