“Who Is Your Timothy or Timothea?”

Passing the Baton
Name five people who have made a significant impact on your faith in God.

Now, name five people who might include you on their list above. (This takes more thought, doesn’t it?)

On Sunday my pastor began a sermon series on 2 Timothy. He challenged us to ponder how we’re passing on our faith.

Who is your Timothy?

For whom are you a Paul?

Into whose life are you investing so they can love and serve God for eternity?

Converts, Disciples, and Disciple Makers

Converts can settle for just believing in Jesus. But acknowledging from a safe distance that Jesus is Lord isn’t the same as following at Christ’s risk-taking side. The decision to accept eternal salvation should grow so that faith is put into practice.

Disciples can settle for just being active at church. Many think, “I’ll attend, give, and serve. Yet I’ll let the preacher, the Sunday school teachers, and the children and youth leaders introduce others to Jesus and mold their faith.”

Why are we so eager to be disciples...but so reluctant to make disciples?

Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 to everyone. The mission for all Christians--not just those on the church staff--is to make disciples. 

If you claim Jesus as your Savior, your calling includes being Paul to a Timothy or a Paula to a Timothea.

Remember Your Family Mission Field

Paul wrote to Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

Paul didn’t mention Timothy’s father or grandfather. Apparently those men weren’t believers. May this verse encourage single mothers and wives whose husbands don’t share their faith.

Man or woman, how will you influence the Timothys or Timotheas in your family? If you have a comment, please join the conversation.

My friend Cyle Young from Ohio posted recently about shaping his son’s faith during a hike. Check it out via www.cylefromohio.com/2014/08/rattlesnake-summit. (His link will take you to the Just 18 Summers blog.)

David