4 minute read
What Can We Learn From Timothy?
from April 2020
20 // April 2020 by Rev. Wayne Williams
Rev. Wayne Williams, PhD, presently serves as supply pastor for the historic First United Presbyterian Church of Athens, Tennessee. He and his wife of 38 years, Lita, are heavily involved in numerous church and community activities. About The Author I n the Bible, “Timothy” in the original language was “Timotheus,” which means, “honor of God; valued of God.” With that being said, I want to ask you, my friend, “What is it about you that honors God?” Is it the exercising of your spiritual gift? Your “great” faith? Maybe it is your Christian service or commitment to the Christian lifestyle? Exactly what is it about you and me that honors God “the most?”
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When we closely examine the life of the Timothy that the Apostle Paul speaks of and addresses in the two epistles that bear the young protégé’s name in the New Testament, we may be able to better comprehend how it is that this young upstart captured the Apostle’s interest and captivates our intrigue even to today.
True, Timothy was a “young” man, but I am not so sure that this was the one, sole thing that makes him notable and “valued of God.” The prophet Joel records that in the latter days, “God will pour out [His] Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28). Given his youthfulness, perhaps it was his “physical fitness for duty” that explains the meaning behind this name. However, given the prophecy that other “young men” would also “see visions,” there must be something else that helps us to understand the significance of this young man’s name. Notably, Paul also addresses a letter to another young preacher by the name of Titus, whose name means “pleasing.” (This is interesting, but not quite the topic of this writing.)
Friend, I am compelled to think that the message behind Timothy’s name rests solely upon the shoulders of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. Whether the name was bestowed upon young Timothy at or before his birth or if it was granted to him as he became older, it was these two women, and I believe under divine inspiration, who named him. Consequently, when the Apostle speaks of “the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Timothy 1:5), Paul was readily addressing the significance of the women behind the man (boy).
Men, what is it about you and me that is significant enough for our mother(s), grandmother(s), or wife(ives) to name us (or address us with a particular name)? Eunice, quite likely in consultation with Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, chose to name or call this young boy “Timotheus” because she believed her faithfulness to God and his faithfulness of the same would make him a valuable asset to God. Small wonder the Apostle admonished the young man to “stir up the gift within him.” Why? Because what Timothy had to offer to the world was so needful and, if imparted, would be equally impactful! Men, the meaning of and behind your name is significant. Yet questions remain: namely, “What have you done or what will you do to live up to your name?” Shalom!
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