Teaching Faithful Men
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (II Timothy 2:2).
Not only did Paul have a passion for his public ministry, but one for his private ministry as well. Paul’s commission to Timothy was to keep the divine message and method committed to him. Paul tells Timothy to teach “faithful men.” Timothy was to seek out men, “faithful men” to whom he could commit Paul’s message.
Paul’s instruction to Timothy concerning the committing of the Word to others was extremely narrow, intensely individual – “faithful men!”
The importance of faithfulness can be seen clearly in I Corinthians 4:2.
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Paul did not want Timothy to spend his time and energy on “groups” and “congregations” of men who were not faithful to the Lord and His message. Timothy was not instructed to commit the “revelation of the mystery” to the “masses.”
What a shame to look around at all the so-called “churches” filled with unfaithful men, and see all of the energy, money, resources and programs trying to allure them into becoming “regular” attendees.
What was Timothy instructed to commit to these “faithful men?”
Ordination?
Creeds?
Articles of Faith?
Statements of Faith?
Business Meetings?
Church Polity?
Sunday School Administration?
Preparation and Delivery of Sermons?
NO!
Timothy was to commit to these “faithful men” the very truths that he had heard from Paul! Paul’s distinct message is of paramount importance. Paul says “the same commit to faithful men” (2:2). He does not say “similar.”
Timothy’s divine calling was to seek out faithful men, wherever he may have been able to find them, and instruct them individually – committing Paul’s gospel to them, that they may in turn will go out and do the same.
Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Daily Email Goodies
© 2010
Tags: Body of Christ, Church, Ecclesia, Outside the Camp
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
godsecclesia.wordpress.com 
Leave a comment