A Model for Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2)
Text:
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
What “things” are Paul referring to (v. 2a)? We teach many things in the church. We teach about marriage. We teach about morality. We teach about being a good citizen. We may teach many things in the church, but we’ve got to be all about teaching the most important thing: that Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sin.
Paul was referring to the central truths of the Christian faith. Paul was also giving a command to obey these truths. I’m sure Paul’s preaching also included a good deal of encouragement. This was probably in line with what Paul had previously written to Timothy (1 Tim 4:9-11).
Paul expected Timothy to hear, remember, and share his teaching (v. 2b). Imagine that! When I preach, it’s not meant to be forgotten, but shared. Who are these many witnesses that Paul talks about? What purpose did they serve? They were obviously other Christian believers, but why does Paul mention them here? There are at least two possible explanations.
1. They were possibly there as witnesses of Timothy’s ordination. As Paul preached a message to Timothy, these others listened and were to hold Timothy accountable the instructions Paul gave him. How would you like it if I preached a message for you alone? What if I said, “Ed, this message is for you tonight, and everyone else will keep you accountable to put it into practice.” They were tasked with encouraging and praying for Timothy.
2. They were possibly in the same boat as Timothy. Paul was Timothy’s mentor, and Paul may have been mentoring them as well. These witnesses were there to encourage Timothy, and be challenged themselves to make disciples, who would then make disciples, and so on (v. 2c). Not only was Timothy charged with entrusting the gospel to others, but all of these many witnesses were as well.
I’m going to suggest something radical, now. Is it possible that Paul wasn’t just writing to Timothy, here, but to us as a church today? If this is true, think of the implications for making disciples! Not only is the pastor expected to make disciples, but the church is as well.
Dream with me for a moment. What if each one of us were discipling a handful of others? What if each of them were discipling a handful of others? This is the way the gospel ought to spread.
Pastor Chris Huff has been with us since July 2009. He and his wife, Abby, have four children. Chris is originally from St. Louis, MO and even though he was raised as a city boy, he has a small town heart. Chris is all over the internet, so you can find him on Facebook, Twitter,… (read more)
