1Timothy 1:3 YOU ARE THE MAN Timothy was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Why would Paul choose Timothy to come and help him in the work of the Lord? Timothy had a good report as a faithful man from the Lystra and Iconium assembly elders. There must have been some kind of prophetic word confirmed regarding Timothy that made him a good choice to go with Paul. Mark had left the work for some reason, and Paul now needed another young man with him. He needed someone who would have been able to connect with both Jews and Gentiles, and Timothy could do that because of his parents. There was also a true affection that Paul had for Timothy as a “True child” in the faith. Paul, after his release from prison, was not able to stay long at Ephesus so he left Timothy there in the work. Timothy would have had solid Jewish training in the scripture from his mother and grandmother. He was also willing to submit to the rite of circumcision in order to avoid potential problems in the outreach of the Gospel. Apparently, Timothy found it difficult [1Tim.1:3; 2Tim.1:4] so Paul wrote to encourage and instruct Timothy.
There are some indications that Timothy may have been sensitive and timid, besides not being too healthy. Some younger people are insecure when it comes to taking responsibility, and others have a tendency to be over-confident. A balanced personality and one who knows his limitations is generally one who can be trusted to deal with difficulties without being extreme in condemnation or carelessness. Timothy had potential, Paul could see. As the years passed, Paul's confidence was strengthened in his fellow laborer. Together, they had had victories in the Gospel that gave great joy, in spite of the serious opposition they endured. This letter of encouragement was evidence of the genuine Christian fellowship and love these men shared as they pressed forward in the work of the Lord.
There was no question that Timothy was a man of God. In the profile of a disciple, there are characteristics that are consistent with one who is a believer. In one way or another, they have responded to the Gospel that they heard from parents, preachers, or seen testified in the lives of faithful saints. Timothy was probably led to Christ through Paul when he first came to Lystra. As the years passed and Paul came to Derbe and Lystra, he learned Timothy had a good reputation among the believers of those two assemblies. In choosing Timothy for this work, Paul was no doubt confident that he was faithful to the Lord and had a concern for the Lord's people. In spite of physical problems, he was fully committed to the work of the Lord and the Lord's people. These are the same characteristics God is looking for in His servants today. Thankfully, there are those the Lord is raising up and sending into the harvest field to preach the Gospel, baptize believers, and teach them to observe "all things" He has commanded.
Like the apostle Paul, his mentor, Timothy had a servant's heart [Acts 19:22]. As one who had the heart of a servant, he was willing and eager to serve the people. This is how we serve God - by serving His people. What we do for Christ in this life is done when we are reaching out to people with the Gospel and then seeking to guide the people of God in the word, will, and ways of the Lord. The difference between a true servant and those who like to be considered servants is that most people prefer to be served rather than serve. The true servant doesn't want to advertise his labors. One who prefers to be served is a poor laborer in a harvest.
As a companion to the apostle Paul [Acts 20:4], Timothy was available to do whatever he could to assist Paul at the beginning of his ministry, and he was still there in the latter part of his ministry. One who is an available servant is satisfied to work with others, because he knows the value of his brethren and their opinions. Teamwork is a very important part of the work of furthering the kingdom of God. Our Lord Jesus chose twelve "to be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach." Paul, like his Master, took men of different personalities, from different places and different assemblies with him, as they all went into Asia. The variety of gifts and strengths is a very positive part of working together. In that kind of work, each one learns how to work with other men. If one cannot work with others, usually, they are seriously limited in the extent of their effectiveness.
The most effective way of learning is to work with others and practice what they have taught us, both personally and as they teach us the word of God and how they have applied God-given truth. Timothy was a learner, and as such, he was teachable [2Tim.3:10-11]. He would have learned all he could from Paul's teaching, his way of life, and the purpose of Paul's life. "That I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death," would not have confused Timothy as regards his teacher. When a person has a desire to learn, they learn. Paul could send Timothy to a church or a new work and be secure in what he would teach. In the work of the Lord, we look for those who are eager to put in the hours it takes to "fully know" you and what you are trying to pass on to others, as you further the work to which you have been called.
Not often in life do we find a person who is truly like-minded when it comes to caring for people, sharing the goals and objectives of our ministry, and who has the mind and heart that binds us together in a unique fellowship. Timothy and Paul had that. Timothy was like-minded [Phil.2:20] with Paul, and he was a genuinely caring person like Paul. That kind of person, whenever we find such a one, is one who is trustworthy. He will be faithful to you. He will understand what you do and why, and will know your message and life like Timothy knew Paul's message and manner of life. Timothy was faithful to live out what he knew and could be trusted in difficult situations, because he was a man of unfeigned faith.
As a faithful worker with the apostle Paul and others [1Thes.3:2], Timothy was a reproducer because he had caught the vision they had for the souls of men and women, and the glory of the Lord in the future. His approach to the Gospel would be similar to that of Paul, and more; he was willing to pass that vision on to others. That principle still holds for those who have been called to proclaim the Gospel and carry out the commission that has been entrusted to us. "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." [2Tim.2:2].
1Timothy 1:3. “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”
ABIDE STILL. Timothy, my son, you’ll have to do this on your own. Stay where you are, this is no time to go home, It’s not that I don’t care, but Macedonia calls – There’s work to do there, before testimony crumbles and falls. Challenges once from without have now come from within – For teachers we had trusted, have become unfaithful men.
When you stand up to teach, be sure your doctrine is sound. Charge others who speak that what they preach is found In the pages of scripture, and the Holy Spirit will guide Into all truth, to profit the saints who have nothing to hide. Sound doctrine must be taught so the assembly will prosper; Fables and arguments divide – and the testimony will falter.
As for preaching the Gospel, never take it for granted That all will be saved, because often preaching is slanted By those who teach salvation by law, or things people do. Be kind, but preach truth coming from God’s Spirit to you, So all listeners the way of salvation plainly will see, And respond to Christ’s call when He said, “Come unto Me.”
Another charge brother Timothy, to you I commit; This one may be harder, but you must be faithful to it. There are those who are making shipwreck concerning the faith; You are going to have to stand up to them and rebuke to their face The wrong they have done with consciences that are seared, Make sure all understand that God’s Word must be feared.
To ignore what God says is a serious offense. It implies that God’s truth really doesn’t make sense. Even though we don’t know the end of the story, We must commit ourselves fully to what brings God glory. Never for a moment neglect God-given duty, Saints and sinners are blessed when we obey God fully.
“Father, it is not always easy for me to do what I know is right and is truly Thy will. Even now, I am wondering if I am just filling in time in these meetings we are having, or is this the way You are getting me to go where You want me to go. But as I am, in one sense, waiting to do what I promised for my Christian brother, may the things that I pass on to the saints of this assembly, be a blessing to them – and that I know is Thy will. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:3. “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” NO OTHER DOCTRINE. Timothy, the need is there – you are able to meet it. The saints at Ephesus, though they are saved – May not always be willing to heed it.
Tell the truth plainly, go over the Gospel – Go back over the doctrine, plainly teach it; Trusting that God will give the power you need, And those false teachers will finally get it. Stay, don’t run from the pressures you’ll be under; You will know when to speak and what and why. Be firm, be clear, be plain – you don’t need to thunder Loud imprecations to get your point across; Charge them – warn them so none will have to wonder.
The doctrine you know well – don’t hesitate; The law is past – grace and mercy you’ve experienced, Pass it on to those who so easily take the bait Of self-made salvation that has been polluted By sin-stained hands, and always they wait – Wait for some new or other act of grace, Rather than bask in the fullness of Christ-paid mercy. Any other doctrine bears the stamp of man, And will never stand the test of biblical reality. Such spurious teaching fails men and God – Leaves them spinning in the winds of dark adversity; Without foundation – these must be stopped.
“Holy God, give to each of us the Christ-likeness to be firm and kind at the same time. Some people do not really know the difference of right and wrong when it comes to doctrine. Other people are deliberately undermining the work of God. Help me to respond in the appropriate way to any threat against Thy people. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Strange interpretations of scripture and imaginations that some people have about the scriptures are a danger to faith. Questioning God's word in one area leads to undermining the authority of the scriptures in other areas. The scriptures of truth have been tried and proven for centuries. Modern-day revisionists and theologians have been seeking to adapt God's truth to make it more palatable to present-day society, which doesn't want to live under unchangeable principles. The only thing that has resulted from all of these teachings is that the body of Christ has been splintered into denominations that have divided God's people, and confusion is generated by "fables and endless genealogies." Such things go on endlessly. There is no stopping this problem once it gets started. One may think the controversy has been settled and fellowship restored, only to find twenty years later that it has been festering and polluting the minds of the Lord's people. We wonder at the "dearth in the land," and find out the "myths and endless genealogies" still are being urged upon certain people.
Timothy was given the responsibility of going back over the "sound doctrine” that brought about the life- changing results and blessings of "the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." He was to be a steward of "sound doctrine," and the work of God which is by faith. He was to promote this command with love for the saints, and that the final objective would be that their love toward the Lord, His people, and His truth would again be positive. There is no difficulty in seeing when this goal is accomplished. That love will come from a pure heart, free of enmity and subterfuge. Those who respond to God's love shown through His servant will again have a good conscience toward God and men. Their faith will not be a religious affectation, but deep and lasting.