jesus will mold us into useful instruments in his service. n we will look at how jesus took a young...

Jesus will mold us into useful Jesus will mold us into useful instruments in His service.instruments in His service.

We will look at how Jesus took a young We will look at how Jesus took a young man Timothy and molded him into a great man Timothy and molded him into a great friend of the faithful. friend of the faithful. (Jn 15:11-17)(Jn 15:11-17)


John 15:12-17John 15:12-17 - This is My - This is My commandment, that you love one another as commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. whatever I command you.


15 No longer do I call you servants, for a 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. .. 17 These things I made known to you. .. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.command you, that you love one another.


Timothy was born in the Lycaonian city of Timothy was born in the Lycaonian city of Lystra. Lystra. (Acts 16:1-3)(Acts 16:1-3)


Acts 16:1Acts 16:1 - Then he came to Derbe and - Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, there, named Timothynamed Timothy, , thethe son of a certain son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father Jewish woman who believed, but his father waswas Greek. Greek.


His father was a Greek and his mother was His father was a Greek and his mother was a Jewess. a Jewess.


His father was a Greek and his mother was His father was a Greek and his mother was a Jewess. a Jewess.

Since Timothy was not circumcised then it Since Timothy was not circumcised then it is likely his father opposed it.is likely his father opposed it.


He may have become acquainted with Paul He may have become acquainted with Paul and Barnabas when they came to Lystra and Barnabas when they came to Lystra around A.D. 46 to 48. around A.D. 46 to 48. (Acts 14:4-7)(Acts 14:4-7)


It is likely that Timothy, his mother and It is likely that Timothy, his mother and grandmother became Christians at this grandmother became Christians at this time. time. (Acts 16:1)(Acts 16:1)


It is likely that Timothy, his mother and It is likely that Timothy, his mother and grandmother became Christians at this grandmother became Christians at this time. time. (Acts 16:1)(Acts 16:1)

Because of their Jewish background they Because of their Jewish background they were given an early opportunity to receive were given an early opportunity to receive the gospel. the gospel. (Rom 1:16-17)(Rom 1:16-17)

Jesus can mold the life of anyone who Jesus can mold the life of anyone who will come to Himwill come to Him

From the world’s perspective there was From the world’s perspective there was little potential in Timothy.little potential in Timothy.



He was a Jew in a distant Greek city.He was a Jew in a distant Greek city.



He was a Jew in a distant Greek city.He was a Jew in a distant Greek city. In his religious training only his mother and In his religious training only his mother and

grandmother took a part. grandmother took a part. (2 Tim 1:5)(2 Tim 1:5)


2 Timothy 1:52 Timothy 1:5 - when I call to - when I call to remembrance remembrance the genuine faiththe genuine faith that is in that is in you, which dwelt you, which dwelt first in your grandmother first in your grandmother LoisLois and and your mother Euniceyour mother Eunice, and I am , and I am persuaded is in you also.persuaded is in you also.


There was great opposition from both the There was great opposition from both the Jews and Greeks to Christians.Jews and Greeks to Christians.


There was great opposition from both the There was great opposition from both the Jews and Greeks to Christians.Jews and Greeks to Christians.

God had planted His powerful word in God had planted His powerful word in Timothy’s heart. Timothy’s heart. (2 Tim 3:15; Acts 14:7-8)(2 Tim 3:15; Acts 14:7-8)


2 Timothy 3:152 Timothy 3:15 - and that - and that from childhood from childhood you have known the Holy Scripturesyou have known the Holy Scriptures, which , which are able to make you wise for salvation are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.through faith which is in Christ Jesus.


Over and over we see that it is not the Over and over we see that it is not the background of an individual that matter background of an individual that matter but rather if one opens their heart to but rather if one opens their heart to the Lord. the Lord.


Would you have sent a previously Would you have sent a previously maddened, demon possessed man back to maddened, demon possessed man back to the people to teach having almost no the people to teach having almost no knowledge? knowledge? (Mk 5:1-5, 17-20; Lk 8:40)(Mk 5:1-5, 17-20; Lk 8:40)


Mark 5:17Mark 5:17 - Then they began to plead with - Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. 18 And Him to depart from their region. 18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. be with Him.


19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “said to him, “Go home to your friendsGo home to your friends, and , and tell them what great things the Lord has tell them what great things the Lord has done for youdone for you, and how , and how He has had He has had compassion on youcompassion on you.” 20And he departed .” 20And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.


Luke 8:40Luke 8:40 - So it was, when Jesus returned, - So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for that the multitude welcomed Him, for they they were all waiting for Him.were all waiting for Him.


What made this man successful? How many What made this man successful? How many of you of you have greater knowledgehave greater knowledge than this than this man?man?


What made this man successful? How many What made this man successful? How many of you of you have greater knowledgehave greater knowledge than this than this man?man?

Again, would you use this woman in Again, would you use this woman in evangelism? evangelism? (John 4:25-30)(John 4:25-30)


John 4:29John 4:29 - - “Come, see a Man who told me “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city they went out of the city and came to Himand came to Him..


There is not a Christian among us who There is not a Christian among us who cannot be as effective as these if we would cannot be as effective as these if we would have the same measure of faith!have the same measure of faith!


““I am only one, but still I am one. I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do I cannot do everything, but I can still do

something.something.And because I cannot do everything,And because I cannot do everything,

I will not fail to do something that I can I will not fail to do something that I can do.”do.”

The call to discipleship was clear to TimothyThe call to discipleship was clear to Timothy

What would it have been like to witness the What would it have been like to witness the attempted execution of the one who just attempted execution of the one who just baptized you? baptized you? (Acts 14:19)(Acts 14:19)


Acts 14:19Acts 14:19 - Then Jews from Antioch and - Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they the multitudes, they stoned Paul stoned Paul andand dragged dragged himhim out of the city out of the city, supposing him , supposing him to be deadto be dead..


Here a fickle crowd who at first confessed Here a fickle crowd who at first confessed to be Paul’s supporter then is moved by to be Paul’s supporter then is moved by some Jews to kill him.some Jews to kill him.


Here a fickle crowd who at first confessed Here a fickle crowd who at first confessed to be Paul’s supporter then is moved by to be Paul’s supporter then is moved by some Jews to kill him.some Jews to kill him.

These Jews so hated Paul that they came These Jews so hated Paul that they came from other cities following him. from other cities following him. (Acts 14:1-6)(Acts 14:1-6)


Acts 14:1-6Acts 14:1-6 - Now it happened in Iconium - Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their poisoned their minds against the brethrenminds against the brethren. .


3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. part with the apostles.


5 And when a 5 And when a violent attempt was madeviolent attempt was made by by both the Gentiles and Jews, both the Gentiles and Jews, with their with their rulersrulers, , to abuse and stone themto abuse and stone them, 6they , 6they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.surrounding region.


Was this good or bad for Timothy? Was this good or bad for Timothy? (2 Tim 3:10-12)(2 Tim 3:10-12)


2 Timothy 3:10-122 Timothy 3:10-12 - But - But you have you have carefully followedcarefully followed my doctrine, manner of my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, perseverance, 11persecutions, afflictions11persecutions, afflictions, , which happened to me at Antioch, at which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And endured. And out of out of themthem all the Lord all the Lord delivered medelivered me. .


12 Yes, and 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecutionChrist Jesus will suffer persecution..


Paul reminds Timothy of these things for Paul reminds Timothy of these things for his good.his good.


Paul reminds Timothy of these things for Paul reminds Timothy of these things for his good.his good.

God wanted Israel to see opposition as well God wanted Israel to see opposition as well in Egypt. in Egypt. (Gen 46:32-24)(Gen 46:32-24)


Genesis 46: 34Genesis 46: 34 - that you shall say, ‘Your - that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both livestock from our youth even till now, both we we andand also our fathers,’ that you may also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; dwell in the land of Goshen; for every for every shepherd shepherd isis an abomination to the an abomination to the EgyptiansEgyptians.”.”


When we attempt to water down the gospel When we attempt to water down the gospel for the comfort of others, we undermine for the comfort of others, we undermine God’s power to mold a man! God’s power to mold a man! (2 Tim 4:1-(2 Tim 4:1-4)4)


2 Timothy 4:1-42 Timothy 4:1-4 - - I charge I charge youyou therefore therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead £at His will judge the living and the dead £at His appearing and His kingdom: appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the 2 Preach the wordword! Be ready ! Be ready in season in season andand out of season out of season. . Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teachinglongsuffering and teaching. .


3 For the time will come when they will not 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, their own desires, becausebecause they have itching they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn teachers; 4 and they will turn theirtheir ears ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.fables.


Timothy decided to go preach with Paul. Timothy decided to go preach with Paul. What did he think it would be like? What did he think it would be like? (Acts 16:3)(Acts 16:3)


They shortly came to Thessalonica.They shortly came to Thessalonica. (Acts 17:1, 5-8)(Acts 17:1, 5-8)


Acts 17:1Acts 17:1 1Now when they had passed 1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. synagogue of the Jews.


Acts 17:5-6Acts 17:5-6 - - But the Jews who were not But the Jews who were not persuaded, persuaded, becoming enviousbecoming envious, took some of , took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproarset all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. to bring them out to the people.


6 But when they did not find them, they 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “rulers of the city, crying out, “These who These who have turned the world upside down have have turned the world upside down have come here toocome here too. .


What kind of faith was built within the What kind of faith was built within the Thessalonians? What kind of preaching Thessalonians? What kind of preaching and example did they see before them?and example did they see before them?


No one has become a Christian without No one has become a Christian without repentance.repentance.


No one has become a Christian without No one has become a Christian without repentance.repentance.

If Satan cannot stop us from believing the If Satan cannot stop us from believing the truth, he will settle for one being religious truth, he will settle for one being religious but unrepentant. but unrepentant. (Jn 12:42-43)(Jn 12:42-43)


John 12:42-43John 12:42-43 - Nevertheless even among - Nevertheless even among the rulers the rulers many believed in Himmany believed in Him, but , but because of the Pharisees because of the Pharisees they did not they did not confess confess HimHim,, lest they should lest they should be put out of be put out of the synagoguethe synagogue; 43 for ; 43 for they loved the praise they loved the praise of men more than the praise of Godof men more than the praise of God..


We can be exposed to the truth all our lives We can be exposed to the truth all our lives and confess it, but be far away from the and confess it, but be far away from the Lord in our hearts. Lord in our hearts. (Mt 15:8-9)(Mt 15:8-9)


Matthew 15:8-9Matthew 15:8-9 - - ‘‘These people draw near These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their lips, But their heart is far from Metheir heart is far from Me. 9 . 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”doctrines the commandments of men.’”


Can one believe the truth and remain in a Can one believe the truth and remain in a denomination without controversy?denomination without controversy?

Timothy became like Jesus in his concern Timothy became like Jesus in his concern for othersfor others

Timothy’s faith grew from the start. Timothy’s faith grew from the start.


Timothy’s faith grew from the start. Timothy’s faith grew from the start. Brethren could see that genuine faith that Brethren could see that genuine faith that

could not be hid. could not be hid. (Acts 16:2; 2 Tim 1:5)(Acts 16:2; 2 Tim 1:5)


Acts 16:2Acts 16:2 - He was - He was well spoken of by the well spoken of by the brethrenbrethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. who were at Lystra and Iconium.


2 Timothy 1:52 Timothy 1:5 - when I call to - when I call to remembrance remembrance the genuine faith that is in the genuine faith that is in youyou, which dwelt first in your grandmother , which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.persuaded is in you also.


God also fed this faith by encouraging God also fed this faith by encouraging words from those who could prophecy. words from those who could prophecy.

(1 Tim 1:18)(1 Tim 1:18)


1 Timothy 1:181 Timothy 1:18 - This charge I commit to - This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, you, son Timothy, according to the according to the prophecies previously made concerning prophecies previously made concerning youyou, that by them you may , that by them you may wage the good wage the good warfarewarfare,,


This is our main work as a local church! This is our main work as a local church! Are you building and encouraging the Are you building and encouraging the faith of others? faith of others? (Eph 4:15-16)(Eph 4:15-16)


What Timothy was given by these brethren What Timothy was given by these brethren he would give to others for the rest of his he would give to others for the rest of his life. Have you experienced this?life. Have you experienced this?



His growing faith led to more opportunities.His growing faith led to more opportunities.



His growing faith led to more opportunities.His growing faith led to more opportunities. He was given a spiritual gift. He was given a spiritual gift. (2 Tim 1:6)(2 Tim 1:6)


2 Timothy 1:62 Timothy 1:6 - Therefore I remind you to - Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of Godstir up the gift of God which which is in you is in you through the laying on of my handsthrough the laying on of my hands..


He was circumcised to give doors of He was circumcised to give doors of opportunity to serve others. opportunity to serve others.



This was not a matter of personal likes.This was not a matter of personal likes.



This was not a matter of personal likes.This was not a matter of personal likes. This spirit is essential to the spread of the This spirit is essential to the spread of the

gospel. gospel. (1 Cor 9:19-23)(1 Cor 9:19-23)


1 Corinthians 9:19-231 Corinthians 9:19-23 - For though I am - For though I am free from all free from all men,men, I have made myself a I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and and to the Jews I became as a Jewto the Jews I became as a Jew, that , that I I might win Jewsmight win Jews; to those ; to those who arewho are under the under the law, as under the £law, that I might win law, as under the £law, that I might win those those who arewho are under the law; under the law;


… … to the weak I became as weak, that I to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all might win the weak. I have become all things to all things to all men,men, that that I might by all means I might by all means save somesave some. 23 Now this . 23 Now this I do for the I do for the gospel’s sakegospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it , that I may be partaker of it with with you.you.


He was given the opportunity to do the He was given the opportunity to do the same work that resulted in Timothy’s same work that resulted in Timothy’s conversion and also nearly resulted in conversion and also nearly resulted in Paul’s death! Paul’s death! (Acts 16:3-5)(Acts 16:3-5)


Acts 16:3-5Acts 16:3-5 - Paul wanted to have him go on - Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took with him. And he took himhim and circumcised him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they they went through the cities, they delivered to delivered to them the decrees to keepthem the decrees to keep, which were , which were determined determined by the apostlesby the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.increased in number daily.


He needed to be warned against falling into He needed to be warned against falling into complacency. complacency. (2 Tim 1:6)(2 Tim 1:6)


2 Timothy 1:62 Timothy 1:6 - Therefore I remind you to - Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of Godstir up the gift of God which is in you which is in you through the laying on of my hands.through the laying on of my hands.


Timothy’s love for others gave him special Timothy’s love for others gave him special opportunities. opportunities. (Phil 2:19-23)(Phil 2:19-23)


Philippians 2:19-23Philippians 2:19-23 - - But I trust in the But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For your state. 20 For I have no one like-I have no one like-mindedminded, who , who will sincerely care for your will sincerely care for your statestate. 21 For all seek their own, not the . 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. things which are of Christ Jesus.


22 But you know his proven character, that 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with as a son with hishis father he served with me father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.with me.


We tend to open our hearts to those who We tend to open our hearts to those who really care for us! Paul showed that this really care for us! Paul showed that this attitude was rare.attitude was rare.


Paul sent him to take on very difficult tasks. Paul sent him to take on very difficult tasks. In addition to being sent to Philippi, he was In addition to being sent to Philippi, he was also sent to the Thessalonians and to also sent to the Thessalonians and to Corinth. Corinth. (1 Thess 3:1-10; 1 Cor 4:16-17)(1 Thess 3:1-10; 1 Cor 4:16-17)


1 Corinthians 4:16-171 Corinthians 4:16-17 - Therefore I urge - Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have reason I have sent Timothy to yousent Timothy to you, who is my beloved , who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.everywhere in every church.


Jesus did not want a single soul to be lost. Jesus did not want a single soul to be lost. These problems in the church needed These problems in the church needed to be addressed by someone who really to be addressed by someone who really cared. cared. (Rom 14:14-15; 15:1-2)(Rom 14:14-15; 15:1-2)


Romans 15:1-2Romans 15:1-2 - We then who are strong - We then who are strong ought to ought to bear with the scruples of the weakbear with the scruples of the weak, , and and not to please ourselvesnot to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us . 2 Let each of us please please hishis neighbor for neighbor for hishis good, leading to good, leading to edification.edification.


We have made a great mistake if we view We have made a great mistake if we view the work of the Lord in any other way the work of the Lord in any other way than in working with people! We must not than in working with people! We must not be isolated.be isolated.


We have made a great mistake if we view We have made a great mistake if we view the work of the Lord in any other way the work of the Lord in any other way than in working with people! We must not than in working with people! We must not be isolated.be isolated.

Working with people for their good is not Working with people for their good is not easy.easy.


We have made a great mistake if we view the We have made a great mistake if we view the work of the Lord in any other way work of the Lord in any other way than in working with people! We must not be than in working with people! We must not be isolated.isolated.

Working with people for their good is not Working with people for their good is not easy.easy.

Has the Lord molded your life to be a friend Has the Lord molded your life to be a friend of the faithful?of the faithful?


We need to overcome our fears and begin to We need to overcome our fears and begin to reach out.reach out.



Once involved in this great work you will Once involved in this great work you will experience a joy that is hard to describe!experience a joy that is hard to describe!



Once involved in this great work you will Once involved in this great work you will experience a joy that is hard to describe!experience a joy that is hard to describe!

Why not begin today?Why not begin today?

jesus will mold us into useful instruments in his service. n we will look at how jesus took a young...

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