Timothy, PI

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul sends Timothy to check up on the Thessalonian church.

Timothy came back with a positive report.

I wonder if they recognized Timothy, or if he visited without being noticed.

It is clear that Paul valued Timothy's gifts and service.

Timothy's Parents

His mother was Jewish, but his father was Greek.

There is no indication that his father converted to Judaism or Christianity.

Paul & Timothy in 1 Corintians 4

Paul informs the Corinthian church that he is sending Timothy to remind them of Paul's "way of life."

Timothy's ministry is still a partnership, based upon teamwork and modeling, but he is now being sent out alone.

Paul is gradually giving Timothy more and more independence and authority.

Timothy times twenty-nine

The name Timothy appears in the Bible 29 times.

In Acts 16-20, Timothy appears seven times. In every case, his is part of a group.

There is no need to be a Lone Ranger in service to Christ. Timothy's early service was completely as a member of a team.

We Meet Timothy

According to the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary Volume 2: New Testament, we first meet Timothy in Acts 16:1-3, part of Paul's second missionary journey.

It is believed that Timothy first came to faith as a result of Paul's preaching on his first missionary journey, just two years before Paul recruits him.

Who Is Timothy?

Here's his Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy

I know him best for being mentored by Paul. That makes him a special case study.

Who are my Pauls? Who can I look up to and correspond with so that I can grow in my faith?

Who is your Paul, dear Reader?

Outline of 1 Timothy 5

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1. Honor older men and women
   
2. Advice about widows
   
3. Honor elders
   
4. Aside: drink wine
   
5. Good and bad deeds follow us
   

Keep Up the Good Work

In verses 13-16, Paul encourages Timothy to use his gift to continue teaching and sharing Scripture.

He also tells Timothy not to neglect his gift. This implies that it's possible to neglect spiritual gifts.

What gift do I neglect? What gift do you neglect, dear Reader?

Youth

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Christians are measured by their "fruit," the results of their actions, not the number of their years.

Timothy's Curriculum

Paul suggests that Timothy base his teaching upon the content of verses 1-5.

Who picks your curriculum, dear Reader? How do you decide what to study and learn?

Outline of 1 Timothy 4

1. Teach only what the Spirit teaches you
   
2. Spiritual health is even more important than physical health
   
3. Timothy, remember and apply your special spiritual gift
   
4. Reminder: teach the truth of the Spirit
   

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Why Write?

Paul would rather visit Timothy in person, but he may be delayed.

Writing is another way to share truth about the Christian life.

Maximization

In verses 1-8, Paul tells Timothy that he wants to see as many people as possible praying for as many people as possible, because God wants as many people as possible "to be saved."

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Fight the Good Fight

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Living the Christian life is not all about functionalism. Sociology's conflict theories have value in helping a Christian interpret the world's events, too.

Paul reminds Timothy to "fight the good fight" against Hymenaeus and Alexander.

I wonder what it means to hand these two men over to Satan?

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Damaged Goods

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In verses 12-14, Paul thanks Jesus for the privilege of service, despite his terrible past.

Ignorance was forgiven.

In what ways am I ignorant?

I don't want to stay there. It is easier to escape once I understand that even Paul's ignorance was covered over by grace.

Motivation

What's my motivation when I teach?

In verse 5, Paul reminds Timothy that his motivation should be:

1. love
2. pure heart
3. good conscience
4. sincere faith 

What Not to Teach

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In verses 3-4, Paul emphasizes Timothy's charge to emphasize what shouldn't be taught.

This is surprising. I'd have expected Paul to lead with a statement of what Timothy should be teaching.

There is great value in restraining wrong thinking. At times, it can be more urgent than implementing right thinking.

Outline of 1 Timothy 1

1. Greetings
   
2. The Law
   
   1. False Teachers
      
   2. Its Purpose
      
3. Paul's Gratefulness
   
   1. God Is Paul's Source
      
   2. Jesus Is Paul's King
      
4. Instructions
   
   1. Timothy's Prophetic Ministry
      
   2. Warning Against False Teachers
      

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Mentor

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Paul encourages Timothy's leadership in 4:12. Godliness is more important to effective service than age.

Do I hold myself back because of my age? Would I be more effective (at school, at church, and at home) if I actively sought a mentor?

Bill Hybels, in his book Axiom, suggests that people ask for mentoring which is tied to a specific area of need and growth. He also suggests seeking multiple mentors for multiple areas of growth. This allows the person seeking mentoring to ask for advice catered to each mentor's strengths, and avoids the trouble caused when one person is completely dependent upon another.

Related links:
http://weblogg-ed.com/2009/personalizing-education-for-teachers-too/

Where in the world is Timothy?

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In 1:3, we learn that Timothy is serving in Ephesus.