As the apostle Paul penned his second epistle to the evangelist Timothy, he faced an uncertain future. Even as the epistle began, the issues of life and death occupied the mind of this preeminent servant (2 Timothy 1:1) who probably gave his life for the cause of Christ soon after writing to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:6). In what was no doubt Paul’s last inspired communiqué to his beloved Timothy (2 Timothy 1:2), Paul emphasized truths not only dear unto himself but as well placed an emphasis upon those things that needed to be done after his departure in order to secure the church in succeeding generations. Paul, as a spiritual father to Timothy, looked longingly to the immediate and distant future with a protective eye. He would not leave Timothy without direction—without the wisdom and guidance of the great apostle—as Timothy faced the challenges of the day. In this most intriguing context, the beloved apostle admonished the young evangelist concerning several things, including his teaching responsibility. Paul did not leave this world before he laid foundational stones that support the church very well to this day.
In a review of 2 Timothy, we note the consistency flowing from the pen of Paul as he continually entreated Timothy to focus on his primary objective, the teaching of the Word of God. A quick reading of the text evidences this observation. Paul admonished Timothy to (a) stir up the gift of God in him, 1:6; (b) not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, 1:8; (c) to hold fast the form of sound words, 1:13; (d) to put them in remembrance, 2:14; (e) to rightly divide the Word, 2:15; (f) to be apt to teach, 2:24; (g) to instruct those who oppose themselves, 2:25; (h) to preach the Word, 4:2a and (i) to do the work of an evangelist, 4:5.
Additionally, Paul presented himself as both a preacher and a teacher (1:11) in whom the Word would not be bound (2:9). In the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul left himself as an example after which Timothy could pattern himself following Paul’s departure.
Perhaps one of the most compelling admonitions of the entire epistle was gracefully presented in 2 Timothy 2:2. With a protective eye on the future of the church and a genuine interest in the souls of men, the apostle Paul looked beyond the immediate and personal labors of Timothy and focused on the potentially broad impact that he may have in his own generation and in generations yet to come. The apostle vividly saw the value of preparing others to spread the Word alongside of men such as Timothy as well as into the future. Here the apostle Paul said, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2:2 KJV).
Our congregations face the same challenges today that were faced so courageously by first century Christians. Our present need of teachers is as important for our congregations as it was for the area where Timothy labored so long ago. If the membership of a congregation fails to meet the challenge of teaching those under its care and guidance, it will surely answer to the Lord. May we as members conscientiously review and tap into our genuine potential. May we seriously consider making a firm commitment to be one of the teachers of our local congregations. If you want to teach but feel less than fully qualified, ask the men to provide adequate training and assistance. If you desire to teach but fear possible rejection, show a willingness to work with the men in addressing all concerns that may arise. If you do not want to fulfill your genuine potential to teach, then repent and pray that the thought of your heart may be forgiven you (Acts 8:22).
Maintaining a number of teachers over the long-term is a challenging endeavor. I know firsthand the nature of the challenge. My prayers and support are extended to Christian men as they wrestle with this continuing and most important aspect of the local work. May faithful Christian men have the wisdom and courage to work with fellow Christians in a manner that will make it possible for the Word to be committed to more faithful men who will be able to teach others. May we nurture one another in our mutual development rather than limiting growth and potential by a failure to address growth obstacles (Ephesians 4:16). The Lord surely cares about these matters.
