Lesson 13:  Timothy

Introduction: This lesson discusses the life and ministry of Timothy, 
"Paul's true child in the faith."


I.  Timothy's Early Life  (Acts 16:1-3)
   A. His father was a Greek.
   B. He was a native of Lystra
   C. His mother and grandmother were Jewish and instructed him in 
      that faith (II Tim. 1:5).
   D. He was uncircumcised.


II. Timothy's Conversion And Circumcision
   A. Converted as a result of Paul's first journey through Lystra
   B. Named as a disciple there upon Paul's arrival on his second 
      missionary journey
   C. Circumcised by Paul because of the Jews who knew his father 
      was a Greek

    
III. Assisted Paul On His Second Missionary Journey
   A. At Berea (Acts 17:14)
   B. Instructed to join Paul at Athens (Acts 17:15)
   C. Sent by Paul to Thessalonica to establish and comfort brethren 
      (I Tim. 3:1-3)
   D. Rejoined Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5, Rom. 16:21)


IV. Assisted Paul On His Third Missionary Journey
   A. Paul sent him from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 19:22) and Corinth 
      (I Cor. 16:8).
   B. Rejoined Paul in Macedonia  (II Cor. 1:1)
   C. Accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4)


V. Accompanied Paul To Rome
   A. Recorded in Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; Philemon vs. 1.
   B. Paul spoke very highly of him in Phil. 2:19-20.


VI. Assisted Paul After His Release From Prison
   A. Sent to Ephesus  (I Tim. 1:3)
   B. Requested to rejoin Paul at Rome during his second imprisonment. 
      (II Tim. 4:9)


VII. Paul's Instructions To Timothy  (I Timothy)
   A. Instruct men not to teach false doctrines (1:3).
   B. Fight the good fight, keep the faith and a good conscience (1:18-19).
   C. Know how to conduct oneself in the church.
   D. Teach the pure gospel (4:6-7).
   E. Be an example to the believers (4:12).
   F. Flee worldliness and pursue righteousness.
   G. "O, Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you."


VIII. Paul's Instructions To Timothy (II Timothy)
   A. Be strong in the faith (2: 1-3).
   B. Be diligent to present yourself to God as a workman who does 
      not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the work of truth  
      (2:15).
   C. Flee youthful lusts (2:22).
   D. Live according to God's word (3:14-17).
   E. Proclaim the word (4:1-2).
   G. Endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your 
      ministry (4:5).

Principles:
1. Train up a child in the way that he should go and he will not depart 
   from it  (Prov. 22:6).
2. Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth (Eccl. 12:1).
3. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God
4. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for 
   reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.
5. Young christians can be valuable workers for the Lord.
6. Older christians often take younger ones "under their wings."


Questions:

1. Was Timothy raised in the Jewish faith?
2. Why was Timothy circumcised and not Titus (Gal 2:3)?
3. Why was Timothy so entrusted by Paul with great responsibility at 
   an early age?
4. What was the role of Timothy at Ephesus as described in 1 and 2 Timothy?
5. Was Paul concerned for Timothy's spiritual fate?
6. What were Paul's feelings toward Timothy?
7. Was Timothy also imprisoned for his faith (Heb 13:23)?