Timothy – Even the Young can Change the World

Actions of The People, Part 4

Timothy – Even the Young can Change the World

2021-07-25

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Acts 16:1-2 (CSB) Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him

1. Timothy was known to be a DISCIPLE

Acts 16:1b … where there was a disciple named Timothy…

  • To be known as a disciple requires DISCIPLINE
  • Your reputation doesn’t come easily or quickly but you can build the right reputation even if you’re young
  • Spiritual disciplines:
    • THE WORD
    • PRAYER
    • OBEDIENCE
    • SERVICE

2. Timothy came from an UNLIKELY HERITAGE

Acts 16:1c … the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek

  • The world, and the church, was not the most accepting or affirming at that time
  • Yet, God used Timothy for an important task
  • Timothy was willing to DO WHAT WAS NECESSARY
    • Acts 16:3 Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek

3. Timothy was willing to work away from the LIMELIGHT

Acts 17:14 Then the brothers and sisters immediately sent Paul away to go to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed on there

  • Acts 19:21-22 After these events, Paul resolved by the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “It is necessary for me to see Rome as well.” 22 After sending to Macedonia two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while
  • Staying with Paul would have guaranteed the attention and the accolades, but Timothy was willing to do whatever was needed
  • Timothy wasn’t in the work for HIS OWN GLORY

4. Because of Timothy’s faithfulness, he was TRUSTED TO CARRY ON

1 Corinthians 4:17 This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

  • Timothy was sent by Paul from Ephesus to Corinth to influence the church and the culture with truth
  • A young man who had been diligent in his work was now asked to fulfill his own CALLING
  • This would never have happened if Timothy hadn’t done what was right
  • Throughout the rest of Paul’s life, and even today, he used Timothy’s life and ministry to instruct, direct and encourage the church

What about YOU?

  1. Are you willing to do what is necessary to be a DISCIPLE?
  2. Are the spiritual disciplines a part of your ROUTINE?
  3. Are you allowing your own “issues” to STOP YOU?
  4. Is your ministry today setting you up for TOMORROW?
/by