Encompassed within the ten short chapters of First
and Second Timothy lies the best preacher's training course that
has ever been taught. The apostle Paul, through inspiration, covers
every conceivable topic and situation that a young preacher might
face. It speaks not only to preachers, but also to all other Christians.
The scope of knowledge that Paul imparts to Timothy
is almost mind-boggling in its completeness. Paul covers topics
as far reaching as his own conversion from blasphemer and persecutor
to faithful preacher of the Gospel, to charging Timothy to preach
the word at all times with long-suffering because a time would
come when people would no longer want to hear the pure gospel
of Christ.
In verse 17 of 1 Timothy 1, Paul proves the kingship
and eternality of God and shows that we must honor Him for these
attributes. In Chapter 2 he shows the great importance of prayer.
A preacher or Christian who does not or will not pray is one who
will not have a close abiding relationship with his Father in
Heaven. We must pray for ourselves, for our friends, for our families,
for those in authority and even those who treat us unkindly. James
5:16 tells us that the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth much. We can paraphrase that in this way: Heaven
goes into action when righteous men pray. Paul prepares this young
preacher to deal with the appointment of Elders and Deacons and
also to treat them with honor. Paul teaches about benevolence
to widows and to others who are in need.
In Chapter 6 of 1 Timothy Paul deals with the
problem of covetousness and not being content with what we have,
always searching for more and more. He sums it up in Verse 6,
" But godliness with contentment is great gain." And
in Verse 10, "For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." Money
itself is not evil, but the love of it will cause one to let material
things come between him and his service to God.
In 2 Timothy Paul stresses the importance of godly
parents and grandparents, especially mothers and grandmothers.
How many of those preaching today credit the influence of a faithful
mother or grandmother for their preaching. Paul shares his suffering
and afflictions with Timothy - not for sympathy or honor, but
to let him know that the cause they were fighting for was greater
than any hardship they would endure, and to let Timothy know that
hardships make us stronger. As James tells us, "Knowing this,
that the trying of your faith worketh patience." (James 1:3).
Paul also told Timothy that he would have to be a good soldier
and endure the hardness that comes with that profession.
Paul warns against false teachers, perilous times,
and how important it is to teach against these things. He knew
that in order to be effective as a preacher of the Gospel that
one would have to stand strong against evil and speak in such
a way that those who hear will obey and be strong themselves.
Paul eloquently states in the last chapter of
2 Timothy that he has done all that was asked of him as a Christian
and preacher of the Gospel and he is ready to achieve his ultimate
goal of going home to be with the Lord. "For I am now ready
to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:6-8
In these two books of the New Testament, Paul
shows his great love and affection for Timothy as his son in the
gospel. His goal for Timothy was for him to be a great and effectual
preacher, and he equips him to handle whatever he will face. Paul's
charge to Timothy in chapter 4 of 2 Timothy should stand as an
anthem to preachers for all time. These are the marching orders
to all faithful gospel preachers. "I charge thee therefore
before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick
and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. Preach the word;
be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering
and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves
teachers having itching ears." (2 Timothy 4:1-3.)
Preachers today still have this obligation to
teach the truth with love, sincerity, zeal and knowledge. 16150
Saint Clair Ave., East Liverpool, OH 43920-9449.