Timothy: How to Invest in our Strongest Disciples

We’ve already looked at how the apostle Paul made his first disciples in Corinth.

In this article we look at Paul’s named disciples from Galatia, particularly his relationship with Timothy who became one of his strongest disciples…

First Fruits of Galatia

In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas set off for Galatia. In summary at the end of their journey this was the report;

‘After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had now put their trust.’ -Acts 14:21-23

After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” -Acts 15:36

However, Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over taking John Mark with them. So Paul chose Silas. First they went to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy (See Acts 15:36-Acts 16:1)

There are 5 disciples mentioned in scripture that hailed from Galatia;

Timothy (from Derbe or Lystra)
Eunice (Timothy’s mother)
Lois (Timothy’s grandmother)
Gaius from Derbe (Acts 20:4)
Artemas from Lystra (Titus 3:12)

Timothy

In this article we will focus attention on Timothy…

Timothy is the first disciple mentioned by name from the region of Galatia. He is a young disciple; ‘His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek’ -Acts 16:1-3

Paul says to Timothy; ‘I remember your genuine faith, for you shared the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that the same faith continues strong in you’ -2 Tim 1:5

So two other disciples are mentioned from Galatia…all related to Timothy. His grandmother Lois and his mother, Eunice.

When speaking of Timothy to the Philippian Church, Paul says this;

‘If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares for you welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here.’ -Philippians 2:19-23

That’s some commendation!

Paul describes Timothy as a fellow-worker (Romans 16:21) and a brother; ‘I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you.’ (Hebrews 13:23)

How to Invest in our Timothy’s

We can see from Paul’s two letters to Timothy how he invested in one of his strongest disciples

In 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul begins his letter by addressing Timothy in this way; ‘I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith’ (1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Tim 1:2)

Here are a few things Paul does is relation to Timothy; he

Thanks God for Timothy and constantly remembers him in prayer- day and night (2 Tim 1:3)
Longs to see him and will be filled with joy when they are together again (2 Tim 1:4)
Gives specific instructions (1 Timothy 1:3-4) and shares the purpose of his instruction (1 Tim 1:5-11)
Shares his testimony (1 Tim 1:12-17)
Paul remembers Timothy’s genuine faith, that he shares with his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Tim 1:5). In other words, he has gotten to know Timothy’s wider family
Paul’s instructions to Timothy are based on the prophetic words spoken about him earlier (1 Tim 1:18). He encourages Timothy not to neglect the spiritual gift he received through the prophecy spoken over him when the elders of the church laid their hands on him (1 Tim 4:14) and encourages him to give his complete attention to these matters; ‘Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress’ (1 Tim 4:15). He reminds Timothy to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave him when Paul laid hands on him (2 Tim 1:6)
Exhorts him to cling to his faith and keep his conscience clear (1 Tim 1:19-20). ‘You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus’ (2 Tim 3:14-15)
Instructs him how to pray (1 Tim 2:1-2)
Reminds him of the gospel (1 Tim 2:3-6, 3:16, 6:15-16, 2 Tim 1:9-10, 2 Tim 2:8-13)
Tells him not to be ashamed to tell others about our Lord (2 Tim 1:8), to keep a clear mind in every situation. Not to be afraid to suffer for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News and fully carry out the ministry God has given him (2 Tim 4:5)
Encourages him to be willing to suffer with Paul for the sake of the Good News (2 Tim 1:8), to endure suffering as a good soldier of Christ (2 Tim 2:3-7)
Reminds Timothy of his own purpose and calling (1 Tim 2:7). ‘God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News’ (2 Tim 1:11). ‘But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra- but the Lord rescued me from all of it.’ (2 Tim 3:10-11). ‘As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righhteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing’ (2 Tim 4:6-8)
Encourages Timothy to ‘hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus’ (2 Tim 1:13) and to pass on the pattern of teaching to others, who will do so with others also (2 Tim 2:2)
He shows personal care to Timothy relating to his various illnesses (1 Tim 5:23)
He tells Timothy how he feels about those who have abandoned him and those who stuck with him during his trials (2 Tim 1:16-18, 2 Tim 4:10-22)
He instructs Timothy to come to him as soon as he can (2 Tim 4:9)

from this we can highlight the following;

Pray for your Timothy’s with thanksgiving
Spend time together and get to know their families
Give instructions whilst sharing the purpose of those instructions
Give instructions based on prophetic words spoken into their lives
Share your personal story with them
Share your purpose and calling with them
Instruct your Timothy’s on how to pray and remind them what the gospel is and how to share the gospel with others
Model a pattern of enduring suffering and exhort them to be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel
Pass on a pattern of teaching
Be vulnerable, share your struggles
Show personal care in relation to the various weaknesses and challenges they face

Paul Invests in Timothy as a Leader

Paul goes further with Timothy and instructs him on what to do as a leader in relation to the work. This includes;

Instructions about worship (1 Tim 2:8-15)
Instructions about appointing leaders in the church (1 Tim 3:1-13)
Instructions on how people must conduct themselves in the household of God (1 Tim 3:14-15)
Instructions on how to deal with false teachers (1 Tim 4:1-13, 6:3-5, 6:20-21, 2 Tim 2:14, 2 Tim 2:16-19, 2 Tim 2:23-26). Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. ‘Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and correctly explains the word of truth’ (2 Tim 2:15)
Instructs Timothy to focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them (1 Tim 4:13). He urges Timothy to ‘preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching’ (2 Tim 4:2)
Encourages Timothy that though he is young, he is to set an example to all believers in what he says, in the way he lives, in love, faith, and purity (1 Tim 4:12). He is to keep a close watch on how he lives and on his teaching and stay true to what is right for the sake of his own salvation and the salvation of those who hear him (1 Tim 4:16). He is to run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts (2 Tim 2:22)
Gives him advice regarding Widows, Elders and Slaves (1 Tim 5:1-6:2)
Gives advice regarding contentment versus love of money (1 Tim 6:6-10) and how to instruct those who are rich (1 Tim 6:17-19)
He exhorts Timothy to run from all these evil things and pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11)

And Paul’s investment in Timothy pays off! Timothy goes on to co-author a number of letters with Paul, including 2 Corinthians, Philippians, 1&2 Thessalonians and Philemon

Who Are Your Timothy’s?

Who are your Timothy’s?

Who are you investing in like Paul invested in Timothy?

Who are their Timothy’s? (as Paul said to Timothy, ‘You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them onto others’ -2 Timothy 2:2)