My team – Timothy teaches 7 important truths for the Church.

The Apostle has sent greetings to 26 people in Rome. Then he passes on greetings from 8 members of his team there in Corinth where he is writing this letter.

I’ve been sat here reflecting on some of the things I see in Timothy. This is no way a definitive list (others are better at that) but hopefully it will encourage you this morning as it does me:

“Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you” (Romans 16 v 21),

1. Discipleship starts in the home. (“from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 3:15)
2. A new season may demand a new pain. (“Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:3)
3. We should open doors for others. (“ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you … I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare … you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.” Philippians 2: 19-22)
4. Ministry involves conflict management. (When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace …” 1 Corinthians 16: 10-11) And sometimes it isn’t successful as the story of Paul and Corinth tells us.
5. God-given gifts can lay dormant. (“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” 1 Timothy 4:14)
6. Confrontation has to be done at times. (“stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer.” 1 Timothy 1:3)
7. Whatever age you are your task is to carry the baton to the next generation. (“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2)