Our Story 2.0 - Timothy | Sermon 08/04/24

Timothy was raised by a mother and grandmother whose faith in Jesus was sincere. (2 timothy 1:5) He was privileged to travel with Paul on his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys learning and being mentored in living a life devoted to the Gospel of Jesus. Paul gives us a glimpse into Timothy’s character when he says in his letter to the Philippians;” For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.” Philippians 2:19-24

Timothy was tasked with leading the church in Ephesus and Paul’s letter to Timothy gives us a glimpse of what he was dealing with in carrying out that duty. Paul councils him to be diligent to watch your life and doctrine closely, to be courageous in your commitment to the Gospel of Jesus,  to flee from the love of money and pursue contentment, righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. (1 Timothy 4:15, 2 Timothy 1&2)

The Hero of this story is God who through his faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit gave Timothy power to carry out his leadership. Through his time serving alongside Paul and Paul’s pastoral letters of encouragement, Jesus gave Timothy training, fellowship and support.

We need help and courage to commit to the Gospel of Jesus, fulfilling whatever duty Jesus has placed before us.  Jesus gives us His Holy Spirit, the Bible, Pastors, and fellow believers to help us watch our own lives and doctrines closely, pursuing contentment, righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.