shepherd heart. The word “ naturally” of v. 20 indicates that it was charac teristic of Timothy’s spiritual fitness to be helpful to those who are in need. He was utterly unselfish (v. 21). He was the spiritual son of Paul whose whole Christian experience was marked by thoughtfulness of others. Paul knew that he could depend upon him to do a good job in meeting the pastoral need of the Philippian church. A Man Subject to Instruction 2 Tim. 2:1-5 Though a fine servant of the Lord, Timothy had not come to the place where he no longer needed instruction in the things of God. No Christian ar rives at this place in this life. All of us
In order that Jewish prejudices might not be offended, before Paul took Tim othy with him for missionary service he had him circumcised. This, of course, was a matter of expediency and had nothing to do with salvation. A Man of Dependability Phil. 2:19-24 Paul possessed a shepherd heart. He had a deep concern for the welfare of every flock of God’s people. He was especially concerned for the Philippian church at this time which apparently had passed through experiences of dis sension and division (Phil. 4:2). He thought of no one so well fitted to send to them to help them as Timothy, for he resembled Paul in the matter of a
to escape his enemies. Because his trust was in the Lord Jesus, he was not afraid of what men might do unto him. No cost was too great to pay that he might tell others about his wonderful Saviour and Lord. Have you been complaining about un kind things that others have said about you because you are a child of God? Has any one “ poked fun” at you for talking about your Saviour? There are many boys and girls who have parents who punish them for reading God’s Word and attending God’s house. If you are tempted to complain for suffering for the sake of your Lord, remember the many things that Paul joyfully suffered that he might witness for his Lord. Say with the psalmist: “ In God I have put my trust, I will not fear.” March 16, 1952 TIMOTHY, A DEPENDABLE FOLLOWER Acts 16:1-3; Phil. 2:19-24; 2 Tim. 2:1-5 Pointers on the Lesson In this present series of lessons on the “ Early Followers of Jesus,” the lesson committee has done well to in clude the man Timothy. He was a beautiful character and his life demon strated so many of the Christian graces that he deserves to be studied with a view toward our own growth in grace. Two epistles in the New Testament bear his name and suggest something of the importance of this man in the early progress of the church. A Man of Good Report Acts 16:1-3 Paul met Timothy in connection with his second missionary journey (Acts 15:36). Very likely he had been won to Christ on Paul’s first missionary jour ney. He may well have been one of that group that surrounded the apparently lifeless body of the Apostle outside the walls of Lystra for Paul states in Sec ond Timothy 3:10,11 that Timothy had seen his persecutions which he bore at that place as well as elsewhere. Paul was impressed with the fact that he “was well reported of by the brethren” (v. 2). This is one of the characteristics of every good minister of Christ (1 Tim. 3 :7). It also should characterize every follower of Christ. Every Christian should live so that there will be no just grounds for evil reports concerning him. Sometimes false reports may arise over which he will have no control. Timothy was the child of a mixed marriage (v. 1). His father was a Greek, his mother a believing Jewess. The latter’s name was Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). God overruled the union for His glory. But we know that it is not God’s directive will for such marriages to take place. (See 2 Cor. 6:14ff.) They usually end in heartbreak and tragedy. Be it said for Eunice that she main tained her faith steadfastly and exerted a holy influence upon her son.
HANDBOOK OF CHRISTIAN TRUTH By Chester J. Padgett, Th.M. Associate Professor of Bible, Bible Institute of Los Angeles “ I believe your new book will fill a great need in the church.”— Dr. J. Vernon McGee. “ The Handbook is a splendid presentation of practical spiritual truth.”—Dr. S. H. Sutherland. “ The Handbook is a most valued guide for what the young Christian needs to know.”—Dr. Wal lace Emerson. “ The Handbook presents an exceedingly valuable course of study to be used by pastors and Christian leaders.”.—Dr. William W. Orr. Now in the second edition this book includes 14 comprehensive outline studies, with care fully selected Scriptures under each heading: “ Christ and the Home,” “The Story of Our Bible,” “ The Structure and Central Theme of the Bible,” “ Introduction to Bible Study,’* “ Basic Books for the Christian’s Library,” “ The Church Through the Centuries,” “ The Basic Doctrines of the Christian Faith,” “ Outline of Bible Prophecy,” “ How to Succeed in the Christian Life,” “ How to Help Sinners to Christ and Christians to a Closer Walk.” 193 Pages, Paper, $1.60 Postpaid CHESTER J. PADGETT BOX M PLACENTIA, CALIFORNIA
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