Lessons from 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 Tim.
3:15.
Silas, Paul's companion in labor, was a tried worker, gifted with the spirit
of prophecy; but the work to be done was so great that there was need of
training more laborers for active service. In Timothy, Paul saw one who
appreciated the sacredness of the work of a minister; who was not appalled
at the prospect of suffering and persecution; and who was willing to be
taught. Yet the apostle did not venture to take the responsibility of giving
Timothy, an untried youth, a training in the gospel ministry, without first
fully satisfying himself in regard to his character and his past life.
Timothy's father was a Greek and his mother a Jewess. From a child he had
known the Scriptures. The piety that he saw in his home life was sound and
sensible. The faith of his mother and his grandmother in the sacred oracles
was to him a constant reminder of the blessing in doing God's will. The Word
of God was the rule by which these two godly women had guided Timothy. The
spiritual power of the lessons that he had received from them kept him pure
in speech and unsullied by the evil influences with which he was surrounded.
Thus his home instructors had cooperated with God in preparing him to bear
burdens.
Paul saw that Timothy was faithful, steadfast, and true, and he chose him as
a companion in labor and travel. Those who had taught Timothy in his
childhood were rewarded by seeing the son of their care linked in close
fellowship with the great apostle. Timothy was a mere youth when he was
chosen by God to be a teacher, but his principles had been so established by
his early education that he was fitted to take his place as Paul's helper.
And though young, he bore his responsibilities with Christian meekness. . .
.
Paul loved Timothy, his "own son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2). The great
apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to
Scripture history, and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully
taught him how to do successful work. Both Paul and Silas . . . sought to
deepen the impression . . . of the sacred, serious nature of the work of the
gospel minister.
In his work, Timothy constantly sought Paul's advice and instruction. He did
not move from impulse, but exercised consideration and calm thought,
inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? The Holy Spirit found
in him one who could be molded and fashioned as a temple for the indwelling
of the divine Presence. {LHU 132.6}
As the lessons of the Bible are wrought into the daily life, they have a
deep and lasting influence upon the character. These lessons Timothy learned
and practiced (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 203-205).
>From Lift Him Up - Page 132
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