THE BOOKS OF I & II TIMOTHY

Timothy |ˈtiməTHē| either of two books of the New Testament, epistles of St. Paul addressed to St. Timothy.

I love the books of 1 and 2 Timothy. Many biblical scholars consider these to be a "manual for the church" because they answer all kinds of questions about worship, church leadership, faithfulness, contentment, purpose, and caring for the elderly and widows.

But I love these books because they are a personal letter written from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy. These are Paul’s final words before he passed away, writing Timothy about how he should live a godly life. If your friend and mentor had something to tell you before they died, you would lean in closely and remember everything they had to say. That’s how we should read 1 & 2 Timothy.

“But you Timothy are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith.” 1 Timothy 6:11 NLT

Timothy was probably only about 30 years old when Paul wrote him these letters. He wasn’t very old according to the biblical standards of church wisdom and leadership. But despite his young age, Paul trusted Timothy to be a representative for him at the churches of Thessalonica, Corinth, Phillipi, and Ephesus. He must have seen something of worth in Timothy—and he was determined to draw it out of him.

Paul reminded Timothy that age shouldn’t be a hindrance to him when it came to living a Christian life. He said, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT)

This verse is a great reminder for us today. As believers, we are called to be a godly example for others in all things—in how we talk, in the way we live our lives, the way we love each other, in our faith, and in our desire for purity and holiness.

Paul talks a lot about the importance of our faith, our purity, and our desire for godliness in these books. He encouraged Timothy by saying, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT)

When Paul speaks of true godliness and contentment he said, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing let us be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT)

These books are packed with wisdom on how to live a godly life. But Paul’s last words are the greatest reminder we have of what our lives are about. I’ll leave you today with the same words Paul left us in 2 Timothy 4:6-8:

“But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”

That’s my prayer for you and me today—that we will remain faithful—serving and loving God the best that we know how.

XO-

Sabrina