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Paul’s Life is His Example

Paul’s life exemplifies his teaching. Faithfully, he served God and the church. He taught Timothy, his protege, to know his destination and the safest, most direct way. Paul gave Timothy the wisdom, tools, and training he needed to arrive securely at his destination with God’s precious entrusted treasure still intact. There are clear distinctions between the good worker and the false teacher, the honorable and dishonorable, and the kind and the quarrelsome. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus—the trainer of trainers—took Timothy under his wing and gave him everything the Lord gave to him. He imparted to him the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding Timothy needed to lead the expedition of delivering the gospel to the nations. As Paul anticipated his pending death, he reminded Timothy of what he had taught him. Timothy is to keep himself on the straight and narrow path of righteousness, regardless of what everyone else is doing. He must hold fast to the faithful Word he had learned without wavering or getting drawn into worldly and empty prattle. To arrive at his destination with other sojourners, Timothy must keep his eyes fixed on the goal and not get sidetracked with inconsequential drivel.

If a leader gets distracted and loses his way, he can take the entire group with him. A person in authority must stay the course. He must present himself approved, clean, and true. If he gets infected with an error, he spreads that error far and wide. The path of righteousness is straight, yet there are temptations along the path to pull the flock one way or another. We, like sheep, are prone to wander. We are easily distracted by the peripheral, caught up by the spectacular or intrigued by the unique, and tempted by the allure of the “easy path.” We can quickly lose our way. One of our most beloved pastors often says, “The plain thing is the main thing, and the main thing is the plain thing.”

Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way to God. What is good, right, and true may seem plain, dull, and boring at times. Flashing lights, booming bass, and smoke may fight for our attention. Politics, social issues, and the ever-changing cultural expectations of the day can easily influence the preacher, the elder, and the church members. We must keep our eyes on God, His expectations and commands in His Word, and the wisdom and power of the gospel. Paul reminds Timothy to keep the main goal in plain view and hold fast. The Word of Truth is the light to our path.