Things Paul told Timothy (3) Understanding ministry Mentorship
We have seen so far that mentorship scripturally entails no spiking of ambition
As some do today ,they inspire themselves to " reach targets "
100000 seater auditoriums ,etc
That's not found in any strand of these letters ,written to Timothy ( and Titus) which encapsulates ministry mentorship .
Let's see again
2 Timothy 1:6-7 KJV
[6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Don't allow timidity hinder the operations of the gift of God.
He reinforces this much .
Mentors don't inspire fear even if they must caution .
True mentors provide and environment for your gifts to flourish .
2 Timothy 1:8 KJV
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
You mustn't be ashamed of the message ,
Much sufferings and mockery comes with it .
Ensure you stand strong .
2 Timothy 1:13-15 KJV
[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
Another Buzz for doctrinal purity .
That's what the Holy Ghost gave you ,not some vision ,dream or weird encounter .
A fundamental issue here the sudden departure of many in Asia .
Asia was where Pauls ministry had the greatest influence.
Hence the need to keep Timothy's focus .
Timothy was probable facing this sudden change of followers ship by many whom he should know .
Hence the need to stay strong.
Today ,this would have been termed failure ,but it's not up to you how people keep the faith .
It's up to you how you keep it !
2 Timothy 2:1 KJV
[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
This flows from the earlier chapter .
Be strong here relates with the message .
We all need this so very often
2 Timothy 2:2 KJV
[2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Much more,he instructs Him to keep committing to loyal men .
Loyal to the message .
No some shifting fellow .
This is an important aspect of leadership .
You must know and recognize faithful men .
The message works better with such folks .
This makes sense in the apparent apostasy happening to the Pauline revelation .
This is needed in mentorship .
2 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV
[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Hardness here again relates to the message not any other .
Too many fair weather will be seen when hardship is seen
Persecution ,difficulty ,lack of support ,etc
You must endure ,not for "success " but to please Christ !
2 Timothy 2:7-8 KJV
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
He reminds him of the message in its simple terms.
Many times mentors ensure they give you very brief mission statements of the gospel ,summations of all that's taught and believed ,so we never lose focus .
2 Timothy 2:14-16 KJV
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers
. [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
You must ensure you make the Defence of the message very often before the church .
The term study here means " be eager,work hard ,be diligent "
The man of God easily loses zeal in the midst of difficulties and hardship .
You must be diligent in teaching and be much more precise and strong on what you believe .
Again ,beware of wrong doctrine ,shun them
Don't respect them ,quote or reference them
2 Timothy 2:22 KJV
[22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
FLEE..
Run from your own desires .
A mentor keeps you focused on self control
2 Timothy 2:23-25 KJV
[23] But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. [24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men , apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Avoid stupid discussions .
Subjects that mean nothing in the gospel
However ,endeavor to teach your opponents .
Dont squeal the chance to let them see the truth of Gods word
But do it in meekness not I know more than you .
NB Once again ,We see mentoring .
No quick fixes ,gathering crowds not mentioned .
Acquiring assets ? Not mentioned .
It appears unlike the earlier letter ,the second focuses more on consistency .
Many of us need mentors .
They keep us in the faith ,the truth of the gospel .
Help us not to get ahead of our selves .
Not fueling ambitions .
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