As a young leader, in a season of transition and a difficult situation, Timothy found himself comparing himself to Paul. He was less experienced, less knowledgeable, and less mature. Timothy was timid. He felt insecure. And yet, his credibility was rooted in his character, not his charisma or age. Timothy was gifted by God to help people know God through Scripture, which was affirmed by those who knew him. Timothy's authority, credibility, responsibility, ability, and dependability were not to bolster his resume or pad his stats. He was to be and to do for the sake of others.
What Difference Can I Make?
April 7, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 4:11–16
More from
1 Timothy
Slaves and Masters
May 5, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:1–2
Slavery was a divisive relationship and a polarizing issue. Paul is speaking to slaves who associate the yoke of slavery with pain. Most Christians were in the lower class, which means that many early followers of Jesus were slaves themselves. The chief concern for Paul was the glory of God and the salvation of people, not freedom of the slaves or an increase in privilege for the owners. This doesn’t mean that Paul doesn’t want slaves to be free. He encourages slaves to be free if given the opportunity. This doesn’t mean that Paul is endorsing slavery. Paul “aimed to destroy slavery without waging a war to do so!” The relationship between slaves and masters should be symbiotic because all followers of Jesus are witnesses to the world of the saving, transforming power of the gospel of Jesus.
Be Generous with Honor and Grace
April 28, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 5:17–25
Those who lead, serve, and teach well should receive double honor. There are two levels of honor. (1) Honor in the sense that one who leads well is respected and appreciated, and (2) Honor in the sense that one who leads well is provided for financially. At the same time, leaders must be given grace. Grace is unnecessary favor poured out on the undeserving. Leaders will fail. Leaders will fall. As followers of Jesus, we should be generous with honor when they deserve it and we should be generous with grace when they don’t.