"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God' service, in spreading the Gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in the faith." 1 Thessalonians 3:2,
(To read the entire chapter of 1 Thessalonians 3, click the link for Bible gateway.)
WHO WAS TIMOTHY?
Timothy was a protege of the Apostle Paul and a core leader in the early church. He shared in the Apostle's work Paul often sent Timothy as his personal representative.
To be called a brother was a common title in the early church days, but to be called a co-worker was to receive high praise. The words in this passage are often translated as "God's co-worker."
Timothy's leadership position was more than any of us are likely to ever attain.
WHAT WAS LEADERSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH?
Timothy was being mentored and groomed for great things so you would think that the jobs that the Apostle Paul would assign his lieutenant would be one of organization and establishing the structure for the foundation of the Church. He was not sent to fight the battle of culture war or set people right but something more essential.
WHAT WAS PAUL'S ASSIGNMENT?
Paul sent him on a mission but not to build a cathedral or defend the faith in a public debate;
- He was sent to encourage and strengthen others.
- He was to meet people and prop them up.
- He was to lift up and hold up the weak.
- He was to give courage.
ENCOURAGE AND STRENGTHEN
We should speak words of encouragement. We should help give strength to the weak. We should strive to come alongside struggling people and help lift their load.
AN EXAMPLE FOR US
Paul sent the leader he was carefully nurturing on the mission of strengthening and encouraging others. If we are called to be leaders in the church, we are called to encourage others and be load lifters.
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(c) Adron 5/17/14
