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You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance. 2 Timothy 3:10

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-11
Listen: 2 Timothy 3

Paul and Timothy know each other well. They spent a lot of time ministering together and Paul mentors Timothy in his faith and ministry. Paul invests in, teaches and trusts Timothy with significant responsibilities. Timothy knows how the gospel transformed Paul and how sincerely he follows God. So, in this letter, Paul urges Timothy to follow his example. To remember what Paul went through, but to focus on the gospel and following God rather than pursuing his own desires.

Paul was a significant influence in Timothy’s spiritual development. We can all use a Paul in our lives, a spiritual mentor who can help us to grow. Our mentors will not be perfect, but they have learned some things as they anchored themselves in the Gospel. We should also identify people who can be a Timothy in our lives. Someone we can invest in, encourage, and walk alongside. Not because we are perfect, but because we have learned a few things as we pursue a deep relationship with Jesus, and we can help them do the same.

TODAY: Pray about who could be a Paul in your life. Then consider whether there is someone in your small group, someone who has influenced you in the past, or someone whose spiritual life you would like to emulate and reach out to them to start a conversation. Then pray about a Timothy. Could you help someone take important steps of faith? Ask God to reveal what a good first step is for growing that relationship.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read 2 Samuel 1-2. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider David’s lament for the loss of his enemy.