Imagine having a one-on-one basketball coaching session with Michael Jordan. What would it be like to take voice lessons from Whitney Houston? Or a have a private cooking class with Martha Stewart?
Intimidating? Maybe. Inspiring? Probably. Life-changing? Definitely.
I wonder if Timothy thought that way about the letters he received from his mentor, the apostle Paul? Did he realize that he was receiving lessons from a legend? Or were they just letters from a friend, leader and mentor?
I don't know....what do you and I think when people speak God's messages to us? Hmm...
Here are a few of the highlights from the legend's (Paul's) lessons for Timothy:
And don't let anyone put you down because you're young.
Teach believers with your life:
by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.
Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.
And that special gift of ministry you were given
when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—
keep that dusted off and in use.
Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them.
The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching.
Don't be diverted. Just keep at it.
Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation...
And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given!
Guard it with your life.
Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts.
People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith.
Tomorrow: 2 Timothy
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