As the years of his ministry passed, St. Paul not only concerned himself with his own calling as an apostle, but he wrote many letters including words of counsel to Timothy and Titus, whom he addressed as his own sons in the faith. These "pastoral epistles", as they are called, contain specific teachings and encouragements for these young men as well as various instructions in regard to the governing of the churches.
In his second epistle to Timothy, which is believed to be his final writing, Paul expressed his great love for him by saying: "I thank my God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy." He also remembered Timothy's unfeigned faith which also had been evident in his grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice. In this writing, Paul told Timothy that his own days of labor were soon over--that he was ready to be offered and the time of his departure was at hand. He expressed his confidence that a crown of righteousness was waiting for him and for all those that love the appearing of the Lord.
Although this general statement in regard to the benefits of faithfulness was doubtless an inspiration to Timothy, Paul included some specific instruction in his letters. He wrote: “NEGLECT NOT THE GIFT THAT IS IN THEE, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” (I Timothy 4:14) He rephrased this same thought in his second letter, saying: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that THOU STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD, which is in thee, by the putting on of my hands, for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1: 6-7)
In addition to having received the gift of salvation, Timothy had a call to the ministry. He was left at Ephesus when Paul went to Macedonia with the responsibility that those teachings which he had heard from Paul he would commit to faithful men who would be able to teach others also. "To this charge I commit thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare."
The body of Christ consists of many members and all members do not have the same office. We have different gifts according to the grace that is given us. · Nevertheless, we are members one of another. (Romans 12) Although there are diversities of gifts, they are of the same spirit; there are differences of administration, but the same Lord; and there are diversities of operations,
but it is the same God which works in all. (I Corinthians 12)
It is the will of God that, as His servants, we would each be diligent in the individual use of the gifts which God has given. Paul used the expressions: "NEGLECT NOT THE GIFT THAT IS IN THEE" and "STIR UP THE GIFT THAT IS IN THEE." Then, as though he would broaden or amplify his meaning, he continued by instructing Timothy: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a work man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2: 15) “Til I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may ap pear unto all. Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine, continue in them for in so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." (I Timothy 4:13-16)
As a concluding thought to these instructions, we hear the seasoned and experienced apostle say to Timothy: "Consider what I say and the Lord give thee understanding in all things"
(II Timothy 2:7)
LORD OF THE CHURCH, WE HUMBLY PRAY
FOR THOSE WHO GUIDE US IN THE WAY,
AND SPEAK THY HOLY WORD.
HELP THEM TO PREACH THE TRUTH OF GOD
REDEMPTION THROUGH THE SAVIOUR'S BLOOD
From the archives of the late Pastor A.C. Holmgren. August 1988
Submitted by Pastor Stan
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