Recently you heard we shared about DMM (Disciple Making Movement) and are eager to find people of peace (pop), share of love story and establish (discover Jesus small group), etc. I try to understand apostle Paul as a spiritual father, how he taught Timothy as a real follower of Jesus.
1. Hold the truth, avoid from false teaching
“Timothy, keep sale what has been entrusted to your care. Avoid the profance talk and foolish arguments of what some people wrongly call “knowledge”. For some have claimed to possess it, and as a result they have lost the way of faith. God’s grace be with you all. (1 Tim. 6:20-21)
“Do your best to win full approval in God’s sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teachers the message of God’s truth. Keep away from profane and foolish discussions, which only drive people farther away from God.” (2 Tim. 2:15-16)
2. Invitation to suffer Pleasing to God
“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” (2 Tim 1:8 )
“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops” (2 Tim. 2:3-6)
3. Stir up your heart to love be fervent as fire
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Tim 1:6-7)
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”. (2 Tim.2:1)
4. Flee from evil to be sanctified
“Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2Tim 2:21-22)
5. Alarm of EndTime be alert and be ready
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control,… (2Tim 3:1-9)
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (2Tim.3:12 )
6. Finding the faithful Passing on of legacy
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2Tim 2:1-2 )
May God raise up more spiritual fathers, to pastor and teach the next generation to preserve the truth, flee from evil, to be sanctified and be prepared to do all the good work. And can find those who are faithful to
teach other people, so that God’s word can be passed from generation to generation.