This Epistle to young Timothy is a great tool for building up the local Church. We've seen encouragement from an older mentor (Paul) to a younger follower AND co-laborer (Timothy). Paul's practical encouragement for Timothy to press on even when it feels like everything is falling apart.
*The real time lessons we can take away are two-fold:

1) The body of believers should regularly offer encouragement to their pastor and spiritual leaders.

2) The model extends to all believers as we speak words that edify others.

Finally, prayer should be a massive part of what the Church does! (Both corporate and personal). This is the skinny file on some of what we’ve seen so far. But tonight we look at how to select an elder to oversee the church. This is the highest responsibility within the Church! Not to be lorded over others but as the basis for serving others.