What Can You Emulate From The Life of Timothy?

Inside our Bibles are two little books that are named after a believer called Timothy. This was a young disciple of Paul the Apostle who was stationed to pastor the church of Ephesus. But what can we learn from the character of this man? Here are a few lessons &qualities to emulate from our brother Timothy.

Timothy was young

1 Tim 4:12 - Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Lesson# Is it not a sad story that the young and free generation wastes their God-given youthful bodies to indulge in worldliness, immorality and a whole lot of useless foolishness. Somehow they imagine that there is still plenty of time waiting for them, way up in the future. Sad as it may sound; today is all we have because tomorrow is not guaranteed! Therefore this time and opportunity that the good Lord has given us must be used wisely for His glory. You don't have to wait for old age to fully commit to Christ. Remember how many of our dear boys & girls have left this earth and left us with nothing in the way of godliness but only tears of a wasted young life. Why not give all your youthful energy to your eternal Master and work hard for Him now. You won't be the first one but you will follow in the footsteps of Samuel, Joseph, David & Daniel who were used by the Almighty during their prime of life.

Timothy was a sincere believer.

2 Tim 1:5 - when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

Lesson# This world is filled with all kinds of people including trained crooks, professional scammers and high-class pretenders. What is desperately needed are godly people. Not people who would shout 'hallelujah' so as to get admiration from men, but genuine men &women of faith. Therefore let us all strive towards this; to serve the Lord with sincerity of heart. Do not be a hypocrite nor a pretender but let your life reflect genuine faith. Do not come to God to use Him to get money or other things but learn to love Him with sincere and genuine faith.

Timothy loved the Word (Bible).

2 Tim 3:15 - and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Lesson# You will never grow in your Christian walk until you come to an understanding that all the wisdom and tools you need to be a complete believer in Lord are found in your bible that you carry (2 Tim 3:16). Therefore, like Timothy who knew the Scriptures from childhood; you also learn to love the Word. It is the only thing that can change your heart and draw you closer to Christ. Don't be lazy nor look down on the Word. Allow the Word to penetrate your mind and richly dwell in your heart.

Timothy's faith was known by other believers.

Acts 16:1-2 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.

Lesson# Once you set your heart to serve the Lord with a sincere heart, it's going to be evident to other believers that you fellowship with, hence your presence will also encourage them in the faith. How is your Christian walk in relation to fellow believers that know you? Can they testify about the genuineness of your faith?

Timothy cared for other people.

Phil 2:19-21 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

Lesson# Caring for others, praying for others and putting others first is part of genuine faith. Join this club of genuine believers who care for others and stop being a selfish person in the name of Christ.

Timothy worked hard for Christ.

1 Thes 3:2..and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith.

Lesson# Looking at your Christian life; how much have you laboured for the Gospel? What have you done for Christ? Even future-wise, how are you planning to risk your life for the sake of your Lord? Start now!

Timothy suffered for Christ.

Hebrews 13:23 - Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

Lesson# Those who truly serve Christ will encounter, persecutions, temptations and hard challenges along the way (2Tim 3:12). Do not be discouraged when you face criticism and disappointment in the cause of Christ but be ready to face anything (even death&prison) for your Lord. There will be rewards for the faithful.

Timothy had a physical sickness

1 Tim 5:23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

Lesson# Many of us have believed preachers who say Christians never get sick, and then we get confused when we find ourselves on sickbeds. That teaching cannot be true because we have not yet received our spiritual bodies. Therefore our earthly bodies are very much prone to pains, injuries and sicknesses, but the lesson is this; no amount of pain, condition, disability, or sickness must be able to take your joy in Christ. Rather glorify God in every situation, knowing that all things shall work together for good for them that love Him (Rom 8:28). In our physical infirmities we groan with the hope of new bodies that we will be given us when our Lord comes (2Cor 5:2)

Sinothi Ncube