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.
3) He is acknowledged by Paul as his fellow-laborer who had been a comfort to him during his first imprisonment in Rome, Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24.
c. Three, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also: for he hath greatly withstood our words,” 2 Timothy 4:14-15. However, all was not lost. He says: “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me!” Notice:
d. Four, “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:16-18. Be it known beloved brothers - this same promise is granted unto each of us.
3. Finally, “be about enduring hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” So endure the hardness of these trials, disappointments, betrayals; for so is the way of faithful men. For, “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” 2 Timothy 3:12. Servants of the Lord shall have some hardships. Prepare for them! Pray to the Lord for strength, to endure them.
4. Summary: Our work will sometimes be difficult; but, we to must be strong in the grace of Christ; we to must commit this message to faithful men that will be able to teach others also; and finally, we to must endure the trials of our faith, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds Timothy:
B. For thou hast: “Fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,” 2 Timothy 3:10. Consider:
1. First, Paul was a good soldier and follower: “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 11:1. Also: "Those things, which ye have both learned, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you," Philippians 4:9. Illustrate: Good leaders are good followers. Paul was a good follower of Christ.
2. Further, Timothy was well aware of the life and work of Paul for Christ. He was in the middle of many of the battles himself.
3. Finally, Paul knew the life and character of this young preacher. Illustrate: You Know the Proof of Him, Philippians 2:19-24. Notice:
a. Singleness of mind. "I have no man likeminded."
b. Sought the things of Christ. "Others sought their own will."
c. Served with me in the gospel. "Like a son with the father - he hath served with me in the gospel." Timothy was a faithful son and co-worker in the gospel of Christ.
C. Continue in the things: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them,” 2 Timothy 3:14. Timothy is charged to continue in the faith. Notice:
1. First, his faith as a child. Timothy: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 3:15.
2. Further, his unfeigned faith. Timothy: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee.” Consider:
a. One, the faith, “Which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also,” 2 Timothy 1:5.
b. Two, “Wherefore, I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands,” 2 Timothy 2:6. Illustrate: Stir up the fire. Log wood stove and poker!
c. Three, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7. Don’t be ashamed or afraid of your work.
3. Next, be not ashamed. Timothy: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God,” 2 Timothy 1:8. Also, “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him, against that day,” 2 Timothy 1:12.
4. Finally, hold fast. Timothy: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 1:13. Timothy, keep the form of sound words, which you have heard and have been taught of me - that you might be an example for all men, even as I am for you.
D. Study to shew thyself: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15. Illustrate: Apollos in Corinth: “He mightily convinced the Jews, and that publically, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was (the) Christ,” Acts 18:24-28.
1. Timothy’s training. Even with all his talent, Paul encourages him to study to shew himself approved unto God. He had training in the scriptures from his youth.
2. Manner of Paul. “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and rose again from the dead: and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you is Christ (Messiah),” Acts 17:2-3; Luke 24:44-49.
3. The scriptures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” 2 Timothy 3:14-17. We must study the scriptures to be able to answer.
4. Remember Philip? He: “Began at the same scripture, and preached unto him (the Ethiopian) Jesus,” Acts 8:34-35. Hear Solomon: “The heart of a righteous man studieth to answer,” Proverbs 15:28; 1 Peter 3:15.
5. Illustrate: Read out of the Book, Nehemiah 8:8.
E. Timothy’s training and study of the word yielded him good results. Notice:
1. Public life. First, Paul states: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12. He was faithful to Christ and to the study of His word.
2. Pulpit life. Further, Paul directs: “Till I come:
a. Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine,”
b. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery,”
c. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them,”
d. See that thy profiting (growth in the word) may appear to all,” 1 Timothy 4:13-15.
3. Private life. Finally, Timothy: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee,” 1 Timothy 4:12-16. Timothy was to:
a. One, “Take heed unto himself, and unto the doctrine;” give care to your own life and the “sound teaching” given unto you.
b. Two: “Continue in them:” by following my example and other faithful men.
c. Three: “For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” Timothy was being reminded of the tremendous responsibility of his life and work. It will not only save him; but his example and faithfulness will also save them that hear him and be faithful themselves (those that hear thee). Let’s now consider our next point.
II COMMIT: THOU TO FAITHFUL MEN
A. Commit to faithful men. These things: “The same commit thou to faithful men.” The same “healthy teaching” you commit to faithful men - to be followers of thee, as thou art of me, and I am of Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1-2.
B. That good thing. Notice: “That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us,” 2 Timothy 1:14. Also: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare,”1 Timothy 1:18.
C. Good soldier. Paul continues: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier,” 2 Timothy 2:3-4. Notice:
1. Timothy: “Fight the good fight - until thou hast lay hold to eternal life,” 1 Timothy 6:12.
2. Endure hardness as a good soldier. War a good warfare!
3. Illustrate: 50 Mile Road March, 1961. Blistered feet, tired and aching muscles; fatigue, hunger and thirst; yet we endured it gladly, as good infantry soldiers.
4. Brethren, “Don’t become weary.” Paul says: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not,” Galatians 6:9.
D. Charge some not to teach. Son, Timothy: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia:
1. That thou mightest: “Charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables...genealogies...which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do,” 1 Timothy 1:3-4.
2. Wholesome words: “If any man teaches otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,” 1 Timothy 6:3. Here he speaks of: “sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1.
3. He is proud: “Knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself,” 1 Timothy 6:4-5. Notice:
a. He is nothing: “For if any man thinketh himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself,” Galatians 6:3. Also, “And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know,” 1 Corinthians 8:2.
b. Be not wise: “Be not wise in thine own conceits,” Romans 12:16; Proverbs 26:12.
c. He is deceived: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise,” 1 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 4:6.
d. Think soberly: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith,” Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 12:6.
E. Titus to tell the elders: “That they hold fast the faithful word as they have been taught, that:
1. First, “They may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” The elders are to be able with sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince (convict) the Gr: antilego, those that speak against the word of God.
2. Further, “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision.” Paul tells Titus that in Crete there are many unruly, vain talkers and deceivers; especially those of the Jewish religion.
3. Finally, Paul said: “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake,” Titus 1:9-11. Notice the purpose of their work:
a. One: “Their mouths must be stopped!” The elders and faithful men must silence the opposition. Silence them with the “sound doctrine, with wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine which is according to godliness.”
b. Two: “They subvert whole houses!" They are causing whole houses, churches and communities to be turned away from the faith and to be lost.
c. Three: “They teach things which they ought not.” They teach and promote false and subversive doctrines. Paul writes: “They profess that they know God: but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate,” Titus 1:16; Romans 1:22; 2 Corinthians 13:5.
d. Four: “They do it for filthy lucre’s sake.” Some do it for the love of money, others for popularity and still others for a perceived power. They desire to overthrow the faith of the many. Paul directs: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak: and not to please ourselves,” Romans 15:1. False teaching continues to exist because men who the truth has been committed unto; remain silent for fear of their position or in an attempt to turn away others from the faith. I’ll speak to this a little later. But for now, let’s consider our last point.
III COMPETENT: WHO SHALL TEACH OTHERS
A. Commit the word to competent, faithful men, “Who shall be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2. Notice: “Timothy, pay strict attention to the things you have heard of me from many witnesses, as well as what you have seen me do; that you might commit these things to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also, to follow and practice - ref.” The common sense version (CSV)!
B. Who was he to commit these things unto? To men he deems to be faithful. In both Timothy’s and Titus’ case, this charge was unto the “elders” they were to commit these things. And then these elders or bishops were themselves to “teach others also.”
1. First, therefore, the requirement for an elder or bishop to be “apt to teach,” has merit in this charge, 1 Timothy 3:2. He must be able or “capable of teaching” - presenting the message of Christ. Faithful men must be "able" to teach others also. Able, in Gr. is Hikanos, which means - to be competent or capable.
2. Further, these men must be “pastor-teachers,” Ephesians 4:11.
3. Next, they are to “feed the flock of God,” 1 Peter 5:1-4.
4. Finally, they are to be “overseers and shepherds of the church of God,” Acts 20:28. There is no clearer verse in the bible that mandates who has been made the “overseers” and “shepherds” over the church of God, by the Holy Ghost.
C. Why was he to commit it to them? Timothy was to commit these things unto faithful men in order that they “may be able to teach others also.” It was the design of God for the elders or bishops to “lead and direct the church.” The evangelist was to set it up as designed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Now let’s follow Paul’s instruction by his teaching. Notice:
1. Paul's instruction for the eldership. Titus: "Ordain elders in every city," Titus 1:5. The word “ordain” here in Gr: is “ka-thi-ste-mi;” kath-is'-tay-mee; which means “to ordain and set in place." To set down, bring to; place in an office; or in a condition. The pattern is, “elders (more than one) in every church in every city.” This verse authorizes the placement of men in the office of leadership in the Isle of Crete.
2. The pattern was always a plurality of elders; never a presiding bishop or elder; a pastor or one in “evangelistic oversight.” This is an error that must be corrected! Illustrate: I’m a Pastor, Are you?
3. Paul’s practice in establishing elderships. Paul ordained elders in every church. Notice: “And when they (Paul and Barnabas) had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed," Acts 14:23. Notice the word’s usage:
a. Paul ordained elders. The word “ordained” here in Gr: is cheirotonéo, or khi-rot-on-eh'-o; which means (to stretch); to be a hand-reach or voter (by raising the hand), i.e. (generally) to select or appoint:-choose, ordain. The word “ordained” here is different than “ordain,” in Titus 1:5. This word here implies the selection and the appointment process to the office. Both words are translated “ordain.”
b. "As I have appointed thee." On the other hand, the word "appointed," in Titus 1:5 in Gr: is diatásso¬, or dee-at-as'-so; which means “to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc.:- appoint, command, give, (set in) order, ordain.” The meaning here is “a command or order to set up the leadership - NOT to be appointed as the church’s leadership.” Paul WAS NOT “setting up” or “appointing” Titus as a leader over the church; but, ordering and directing him to “set up leadership” on the Isle of Crete. Just as he had witnessed Paul do in other cities. Timothy was under the same charge – to establish leadership in the church at Ephesus, 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
c. The evangelist is under orders to “set things in order,” Titus 1:5. Notice Paul to Corinth: "And the rest will I set in order (dia-tasso) when I come," 1 Corinthians 11:34. The same word is used here: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders (dia-tasso) to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye,”1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
d. Other usages of "dia-tasso" in Paul's writings:
1) Guidance for marriage in all churches: “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so (dia-tas-so-mai) ordain (direct) I in all the churches,” 1 Corinthians 7:17.
2) Guidance for the minister’s salary: “Even so the Lord hath (dia-tas-sen) ordered (directed) that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,”1 Corinthians 9:14. The word in each passage is “ordered.”
e. Now what was the “evangelist Timothy, the elders and faithful men charged to do?” Let’s notice again what Paul told Timothy: “That you commit these things to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2. I see these two things he was to commit the elders and to faithful men to do. They were:
1) One, to “Be followers and promoters of sound doctrine.”
2) Two, to “Be able to exhort and convince the opposition.”
3) Three, Brethren this is our work; to identify, teach and prepare faithful men “to be able teach others also.” This is a shared responsibility.
D. Teach them to be followers and promoters of “sound doctrine;” the “truth which is after godliness.” This is a divine doctrine. Hear Paul: "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour," Titus 1:4. Notice Paul gives the same admonition to Timothy, “In our common faith,” 1 Timothy 1:1-3. Which is the “faith of God’s elect” or the “truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1-2. Notice, this truth was:
1. Conceived by God: “before the world began.” In hope of eternal life for the elect.
2. Commission by God: “But hath in due times manifested (made known) - His word through preaching.”
3. Committed by God: Unto Paul “by the commandment of God our Savior.”
4. Paul now commits this same “teaching” unto Titus and Timothy, and charges them in our text to: “commit the same to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2. Compare 1 Timothy 6:3 with Titus 1:1. The “doctrine which is according to godliness” is the “truth which is after godliness.” Teach them to do what? Notice:
E. Teach them to be able to exhort and convince the gainsayers, or the opposition. Paul encourages Titus, Timothy and those they would commit the “sound teaching” unto; that they follow these same practices. Notice:
1. First, holding fast the faithful word. This is their charge.
a. The elder’s charge. They must hold fast to the "faithful word," Titus 1:9. Colossians 2:8.
b. The evangelist’s charge. “I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ preach the word,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
c. The faithful men’s charge. The Hebrews: "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines," Hebrews 13:9.
d. The church membership: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love,” Ephesians 4:14-15.
2. Further, as they hath been taught. That he may be able by sound doctrine both:
a. To exhort - teach and admonish: “Let the elders that rule be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine,” 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
b. To convince the "gainsayers." In Gr: is "antilego" which means "to speak against, to dispute, repute, contradict, deny or gainsay," everything that is good or held true from the word of God. Paul says: “win them over with sound doctrine." Not by loud tones or threatening jesters.
c. The evangelist, elders or faithful men’s work is not to accuse the "gainsayers," but, to exhort and convince the opposition with the word of God.
1) Don't run him through with the sword (the word of God). Pass it to him!
2) He is still a brother. Notice Paul: "And if any man obeys not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother," 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.
3) Let’s try to win the brother - not kill him, James 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1.
4) But, if he still resist - Notice: “A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject: Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself,” Titus 3:10-11.
3. Finally, mark them that cause offenses. Hear Paul: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18. The opposition will present their claims or defense with:
a. Good words. But they will lack a biblical foundation. It is not good words that save; but “sound doctrine,” or the “truth which is after godliness.”
b. Fair speeches. They sound convincing - their rhetoric might be very persuasive. But it is not “sound doctrine.”
c. Their messages merely: “deceive the hearts of the simple.”
d. Evangelists, ministers, elders, and faithful men, must “watch out for these men and their 'good words and fair speeches,’” Acts 20:28-32.
1) We are all under the same charge, to care for the church of Christ.
2) To be on guard against “false prophets, which come in sheep clothing...ravening wolves,” Matthew 7:14.
3) And this we will do, if God so permit us through our own study and vigilance in the church.
4) Stand fast: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistles,” 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Before I concluded let me summarize what we have discussed today.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Character: Things Thou Hast Heard
2. Commit: Thou to Faithful Men
3. Competent: Who Shall Teach Others
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the character of Paul: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses.” It will be Paul’s character traits that the young preacher would himself follow and “commit to faithful men.” It has been 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.
2. Second, we discussed Timothy 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. These shall be men that are “trained to be stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful,”1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
3. Lastly, we described the importance of his work, and that was “that they (the faithful men) may be able to teach others also.” Timothy was tasked to train “elders, deacons and faithful men” how to “teach others also.” That they were to: “hold fast the faithful words as they have been taught; - and then to exhort and convince the gainsayers,” in order to silence the opposition against the faith, Titus 1:9.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
