Part IV

TEACH FAITHFUL MEN

Paul's instruction to Timothy is of a very personal and individual nature throughout this epistle. The believers in Asia were now outside of the teachings and practices of Paul. They had turned away from him. They were now embracing the religious system – a "Christian" religious system – "Christendom." Without Paul's message, that is all one has – RELIGION.

Timothy therefore, now finds himself on the outside of the activities of the believers. Interestingly enough, Paul never instructs Timothy anywhere in this epistle to "go in" among them and see if he could "turn the tide." Instead of ministering to "a congregation," "a church," "an assembly," or "his parishioners," Paul tells Timothy to find faithful men. Timothy was to seek out men, faithful men, that he could commit Paul's message to.

Paul had no thought of Asia ever being "revived." Instead, because of the apostasy, his instruction to Timothy concerning the ministry of the word, had now become extremely narrow, intensely individual – faithful men!

The importance of faithfulness can be clearly seen in I Corinthians 4:2: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." Paul did not want Paul to spend his time and energy on "groups" and "congregations" of men were not faithful to the Lord and His message. Timothy was not instructed to teach the "masses."

What a shame to look around at all the so-called "churches" filled with unfaithful men. And see all the energy and programs trying to allure them into becoming "regular" attendees. Does this not show us how far we have turned away from Paul?

And what was Timothy instructed to commit to these faithful men?

Ordination?

Creeds?

Articles of Faith?

Statements of Faith?

Business Meetings?

Church Polity?

Sunday School Administration?

Preparation and Delivery of Sermons?

NO! He was to commit to these faithful men the very things that he had heard from Paul! Once and again Paul's distinct message is being brought to its paramount place. Paul says "the same commit thou to faithful men"(2:2). He does not say "similar."

EXAMPLES FOR TIMOTHY

Paul had encouraged Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2:1). Timothy would need this, because he was going to have to "endure hardness." Things were not going to get any easier for him. It was going to be very hard.

Paul uses three examples to illustrate the endurance, faithfulness, and patience that was needed for the days of ruin:

EXAMPLE	DIFFICULTY	CHARACTER	GOAL
Soldier	Hardness	Endurance	Please Him
Athlete	Strive	Faithfulness	Crown
Farmer	Labor	Patience	First Partaker

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