TIMOTHY Carrying the Torch
SOMETIMES INEXPERIENCED YOUNG PEOPLE find it difficult to empathize with hurting people who are facing serious trials—but not Timothy. Paul saw in Timothy a servant pastor with a compassionate heart for all of God’s people. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he gives some practical advice on how to come alongside others and help them hold on to their hope in Jesus Christ even during difficult times.
Pastors who care for people in crisis need more than just correct theology; they need a spirit that empathizes and sympathizes with people. Truth without love can be brutal. But Timothy had witnessed Paul’s faith in action and hoped to follow his mentor’s example: “But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance” (3:10).
Every generation faces unique challenges. Pastors must be knowledgeable and sensitive about matters of faith as well as culture. Paul talked to Timothy about the changing times in which they lived and about being prepared to stand fast in the face of opposition and false teaching (3:1-5, 14). Godly pastors prepare themselves (and their people) so that Christ’s message can be heard.
Pastors who care for people in crisis need more than just correct theology
Timothy would need to keep his priorities straight: “Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” (2:2). Paul understood that leaders can be distracted or preoccupied, so he urged Timothy to keep first things first and view his calling like a soldier on a mission (2:3-4). Scripture impacts culture with truths that, in turn, must be shared with every generation.
While we may not all be called to serve as pastors, we should not dismiss the wisdom Paul shared with Timothy. In the Great Commission, Jesus challenges each of us to “go and make disciples of all the nations. . . . Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” (Matt 28:19-20). And make sure to do it with the kind of careful empathy Paul modeled for Timothy.