Timothy was most probably a direct disciple of the apostle Shaúl (someone who came to belief in the Messiah through the personal testimony of Shaúl) – he was regarded by the apostle as “a genuine child in the belief” (1 Tim 1:2); “beloved son” (2 Tim 1:2) and “beloved and trustworthy son in the Master” (1 Cor 4:17). The relationship between Shaúl and Timothy may be looked upon today as an example – not only of the ideal relationship between leaders and disciples, but also between disciples (or believers in Messiah) and fellow disciples or fellow believers. For Shaúl, Timothy was not only a disciple but also a “fellow worker in the good news of Messiah” (1 Thes 3:2).
Many people forget that Shaúl was not only a pioneer, apostle and teacher but also a great encourager of people, especially people like Timothy, together with whom he had come a long way and experienced many things. It is an eye-opener to read the two letters of Shaúl to Timothy, specifically with the idea of identifying the words of encouragement and words of wisdom within these ten chapters. Many of us may find that these words of wisdom are most applicable to the situations and the problems that we have to face in our modern-day world and, more specifically, in the way of belief that we have chosen (that is often regarded by others as “strange” and “peculiar”).
First word: Let the men not become tired of making petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all men.
1Tim 2:1-4,8 First of all … I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all men, for sovereigns and all those who are in authority, in order that we lead a calm and peaceable life in all reverence and seriousness. For this is good and acceptable before Elohim our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth … So I resolve that the men pray everywhere.
Second word: Let the women bring favour upon the assembly – not only by their decent and sensible appearance, but also by their awe and adoration towards Yahweh and by their good works.
1Tim 2:9-12 Likewise, that the women dress themselves becomingly, with decency and sensibleness, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly garments, but with good works, which is becoming for women undertaking worship of Elohim. Let a woman learn in silence, in all subjection. But I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, rather, to be in silence.
Third word: Avoid profane talk, old wives’ fables, empty babblings, endless genealogies, foolish questions, strife, quarrels and verbal battles.
1Tim 4:6-7 If you present these matters to the brothers, you shall be a good servant of Y’shua Messiah, being nourished in the words of belief and of the good teaching which you have followed closely. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself rather to reverence (see also 1 Tim 1:4; 1 Tim 6:20; 2 Tim 2:16; 2 Tim 2:23).
Fourth word: Be an example to the believers in word, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in belief, in cleanliness and do not neglect the gift that is within you.
1Tim 4:12-15 Let no one look down on your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in belief, in cleanliness. Until I come, give attention to reading of Scripture, to encouragement, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands … Practise these matters, be in them, so that your progress might be plain to all.
Fifth word: Be respectful, considerate and caring towards all kinds of people – especially older people, younger people and widows.
1Tim 5:1-3 Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father, younger ones as brothers, elderly women as mothers, younger ones as sisters, in all cleanliness. Respect widows who are truly widows.
Sixth word: Be respectful and supportive and loyal to those who rule over the assembly and labour in the Word and teaching.
1Tim 5:17-19 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double respect, especially those who labour in the word and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.
Seventh word: Fight the good fight of the belief by fleeing away from materialistic ideals and pursuing righteousness, reverence, belief, love, endurance and meekness.
1Tim 6:10-12 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some, by longing for it, have strayed from the belief, and pierced themselves through with many pains. But you, O man of Elohim, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, reverence, belief, love, endurance, meekness. Fight the good fight of the belief, lay hold on everlasting life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession before many witnesses.
Eighth word: Do not be ashamed of the witness of Y’shua, neither be ashamed to be associated with those who suffer hardship for his Name sake.
2Tim 1:7-9 For Elohim has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and of love and of self-control. So do not be ashamed of the witness of our Master, nor of me His prisoner, but suffer hardship with me for the Good News according to the power of Elohim, who has saved us and called us with a set-apart calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and favour.
Ninth word: See to it that you continuously and tirelessly work towards the goal of presenting yourself approved to Elohim, a worker who does not need to be ashamed.
2Tim 2:12-15 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also shall deny us. If we are not trustworthy, He remains trustworthy, it is impossible for Him to deny Himself … Do your utmost to present yourself approved to Elohim, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth.
Tenth word: Hold fast to the set-apart Scriptures, and to the way these Scriptures have been taught to you by trustworthy men, so that you may become complete and fulfilled as men and women of Elohim.
2Tim 3:14-17 But you, stay in what you have learned and trusted, having known from whom you have learned, and that from a babe you have known the Set-apart Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for deliverance through belief in Messiah Y’shua. All Scripture is breathed by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of Elohim might be fitted, equipped for every good work.
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