Timothy: Autopsy of a Faithful Disicple

Romans 16:21–23 ESV

Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

Today, I want to start with a fascinating fact about one of God's most magnificent creations: the redwood tree. These towering giants can grow to be over 350 feet tall, making them some of the tallest living things on Earth. But what’s even more amazing than their height is how they grow.

Redwoods have a unique growth pattern that relies heavily on their community. Unlike many trees, redwoods have shallow root systems that extend outward rather than deep into the ground. These roots intertwine with the roots of other redwoods, forming a vast network of support. This interconnected root system allows them to stand tall and withstand the storms and challenges they face. It's their unity and mutual support that give them the strength to reach such incredible heights.

This interconnected growth reminds me of the young man Timothy, mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:21-23. Paul refers to Timothy as his "co-worker," indicating a deep bond and a shared mission in the early church. Timothy's growth in faith and character was significantly influenced by his close relationship with Paul and other believers. Just as the redwoods grow strong by intertwining their roots, Timothy grew in his faith and ministry through his connections and support within the Christian community.

Imagine if we, as Christians, developed our character in a similar way. What if our spiritual growth and strength came not just from our individual efforts, but from our connections with one another, from our shared faith, and from our mutual support? Just as redwoods rely on their community, and just as Timothy relied on his spiritual mentors and companions, we too are called to grow together, to support one another, and to intertwine our lives in the body of Christ.

"Christian character is most authentically formed within the context of community. We are called to live in fellowship with one another, encouraging and exhorting each other to love and good works, thereby reflecting the unity and purity of the body of Christ."

Ligon Duncan, former pastor of First Presbyterian Jackson, MS and Chancellor of Reformed Seminary

So what was it about TImothy’s Character, and what kind of traits do we see in people God uses that we should ask God to develop in us remembering in Phil 3:17 Paul said

Philippians 3:17 ESV

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Ardent Learner (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

2 Timothy 3:14–15 ESV

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul in his letter to Timothy commended him because he loved God and learned about God. Timothy was a student of God’s Word and that love and dedication showed itself in Timothy’s life.

Timothy would never have become the man Paul described as his spiritual son without a deep and abiding dedication to the Word of God.

Charles Spurgeon said about Timothy:

“"Timothy’s example is a reminder to us all that a true love for the Word of God begins in the heart and is cultivated through a lifelong commitment to reading, studying, and applying the Scriptures."

We must be students of the Word of God if we are going to impact the kingdom.

2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Big-Hearted Benevolence (Phil. 2:19-22)

Philippians 2:19–22 ESV

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

A second part of Timothy’s character was his big heart. Paul commended him to the church at Philippi because of his genuine concern for the welfare of the Philippian Christians. Timothy love for them flowed into his desire to seek the interests of the Philippians.

His heart was concerned with their welfare.

His heart was concerned with Christ’s will for their lives.

His heart was concerned with the Gospel message impacting their community.

We too must have compassionate hearts.

Colossians 3:12–14 ESV

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

I love this: love binds EVERYTHING

Capable Character (Acts 16:1-3)

Acts 16:1–3 ESV

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Timothy exemplified integrity in his character and conduct. Timothy was probably saved as a young man on Paul’s first missionary journey in about 46 AD. Three years later in 49 AD, Paul returns and by that Timothy was well regarded by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. He had gone from being a new believer to one ready to accompany Paul on his missionary journeys in just three years. His character, his personality, his willingness to serve shown through to the community.

What about you?

As a believer, are you striving to grow in Christ? Are you seeking to be the man or woman Christ has called you to be? Are you digging into His word seeking to be transformed by the good news? Many are waiting for someone to show them what to do, but Christ calls us to faithfulness and godliness through his word.

Devoted Disciple (1 Cor. 4:17)

1 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

Not only was Timothy a faithful man of character, but he was devoted. Throughout Paul’s ministry, he faced the pain of watching some leave the faith.

2 Timothy 1:15 ESV

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

But not only these. Demas loved the world and abandoned the faith. Hymanaeus and Alexander rejected their faith in 1 Timothy 1:19-20.

But Timothy was different. He had a strength about him.

Timothy was a devoted disciple.

"Timothy's dedication to the gospel and his willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ's name serve as a powerful example for Christians today. His life teaches us the importance of perseverance and steadfastness in the face of opposition." - Matt Chandler

As believers, we must be steadfast in our faith.

Hebrews 10:23 ESV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Being a faithful Christian is hard. It means being like a redwood, holding fast to those around us in our weak times.

Empowering Encourager (1 Thess. 3:2)

1 Thessalonians 3:2 ESV

and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,

Throughout my life and ministry I’ve some wonderful men and women who have been encouragers to me. Greg Massey, the former music minister at First Morton, Everett and Gail Webster a wonderful couple in the first church we pastored, the Nolen family from Fayette Alabama, Ruby and Felda Jones. These people were always there, and many of them still are there to encourage me and lift me up. Phone calls, texts, notes in the mail. These have been a source of joy adn encouragement throughout my life.

That is how Timothy was for Paul. He lifted him up and encouraged him.

The church needs encouragers. It’s easy to complain about what you don’t like in church. But there is no crown in glory for the complainer, but the encouragers are a gift from God.

Show up. You can never know how much just showing up means to your pastor. We all try not to let numbers affect us, but all pastors are encouraged when you’re here.

Pray up. We need your prayers. Come up to me and pray for me. Pray for your staff.

Speak up. The squeeky wheel gets the grease because it makes the most noise. It’s easy to be loud when you’re angry, but just words of encouragement and appreciation to others in the church is powerful.

Faithful Follower (2 Tim. 3:10-11)

2 Timothy 3:10–11 ESV

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.

Timothy’s loyalty and commitment to the Gospel were unparalleled. He faithfully followed Paul, sharing in his teachings and enduring hardships for the sake of Christ.

Proverbs 28:20 ESV

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

There have been countless great basketball players in history. From Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, to the late, great Kobe Bryant and the reigning king of the sport, Lebron James. But there was just something extraordinarily special about Michael Jordan. It was more than just the accomplishments — six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, ten scoring titles (both all-time records) and five MVP Awards to name a few. It was more than just the global shoe brand, which Nike has paid him an estimated $1.3 billion since 1984. Above all, it was his laser-like focus and unwavering work ethic that resulted in the movie-esque quality of his career story.

Jordan worked every day, spending 3 and 4 hours after practice shooting and honing his skills. He wanted to be the best, so he was faithful.

If we’re going to be who God has called us to be, we must be faithful too.