Today you should read: 2 Timothy 2:1-14
Paul’s words and heart toward Timothy, a young man that he mentors and disciples, is a perfect example in the way us older men should disciple young men. He shows proper affection and encouragement toward him as he refers to him as one of his children and tells him that he will be strengthened by grace in Jesus. He then reminds him of the commissioning service he had for Timothy in front of others so that they can continue to do the same with other men. (v. 1-2)
However the apostle Paul gets serious in the next several passages telling him that he not only look at him as an entrusted son who should be encouraged by God’s grace but that he will suffer for the very thing that is entrusted to him (the Gospel) and will have to work hard in the work of the ministry. (v. 3-6, 8-10)
As one who feels called to disciple, mold, train and send out young men who be missionaries to the world around them and good husbands and fathers to their future families I find this example to be helpful. At heart, men want to be challenged to do hard things and see fruit from their tough labor. We are created to work and cultivate and the ones who are lazy and apathetic are that way because of the fall when God told Adam that he will now receive thistles and weeds when he does what he was created to do in Genesis 3 (work and provide). This is why Paul shoots straight with Timothy telling him you will suffer, you will need to discipline yourself, don’t forget about the Savior in whom you are serving that had to work and suffer as well (v. 8-11).
At the same time we can’t underestimate the yearning our young men feel for grace in their many mistakes and to have a father who will love and discipline. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children in America – one out of three – live in biological father-absent homes. The Bible says the church is to be a father to the fatherless and just like Timothy, someone has to fill that void with that type of protection, guidance, love and affection.
So CPC family, what are you doing to help train and send out young men. I may be biased as the student pastor but if we truly believe what teach then we know that it’s the men who ultimately leads the home and the church in a day and age when they are absent of those leaders in the home and more then half of evangelical churches allow women as pastors. This could mean that as a dad you start fulfilling your roles and responsibilities in the home or as a church member you want to help out with our teens or our children pastor’s tutoring program. Whatever it is, we need to be committed to keep on raising up men to lead in such ways and it starts by guys taking initiative and women not allowing our men to continue to go the ways of the world where they are ditching their responsibilities and not leading out.
Posted by:Erik Koliser
JumpstartCPC.com 