Timothy – His Life and Lessons in Leadership: Leading in God’s House
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he wrote: “Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father” (Phil 2:19-22).
One of the hallmarks of leader is to trust those whom he leads to share the same values, transmit the same message, and care for others with the same level of empathy and express the highest level character and service to those whom they serve. Paul mentored Timothy on their many travels and knew his character well. Timothy was true to the faith, and like-minded to his teacher for this reason as noted in 1 Timothy 3, Paul left for Macedonia leaving Timothy to lead the church in Ephesus. It was during this time Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy to encourage him. Some biblical scholars state the main crux of this letter is reflected in the third chapter.
“But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth” (1 Tim 3:15).
It could be said this key verse encapsulates the entire message of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Paul’s desire was to provide practical information for Timothy to oversee the Ephesian church. The church is the house of the living God, he is the ruler of the church, he is the architect and the builder, he lives there and provides for it.
The Ephesian church was not without its woes as false doctrine was prevalent and there was misuse of the law. Paul instructed Timothy to fight the good fight, and noted some had shipwrecked their faith believing in false teachings. It cannot be overstated in our modern times as today’s leaders in the church, as a pastors, preachers and teachers it requires spiritual strength and unwavering belief in the purity of the gospel message. Paul mentions the false teachers Hymenaeus and Alexander in (1:20). Our culture today is not without false doctrines, those who seem very convincing in their delivery and attractional methods to lure and sway people off track. This is why strong leadership is imperative to proclaim the truth.
Sadly…. in our society, there are preachers standing in pulpits who are deceivers preaching many false gospels. There is a religion gospel where followers believe you are saved by your good works, a moralism gospel that says if you are a good person, God will let you into heaven, a self-help gospel teaching others to follow God and he will let you live your best life now, a sign and wonders gospel teaching that if you are really saved, you will see miracles in your life. There is a therapeutic gospel that Jesus will meet your needs, however, no real teaching that Jesus is the savior of your soul, and there is a social justice gospel to feed the poor and help the sick… but what about Jesus? And there are many preachers today that preach a prosperity gospel, and this is not exclusive to our Western Society as it is happening in poorer countries as well. “Receive Jesus. He will make you healthy, wealthy, wise, powerful, and famous.” This is a lie not to be believed, nor taught. Jesus did not teach it, nor did his disciples, it is a different gospel. We are to preach only the truth! We are saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ because he was nailed to the cross to pay for our sins and redeem us by taking our place and reconciling us to the Father! This is the truth Paul charged and entrusted Timothy to teach.
Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him. As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse on him!” (Gal 1:8-9).
God’s house is the pillar and foundation of truth and it is important for a man seeking God’s will to follow through on his call to study and know the word. A man must seek the truth and ground himself. It is essential as one discerns a calling to ministry to have strong spiritual mentors and an eagerness to learn and advance one’s studies. Paul’s protégé Timothy is a solid example of how men today should remain steadfast to the true gospel message stand firm in the face of trials and to preach truth.
