A Talk with Timothy

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
(2 Timothy 3:10 – ESV)

If we could somehow have five minutes alone with Timothy and if he was exhorting us to fulfill our calling in the Lord, we can be sure as scripture that he would give us his take on Paul’s admonition to him. All we need to do is see the essence of what Paul’s two letters teach about discerning to realize that the same things Paul taught Timothy the Holy Spirit is teaching us, that is why these letters are canonized. The lesson plan for pastors is the same as it ever was.

Timothy would tell us to keep being nourished by the sound teaching you have been following after (1 Timothy 4:6-7). Let them see your progress and some will be saved from wanting to do it some other way (1 Timothy 4:13-16). Follow the Word not your whim, and always be on guard against error (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Teach other men what you have been taught, commit this to faithful men who will stick to it and not stray, make sure you teach right doctrine and not some novelty (2 Timothy 2:2,15).

It is going to get more and more difficult to teach because people will think they love God but they won’t really, they will just love themselves and play at their religion. Among such people come bad teachers, but don’t you be like them, you preach the Word, because they will be turning away to myths. Good teachers will be persecuted and the bad teachers will go from worse to worse and they will be popular not persecuted. You have followed my teaching and my pattern of life and I am telling you it is the right thing to do but it will bring persecution. Yes this makes it difficult, but you have seen me do it, now you follow suit (2 Timothy 3:1-13).

Timothy would tell us that he also went to prison for the faith (Hebrews 13:23). He would say that, in a sense, the measure is not whether you are popular but whether you are persecuted.

He would tell us to continue in the truth as Paul taught it to him, and now to you. Paul was not concerned with the new but the true, he never said you’ll be in trouble if you don’t follow what is new, but if you don’t follow what is true (2 Timothy 3:14).

You have been taught, and with the scriptures you have all you need to teach others and to live a godly life as an example (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

He would conclude – Preach the word, preach what you have learned, not that there are more words but preach the Word you already have (Jude 3). Preach no matter what else is going on, in the high times and in the dry times. People will think they are following the wind of the Spirit, but they are actually being carried away with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). People may not hear the truth anymore, but you endure it and fulfill your calling to be faithful to God (2 Timothy 4:1-5). That is what Paul taught me, and I am teaching you. It’s the same lesson plan.

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©