Honoring God
Today’s Verse:
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: ~Acts 16:1
Who are your favorite Bible characters? Timothy, or Timotheus, is one of our beloved men of the Bible. He is referred to as “son Timothy,” “brother Timothy,” “Timotheus my workfellow,” “minister of God,” servant of God, and faithful. His name means “honoring God.” Let us see the testimony of a man who, in his life, honored God.
We see the redeemed.
“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed….” Timothy was a believer in Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Timothy came to know the Lord as his Saviour as early as Paul’s first preaching visit to Lystra and Derbe. His mother and grandmother were also saved under Paul’s preaching, and together, they represented three generations of salvations. The most important thing about any of us is our salvation in Christ.
We see the reputed.
“Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.” When Paul was back at Lystra and Derbe, the brethren there gave an excellent report about Timothy’s testimony. I believe that he met all the character requirements for serving the Lord in the ministry as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” He was known for his good spirit, a servant’s heart, and fervency in serving God and helping others. A key requirement for the ministry is having a good report.
We see the recruited.
“Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” Paul recruited Timothy to join him in planting churches and winning souls. He decided that Timothy had great potential in serving the Lord as a missionary on Paul’s team. We should live our life in preparation for God’s calling on our life. We should prayerfully be winning souls and discipling others in anticipation that God will use us in a greater way.
We see the refreshing.
Timothy served alongside of Paul as a son with his father. Timothy was an encouragement to the churches. He was patient in helping believers grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved Timothy, but it can also be said that Timothy loved Paul. He was refreshing in his spirit, his submission, and his service. He brightened any room he walked into. He lifted hearts that were broken. He stirred others to do more for Jesus. He brought a spirit of refreshing in what he did.
We see the replacement.
The greatest honor Timothy was to God was becoming Paul’s replacement as the pastor of the church at Ephesus. He had the confidence of Paul and the church. He was different from Paul in personality, but not in heart. He ably filled the pulpit in preaching the Word of God. He courageously dealt with false teachers, false doctrine, and divisive personalities. He gave leadership, counsel, and comfort to the local church as its pastor and teacher. Timothy, true to his name, honored God. Live your life so that it is said without any question that you honor God.
Have an honorable God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalms 133-139