The Straight Skinny (Of Timothy)

It’s a shame that the letters to Timothy got stereotyped into a users manual for young ministers. 

Most summaries of the letters say something along these lines: 

“First Timothy presents the most explicit and complete instructions for church leadership and organization in the entire Bible. This includes sections on appropriate conduct in worship gatherings, the qualifications of elders and deacons, and the proper order of church discipline. Paul advised Timothy on these practical matters in a way that would have helped the young pastor to emphasize education and sound teaching of leaders and members.”

But there’s more to it.

It’s not a manual for making ministers. Its true value is in the vision that’s laid out in these two letters. It’s God’s instructions for building a strong future of faith and provides the necessary steps that need to be taken if we are to pass the torch to the next generation. 

It’s about instilling faithfulness in the young, and it’s about mentoring— mentors (2 Tim. 2:2).

Paul encouraged Timothy to “fight the good fight” (1:18; 6:12). Perseverance in what was good often became a slog for Timothy, one that required thick skin and a clear purpose. The short and sweet of Timothy could be something like this. 

Get up, 

get after it, 

and remember who God called you to be.