SWHW Bible Reading Plan: November 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Malinda Fuller:

What would it say if your mentor took the time to sit down and write you a letter by hand? And not just a casual leader that you have minimal interaction or relationship with, but someone who had placed their hands on you and commissioned you into God's service (Chapter 1:6). A leader who knows the gifts God has placed inside of you (Chapter 1:14) and who also understands your struggles (Chapter 1:7).

What advice would they include? What warning would they give? 

To read Timothy 1-2 is to take in the words of the apostle Paul to a young man he considered "a dear son" (Chapter 1:2).

Unlike Paul's other letters, which were sent to church members bickering over nonsense issues or struggling leaders, this one is personal.

Where does Paul begin? By telling Timothy of how often he prayed for him. Paul writes in verse three, "night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers." He goes on to say, "I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy" 2 Timothy 1: 4.

Paul knew that time spent with Timothy would fill him with joy.

What a compliment! 

Chances are you have a friend like that. She is the one who fills your heart to overflowing.  No matter how long you are together, it never feels like enough time, and regardless of how long since you've seen each other last--you always pick back up like it was yesterday. Don't we want people like that in our lives?

But are we that type of person for someone else?

As Paul said about Timothy, would our mentors write, "I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy"?

Paul goes on to encourage Timothy: 

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith" (Chapter 1:5). How was he reminded? More than likely, it was because of the testimonies of others.

"Fan into the flame the gift of God, which is in you" 1:6. (Note, Paul does not say "that you'll receive one day" or "once you've worked enough to achieve it.")

"Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you" 1:14. Here, Paul cautions Timothy like a good father does: "take care of what you've been given; you can lose it." 

"Endure hardships..." 2:3. Doesn't this sound much like a dad shouting to a kid just steps from the finish line, "You can do it, son!"

These are not statements from an aloof leader, unaware of Timothy's situation, but the strong and tender advice of a caring father to a son still figuring out his way.

And then, in Chapter two, Paul compares Timothy to the good soldier, an athlete, and the hard-working farmer, and concludes with this thought: "reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this" (2 Timothy 2:7).

It is the acknowledgment of a parent who has entrusted their children to the Lord: "I know that God can do more for you than I can; ask Him to speak to you and show you the way." Paul knew that some of what he was saying would go right over Timothy's head, and he reminded him, "You have the Lord; He will help you understand." 

Paul isn't too proud to admit that what he could offer was only a piece of the revelation and wisdom that Timothy needed. To get all of it, Timothy would have to do the work of going to the Lord. This is a beautiful picture of what a good parent or leader does; it's not all about what they can teach.

Who are you doing that for? Who has access to you, and what are you doing to encourage, teach, and release them? Are you showing them how to "get insight for themselves" or are you the only voice in their life?

Who are you "filling with joy"? Who is in your life and "laying hands on you", aware of your struggles, and reminding you to "join in the suffering" with them?

We need to have relationships like Paul and Timothy: people who care for us and lead us, as well as those who are following and filling others with joy. Where can you make more room for these types of relationships?

Father, thank You for those people you've placed in my life that have led me like Paul. Thank You for their prayers, wisdom, and encouragement. Would You please bless them for their obedience and care and show me how to honor them also? Give me eyes to see the Timothys that You've placed in my life--those that I can lead. Give me the humility of Paul to say, "for more revelation, ask the Lord," and the discernment to know when to challenge and when to encourage. Would You please bless the relationships in my life, and where there is a lack of one or the other, I ask You to reveal who those people might be.  Amen.