Paul to Timothy

Timothy

• Beloved son in the faith• Been taught Old Testament scriptures from

childhood (Mother Eunice/G mother Lois)

• Probably in his thirties at this point• Timothy: Name – ‘one who honours God’ / a

reputation for Godliness• Now serving as a young leader in the church at

Ephesus• Things to be addressed there.....

Set an example – model it

• Speech: words, personal conversation

• Life: Conduct, ways of doing things

• Love: Genuine and sincere

• Faith: Believing in God’s promises and ways

• Purity: Pure in inmost thoughts and actions

Speech

• Words – do they bring life and strength to others or negativity and criticism?

“Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks ..”Mt 12:34

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LifeConduct, ways of doing things.....wise and good choices

• “....show that they can be fully trusted so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.” Titus 2:10

• “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” ... 1 Peter 1:15

• “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us”.

1 Peter 2:12

LoveMust be sincere

• Love one another as I have loved you Jn 15:12

Faith

Trust in God

Purity

• Sexual purity• “Keep yourself pure” .... 5:22-23• In conformity to God’s moral law• .....”Above reproach” 3:2

Public reading of scripture• Reading of Law and prophets• Reading the book of the Law to men, women and others who

could understand Neh 8:1-8

• Jesus did this too in the synagogue “The spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me....” Lk 4:16-27

• Reading of the letters_______________________________________• Preaching - exhortation• Teaching - instruction

Use the Gift!

• Laying on of hands...body of Elders• “Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom

because Moses had laid his hands on him.” Deut 34:9

• Antioch: “...Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:1-3 (God’s workmanship)

• ‘Gracious endowment’

• The Holy Spirit’s work

Road signs

Progression

• Diligent• Whole hearted• Everyone may see your progress• “Now it is required that those that have been given a trust

must prove faithful” 1 Cor 4:2

____________________________________• “From him the whole body joined and held together by every

supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work.” Eph 4:16

Watch your life and doctrine closely

• Persevere• Save yourself (?) and others• Sin brings others down. Damages you and

others.

What is God asking you to do?

(Big arms.....)