Paul's Charge To Timothy Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Character: Things Thou Hast Heard

2. Commit: Thou to Faithful Men

3. Competent: Who Shall Teach Others

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: "Paul's charge to Timothy." The beloved apostle Paul instructs his son Timothy: "To be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," 2 Timothy 2:1-3. Verse two, of this text will be the verse of interest in our lesson.

2. First, we will consider the character of Paul: "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses." Timothy is encouraged to focus on the things he had heard of Paul among many witnesses; his faithfulness, his devotion to Christ and commitment to the gospel. For it will be these same character traits that the young preacher will "commit to faithful men" like himself. It is a blessing to be able to know that we who have traveled this road awhile; have taken time to "commit this word and a faithful life" to an understudy. Someone, we might call: a son, a co-worker, or fellow laborers with God, 1 Corinthians 3:9. I trust each of you ministers here have someone that you are “building up in the Lord,” that he might carry on the work first in your absence; and eventually after you are called “from labor to reward.”

3. Second, we will discuss Timothy's charge: “that the same things commit thou to faithful men.” It is necessary that this message be committed to faithful men, competent men “good men who are full of the Holy Ghost and faith,” Acts 11:24. Who can be good “stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.

4. Lastly, we will describe the importance of his work, and that was “that they may be able to teach others also.” Timothy was to identify and train faithful men, who would be competent and skilled in “teaching others also.” He was to train the “pastor-teachers” who would then, “equip the saints for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:12. What are the things they were to pass along to others? Notice: “to hold fast the faithful words as they have been taught - and to exhort and convince the gainsayers,” Titus 1:9. Let's consider point number one.

BODY OF LESSON

I CHARACTER: THINGS THOU HAST HEARD

A. The things heard: “Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” 2 Timothy 2:1-3. The charge of Paul included several important things I need to address before we consider the verse of interest. Notice, Let us:

1. First, “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Find your strength in the grace of Christ; and not associates, or even co-workers. Some of these men will fail you; forsake you; and even betray you. Find your strength in the grace of Christ and in the power of God. Notice:

a. David said: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes,” Psalms 118:8-9. Also: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord,” Psalms 4:5.

b. Jeremiah wrote: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord,” Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalms 1:1-6.

c. Paul encourages: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,” Ephesians 6:10. Illustrate: Equip yourself for the fight.

2. Further, “be about teaching faithful men, who are able to teach others.” Some of Paul’s associates and co-workers forsook him and returned to the world. He wrote:

a. One, “Demas has forsaken me; all Asia hath turned away from me,” 2 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 4:10. “Only Luke is with me,” 2 Timothy 4:11.

b. Two, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:11. Let’s review a history of this young man.

1) Mark is called “Marcus” by Paul and Peter, Philemon 1:24; 1 Peter 5:13.

2) He began his ministry with a rocky start; but ended it with a sound finish with Paul’s admiration, Acts 12:12; Acts 12:25; Acts 13:13; Acts 15:36-38.