2 Timothy 1:1-5

How can we live faithfully as Christians?  One thing that will help is if we see ourselves in the context of generations of Christians.  It helps if we understand that we are neither the beginning nor the end. 

·        Many have come before and our recognition of this humbles us, that so many have contributed to the gospel coming to us and so many have been faithful already.  Certainly they endured so much more than I endure and yet held fast to the Lord.  Their examples inspire.

·        But also, many will come after us.  God is at work in the world bringing people from every tribe, language, nation and people.  Recognizing this challenges me to be an example of faithfulness for the coming generations.  I want to say as Paul did: imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).

This mindset was evident in Paul and he encouraged Timothy to have it as well.  Who were Paul’s forefathers?  It is hard to imagine he was referring to the immediate generations of Israelites that preceded him.  He tended not to view the Jews of his day as having a pure conscience.  It seems he is talking about saints of Old Testament days: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; David, Hezekiah and Josiah; Esther, Ruth and Deborah.  And most recently, perhaps John the Baptist, Simeon, Anna, Mary and Joseph.  He is speaking of spiritual ancestors.

In Timothy’s case Paul reminds him of Lois and Eunice, his grandmother and mother.  They can be seen as serving God with a pure conscience because in them was found genuine faith.  They had passed on this faith as they passed on the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:14-15).  Timothy knew well these faithful kin.  

Paul also reminds Timothy that he, Paul, is his forefather.  Paul, though unmarried, had other sons (Onesimus, Phlm. 10; Titus, Titus 1:4).  But he had no son like Timothy.  Paul had advised him as a father to a son (Acts 16).  He taught him sound words (2 Tim. 1:13), set an example (3:10-12), prayed for him (1:3) and rejoiced in him (1:4).  Paul said they served together as a son with his father (Phil. 2:22).  He told the Corinthian Church he was sending Timothy, my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church (1 Cor. 4:17). 

We should note that in 2 Timothy, where Paul is encouraging Timothy to be faithful to the end, Paul is continually using himself as an example for Timothy.  He wants Timothy to think generationally, learning from one who came before so he can teach others who come after, as Paul says in 2 Tim. 2:2.

Think for a moment.  Your ancestors start with Paul’s forefathers because your faith as a believer in Christ goes back to the same source as Paul’s.  But then think about those you may know who contributed to your faith.  And think of some who may be looking to you for an example of faithfulness.  You are neither the beginning nor the end of the line.  Be faithful where you are!