Timothy (1 Thess. 3:1-3)

This weekend in our study of 1 Thessalonians we learned that Timothy’s primary mission was to be a positive blessing and help to the Thessalonian Christians. He was to strengthen (sthri√zai; cf. v. 13) them, to make them firm and solid in the faith. He was also sent to encourage (parakale√sai; cf. 2:12) them by providing what they needed to fight the good fight of faith, individually and collectively. Much of the ministry of the apostles was devoted to grounding new converts in the faith, a ministry as necessary today as it was in the first century.^[1]  Great sacrifices were made to ensure that follow up and true discipleship took place in the early church and I challenged our church to be willing to do the same.  I am pleased at how many of you have taken that challenge and already begun to implement the things God has laid on your heart.

The fact of the matter is that Paul’s ministry was bigger than Paul.  Without people like Timothy, Paul would have never been as successful in planting churches and building the Kingdom.  Paul mentions Timothy in six of his thirteen[2] books (2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; Philem. 1. Paul also wrote two letters ( 1 & 2 Timothy) directly to Timothy.  Therefore; we see the presence of this young leader in eight of Paul’s thirteen New Testament letters.  We also know that Paul sent Timothy on some of the most important, and difficult missions his worldwide ministry had to offer. He sent him to:

  

1)   Asia- Acts 20:4

2)   Ephesus- Acts 19:22

3)   Rome- 2 Tim 4:9

4)   Philippi- Phili 2:20-22

5)   Berea- Acts 17:14-15

6)   Macedonia- Acts 18:5; 19:22

7)   Corinth- 1 Cor. 16:10, 2 Cor 1:19

8)   Thessalonica- 1 Thess 3:2

9)   We also know that he went with Paul in his journey through Phrygia, Galatia, and Mysia; also to Troas and Athens[3]

The message for believers today is simple.  Each of us play an important part in God’s Kingdom.  Will we all be famous and well known like the Apostle Paul?  Of course not!  But there are no small ministries in God’s Kingdom.  Timothy used his God given gifts and faithfully fulfilled the mission he was given.  Even though Timothy is not the first person you think of when the New Testament is mentioned, without people like Timothy it is doubtful that we would recognize Paul’s name either.  God is glorified and the Kingdom benefits when we all work together for the greater good.  Do your part, use your gifts, strengthen and encourage those in your circle of influence, and share your faith with as many as possible and you will be amazed at what God can do through you.  If you would like to listen to this message click here and search in the media player for "Timothy"

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^[1]John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, eds. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. Accordance electronic ed. (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1983), n.p.

[2] There is a great deal of debate about how many books Paul actually wrote.  Numbers range from 7-14 books.  For this post Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon are considered to be Paul’s writings.  Some include Hebrews in the list as well. 

[3] Easton’s Bible Dictionary, s.v. “Timothy,” n.p.