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Timothy Character Study
Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 1 Cor 10:6
Meaning of Name:
Timothy
NT:5095 Timotheos (tee-moth’-eh-os); from NT:5092 and NT:2316; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian:
KJV – Timotheus, Timothy.
His Ancestry and Family Life:
2 Tim 1:4-5
4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
Acts 16:1-2
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy , theson of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.
When and Where He Lived:
Acts 16:1-2
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.
Acts 16:3-4
3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.
Timothy joined Paul and Silas on the second missionary journey and traveled over much of what is now Turkey. Luke apparently joined them in Acts 16:9 (“they” becomes “we”).
Circumstances of Birth:
His father was Greek, his mother was a Jew and he was probably born in Lystra.
Training He received and His Occupation:
- Apparently trained by mother and grandmother 2 Tim 1:4,5; 2 Tim 3:14,15
- Trained by Paul 1 Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 1:2,18; 2 Tim 1:2; 2 Tim 3:10,11
- Assistant writer of 2 Cor 1:1, Phil 1:1, Col 1:1, 1 Thess 1:1, 2 Thess 1:1, Philemon 1:1
- Missionary Acts 16:3,4
- Messenger 1 Cor 4:17, Phil 2:19-23, 1 Thess 3:6
- Teacher 1 Tim 4:6,11,13,16
- Preacher 2 Tim 4:2
- Evangelist 2 Tim 4:5
Place in History:
- Assisted writing six books of the Bible
- Participated in the second missionary journey of the church.
Special traits:
His mother was a Jew and his father was a Gentile.
Weaknesses:
Possibly Timid 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 1:7,8 Not commended for his boldness
Strengths:
Reputable Acts 16:2
Supportive Acts 18:5, Phil 2:22
Unselfish Acts 18:5, Phil 2:20-22
Humble Acts 18:5, Phil 2:22
Servant Acts 18:5, Acts 10:22, Phil 2:22
Worker Rom 16:21; 1 Cor 16:10; 1 Thess 3:2; Philemon 1; 2 Tim 2:15
Beloved 1 Cor 4:17, 2
Teacher 1 Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 1:3,5; 1 Tim 4:6,11,13,16; 1 Tim 6:17,18; 2 Tim 2:2
Well Trained 1 Cor 4:17 “just as I teach” 1 Cor 16:10
Genuine Concern Phil 2:20
Strengthener 1 Thess 3:2
Encourager 1 Thess 3:2
Strong Faith 1 Thess 3:2; 2 Tim 1:5; 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 3:10
Trusted 1 Tim 6:20
Knowledge of Scriptures 2 Tim 3:14,15
Speech 1 Tim 4:12
Conduct 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 3:10
Love 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 3:10
Purity 1 Tim 4:12
Patience 2 Tim 3:10
Perseverance 2 Tim 3:10
Important Acts and Events:
Acts 16:3-4
3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.
He went on the second missionary journey with Paul and Silas.
Phil 2:19-24
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me;
24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.
Timothy was sent to the Philippian church to check on their spiritual condition.
How He Died:
Unknown
Lessons from His Life:
- Be faithful in a supporting role and God will promote you. Luke 19:17
- I must be Godly in order to be qualified and effective in teaching godliness to others. Ezra 7:10
- Many start well, but few persevere to a victorious finish.
Phil 2:20-21
20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 1:15
15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
2 Tim 4:9-11
9 Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
2 Tim 4:16-17
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
- God uses role models to teach Christian character. Paul à Timothy à Others 2 Tim 3:14;
1 Tim 4:12 (also Christ à His disciples John 13:15) - Find a Godly man to disciple you and then stick to him like glue.
- There is a delicate balance between encouraging someone to excel to reach their full potential in the Lord and “laying hands” on a young convert too hastily.
1 Tim 4:12-13
12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
1 Tim 5:22
22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.
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