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Follow My Teaching and Example

Truly great and godly men obey the Word of God, follow the example of Jesus and Paul, and capture the vision of Christ in their leadership. They embrace the heart and soul of the gospel and carry it out in word and deed. We sense by the way Paul refers to Timothy that he is such a man and that he caught and embraced Paul’s vision.

In the midst of persecution, difficulties, and opposition, Paul encourages Timothy to remember the sound words and the example that he has marked out for him. Timothy saw Paul walk this out. He observed Paul standing firm, enduring suffering, proclaiming the gospel boldly, and overcoming adversity in the power of the Holy Spirit. Soon, Paul will be gone, and Timothy will be left without his ongoing influence.

Have you ever been asked to fill in for a teacher or a leader? Or perhaps you have been asked to serve in another way that challenges you and tests your faith and willingness to obey. It is one thing to observe someone lead; it is quite different to lead yourself. It is one thing to be served and another to serve.

Although Timothy may be weak in his flesh, Paul encourages him to remember that his “faith and love…are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tm. 1:13 ESV). He has the heart and mind of Christ, and the Spirit of Christ is within him. Throughout their ministry together, Paul established a pattern in word and deed for Timothy to follow. Paul’s words to the Corinthian church exemplify the kind of teaching and training Timothy received. How does Paul teach and instruct within his circumstances? What kinds of things does Paul tell the Corinthians?

• What wisdom, insight, and instruction does he give to them and why?
• Do you ever feel intimidated by the circumstances you are facing?
• Do you feel inadequate or ill-equipped to handle them?
• Are you reluctant to step out of your comfort zone or sacrifice your time?

What have you learned from Paul’s sound words thus far in 2 Timothy that you can apply to your own life?

Close in prayer, taking hold of Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tm. 2:1 ESV). Ask the Lord to strengthen you by His grace in all He has called you to do or will call you to do.