TIMOTHY
Introduction:
   1. Acts 16:1-5
   2. Paul established the church in Iconium, Lystria.
   3. On the second journey Paul took this young man with him. Some 6
      years later.
   4. Timothy became co-worker with Paul and great affection grew
      between them. 2 Tim. 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 4:17, etc.
   5. A study of Timothy will profit us all, but especially the
      younger of our number.

  I. TIMOTHY'S PREPARATION:
     1. Had been reared by Godly parents.
        2 Tim. 1:3-5 -- Mother and grandmother had been faithful.
        Acts 16:1 -- Mother obeyed gospel at first opportunity.
        2 Tim. 3:14, 15 -- Timothy had been taught from early
           childhood. Knew the scriptures.
     2. Timothy's life was the result of faithful training.
     3. This should move each parent to watch their child's early
        spiritual training. Set an example before them each day. Lift
        the church before them.
     4. Never too young to begin training them. In fact, Timothy's
        training began 2 generations before his birth.
     5. Timothy was trained in the scriptures. No substitute for
        this!!! We may train our children in the ways of this life (a
        good social life; to be popular; to make living; to excell in
        school; in sports, etc.), but if we forget to train them in
        the scriptures we will have wasted their lives.

 II. TIMOTHY'S CHARACTER AND REPUTATION:
     1. Acts 16:1-3 -- first thing mentioned of him.
     2. "well reported of" -- how important a thought.
        Not many words, but tells a great deal.
        This should be the desire of each one, to live a life in the
           community where you are respected.  BE ANN EXAMPLE!!!
     3. YOUNG PEOPLE: it means a lot to your future.
        An employer does not want one who is not respected. Character
           reference required to obtain most jobs.
        School records checked on most occasions. How important it is
           to build a good foundation under the building.
     4. TODAY, YOU ARE PREPARING FOR TOMORROW.
     5. "Him Paul would have go forth with him"
        What a wonderful compliment!!
        Timothy would have to have certain requirements.
        Being picked by this outstanding apostle.
        But, would you even desire to be chosen by Paul???
     6. He remained faithful:
        All through the book of Acts and the writings of Paul:
        1 Cor 4:17; 16:10; 2 Tim. 1:5; 4:9ff; Phil. 2:19; 1 Thess 3:2

III. ADMONITIONS FROM PAUL TO TIMOTHY: (Paul, the aged, writing to
     his child in the faith.)
 FIRST TIMOTHY:
   1. 4:12 -- Just because you are young you are not to be overlooked
           and rejected. Be an example. Other young people are
           watching you.
   2. 4:16 -- Be careful of the things that you do
   3. 6:10 -- Money is not everything to be gained.
           Don't place trusts in riches, pleasures, evil results.
           One who craves money will be lead to do anything.
   4. 6:11 -- Follow paths of righteousness. Follow God's laws.
           Just because you are young is no reason to think you must
               do wrong.
   5. 6:14 -- Be faithful to God. Keep your life clean. You do not
           need to dress like the world, act like the world, be like
           the world, to enjoy life.

SECOND TIMOTHY:
   1. 1:8 --- Don't be ashamed of Christ Jesus. Be anxious to
           acknowledge your relation to Christ.
   2. 1:13 -- Hold to the truth, walk in the light. 1 Jn 1:7.
           "pattern" Heb. 8:5.
           God's Word is the only constant in this world.  It will
               remain when all else turns away. Christ is a true
               friend who will be by your side.
   3. 2:2 -- Be a teacher of God's word. Both by word of mouth and by
               example of life.
   4. 2:3 ---Hardships and sufferings will not hurt you. May I hasten
              to point out -- You will have disappointments.
   5. 2:4 -- Keep away from sins of this world. You can, you know. Do
               not be like the world around you.
        NOTE: YOU decide when you do wrong. It is your choice.
   6. 2:8 -- Don't forget Christ, who died for you. Do not leave Him
               out in the cold of night from your life.
   7. 2:15 --Study God's word, daily, regularly.
              Nothing can supplant the knowledge gained herein.
              Man's wisdom cannot touch it.
   8. 2:22 --Flee youthful lust. Turn away from it.
           It is not the coward that refuses to do wrong, but the
               strength of character that refuses sin. BE STRONG!!!
           The coward, the weakling, will accept the challenge and go
              along with the crowd.
   9. 3:14 --Remember what you have been taught, by parents and godly
              people, who are concerned for you.
           Ask yourself: "What would mother do, daddy do?"
  10. 4:14 --If one does evil, he or she will lose heaven. You are
               preparing NOW, TODAY, for eternity.

Conclusion:
   1. 2 Tim 4:1-9 -- closing words to Timothy. How encouraging these
      must have been.
   2. When our lives shall end may we look back and view life with a
      joy and happiness that we have served the Lord.
   3. Young people do not be ashamed of Christ.
   4. You must obey the same commands that Timothy obeyed.

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