Read:  But I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. Phil 2:19-20

Examine: Paul addresses Timothy as “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey. Timothy accompanied Paul on most of his second journey after leaving Lystra. Scripture then informs us he was with the apostle in Ephesus during his third missionary journey.

Paul says Timothy had a “genuine faith,” the same as that which lived in his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:1–5). And that from a child you have known the Holy Writings, which can make you wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:14 – 15).

The Bible records, after Timothy was ordained to serve by Paul and church brethren (1Timothy 4:14, 2Timothy 1:6), he ministered in at least five New Testament churches (1Thessalonians 3:1 – 2, 1Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 2:19 – 22, Acts 17:14 and 1Timothy 1:3).

At the end of Paul’s fifth and final missionary journey, while in Rome a second time just before his death, he requests his closest friend visit him and bring his personal copies of his writings (2 Timothy 4:9, 13, 21).

Paul testified to those in Philippi regarding the unique Christian character of Timothy and his dedication to spreading the gospel. He said, “For I have no one who is likeminded, who has a genuine concern for you . . . But you know the proof of him, that as a child with a father, he served with me in the gospel (Philippians 2:20, 22).

Application:

Paul told Timothy to be devoted to reading Scripture, exhorting, and teaching, and not to neglect the gift that he had been given. Paul also counseled Timothy to keep a close watch on himself. These instructions remain pertinent to believers today. We, too, are called to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11–12).

Paul also told Timothy, to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Decision: Oh Lord! Help me to be like Timothy studying the Word of God, obeying the Word of God, ministering the Word of God, and preaching the Word of God.