Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Follow Those Who Are True
Please read 2 Timothy 3:10-12 for background to this section.
Paul turned from the false leaders to remind Timothy that he (Paul) had been a faithful servant of God. It is important in these difficult days that we follow the right spiritual leaders. What are some of their characteristics?
Their lives are open for all to see (verse 10a). Paul had nothing to hide. Like his Master, he could say, “In secret I have said nothing” (John 18:20). “My manner of life from my youth . . . all the Jews know,” Paul had told Agrippa (Acts 26:4). Timothy had lived and labored with Paul and knew the man well. Paul had not hidden behind extravagant claims or religious propaganda.
They teach true doctrine (verse 10b). “My doctrine” in Paul’s case meant the true faith, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter how appealing a preacher may be, if he does not preach the truth of God’s Word, he does not deserve our support. On radio and TV today, we have a great deal of “pseudo-Christianity” which is a mixture of psychology, success motivation, and personality cults, with a little bit of Bible thrown in to make it look religious. Beware!
They practice what they preach (verse 10c). Paul’s “manner of life” backed up his messages. He did not preach sacrifice and then proceed to live in luxury. He gave to others far more than he received from them. He stood up for the truth even when it meant losing friends and, in the end, losing his life. Paul was a servant, not a celebrity.
Their purpose is to glorify God (verse 10d). There was never a question about Paul’s “purpose” in ministry: He wanted to do God’s will and finish the work God gave him to do (Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:21). The Apostle Paul was a man of “faith” who trusted God to meet his needs. He was a man of “longsuffering” who bore up under people’s attacks. He was a man of “love” who willingly gave himself to serve others.
The word “patience” at the end of this verse means “endurance, the ability to stick with it when the going gets tough.”
They are willing to suffer (verses 11-12). Paul did not ask others to suffer for him; he suffered for others. The fact that he was persecuted from city to city was proof that he was living a godly life. Some people today have the idea that godliness means escaping persecution, when just the opposite is true.
I wonder how Paul would match up with today’s concept of a Christian leader. He would probably fail miserably. If he applied for service with a modern mission board, would he be accepted? He had a prison record; he had a physical affliction; he stirred up problems in just about every place he visited. He was poor, and he did not cater to the rich. Yet God used him, and we are being blessed today because Paul was faithful.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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