Timothy's heritage

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2Timothy 1:5)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2Timothy 3:14)

• How did you come to faith in Jesus?
• What changes has Jesus brought to your life?
• What price are you willing to pay to live for God? –example of Timothy

Timothy became a key worker in Paul's team

To Timothy my true son in the faith (1Timothy 1:2)

But he had to pay a cost in order to take on this role. He submitted to circumcision in order not to cause difficulties with sme of those Paul was reaching with the Christian message.

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2 The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1-3)

Timothy worked at a paid employment in order to free Paul for his preaching, teaching & Church leadership.

When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching (Acts 18:5)

• Are we willing to enable others?

Paul sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. (Acts 19:22)

• Are we willing to step on from practical work to helping in spiritual leadership

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:1)

• Do we, like Paul, making room for others in our lives?

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith (1Thessalonians 3:2)

It seems Timothy had some hang ups about his youth, which he felt disqualified him from a leadership role.

If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then, should refuse to accept him. (I Corinthians 16:10)

• Do we despise youth or make room for the contributions of all?
• Are there other things which cause us to doubt others' contributions?

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1Timothy 4:12)

Timothy's greatest quality was his true love for others

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. (Philippians 2:19)

• How about us? Is love something people see in us?

Timothy had received spiritual gifts from God

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (1Timothy 4:14)

• What gifts has God given us?
• How are we using them for him?

Timothy faced difficulties in his life

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

• Do we look after our health properly?

I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. (Hebrews 13:23)

• How do we cope with opposition?

Can we learn from Timohty how to

• Be thankful for our heritage
• Be ready for fresh challenges
• Work with others
• Encourage the young
• Truly love others
• Offer our gifts to God
• Live healthily
• Trust God in difficulties