Colossians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother”
We see that Paul also includes Timothy in his greeting to the Colossians. Timothy was Paul’s disciple, and was being raised up and trained to be a pastor. As I’m studying through the book of Joshua, and then looking at this passage, I notice some parallels between Timothy and Joshua of the Old Testament.
Timothy and Joshua were without doubt, faithful men. They were used mightily by the Lord, and yet both were prone to be fearful. When Joshua had to step up after the death of Moses, it was frightening for him. And so Timothy would have to step up after Paul was gone. This was what Paul was training him to do, and it was fearful for Timothy. Not that he wouldn’t remain faithful, but he was struggling with those human emotions. So God, through Moses, would encourage Joshua, not only once, but many times.
In Joshua 1:6-9, God directly ministers to Joshua: “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them (that’s a promise). Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This is not the last time that he’s going to be encouraged in that. When things heat up, when he makes mistakes, he needs to be encouraged.
We see Paul would have encouragement in mind for Timothy when he writes to Timothy in his second letter: II Timothy 1:6-8 “…..I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.”
There was Paul, Timothy’s teacher, encouraging him. “Hey, you’re being fearful. You’re hesitating to share your giftings. You need to move forward and not have the spirit of fear. Look at me and don’t be ashamed of me. Don’t make excuses for me either because I’m in prison. Follow the Lord. Be confident, be bold.”
This should be a comfort to us, as we need to understand so as not to beat ourselves up when we fail to measure up…because we will. You have to see what goes on here in the dynamics of great men of faith struggling with the human aspects of life, and when we will have to be reminded again and again, then 10 years down the road be reminded again. You don’t suddenly become superhuman, you know! This helps me because it keeps me from thinking that somehow, one day, while still in this body called the tent, that I will achieve some sort of immunity from failure. Not going to happen! That opposes the very truth of scripture. If I’ve achieved anything, it’s learning the art of repentance. I’ve got it down. And I’ve learned not to sidestep with excuses. I’ve learned to take a more direct route to reconciliation and restoration. It has been very helpful; and it’s amazing! Before I used to excuse myself because I didn’t understand that this is the normal life of a Christian. We need to get back on track when we blow it.