First and Second Timothy
14 Day Devotional
In
1st and 2nd Timothy we hear Paul’s fatherly advice and
direction to his young friend and son in the faith, Timothy. Paul discusses
many things with Timothy including faithfulness, trust, direction, how to treat
people in his care as well as various challenges that would greet him as he
continued to mentor and guide the people in his church.
There
are many principles in these two books that apply to everyday life. Even if we
are not leaders in the church, reading Timothy can benefit us as an instruction
guide in relationships to people.
“Do
your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need
to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15-16
DAY 1
1 Timothy was written from Paul to Timothy, a young pastor ministering to the Ephesian church and possibly others in the area (1 Timothy 1:3). Although Timothy was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, Pau also called him a son whom he loved and who was faithful to the Lord (see. 1 Corinthians 4:17). Paul was very passionate about this young disciple!
Timothy
was with Paul during much of His second and third missionary journeys. The two
undoubtedly became close during this time and Paul sought to instruct Timothy
in matters of the church and pastoral conduct. In many ways their relationship
must have been like that of a father and son. There was mutual respect,
expected submission from the “son” and unconditional love. Of course, we don't have
a letter of response from Timothy, but we can assume that he was okay with
being called "dear son" and submissively bowed to Paul's leadership
as his spiritual father.
In response, Paul sought to help Timothy in areas that needed correcting - not to harm him, but to help Timothy grow into the mature pastor Paul knew he would become.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Think back to 2-3 people
who have been an influence in your life. Note the characteristics that they
helped you to grow in, shaping you to be the person you are today. What
characteristics do you want to borrow from them? What can you continue to learn
from them even today?
2.
The defining quality of a
leader is “influence.” We are leaders to anyone we have influence over. This
doesn’t mean we have a title! It means that we walk alongside them and provide
guidance as Paul did for Timothy. Who are you a leader to your life? Whom do
you influence by your words and actions?
3.
Ask the Holy Spirit if
there are any area(s) that you have not been a good leader. Repent as
necessary. Ask Him how to change your pattern of leadership to become more like
Christ. How do you think this could create change in the leadership roles that
you have?
