Timothy was Paul's young protégée. Paul considered Timothy his own son in the faith. They were traveling, evangelizing, establishing Churches, and leaving those congregations with the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ, as they would move on to another location to preach and teach. At times, when Paul couldn't be with a congregation himself, he sent Timothy to visit them, check up on their progress in the faith, and encourage them to continue learning and growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Then, bring back to Paul his report on their welfare
Two of Paul's 13 epistles were written to Timothy, as they ministered together in the Word. The instructions often had to do with the doctrine Paul had learned from Jesus Christ. Teach it, honor it, obey it, preserve it, revere it, protect it, and don't allow anyone to corrupt it. The proper function of your Church depends on it.
Paul's instruction to Timothy was to keep the local Church always mindful of the doctrine Paul had taught them, and never deviate from it. They would be infiltrated by false teachers and tempted to go back to religion, but Paul's constant warning was "don't do that! And don't allow any false teaching to be presented in your Church."
The law was not made for the righteous, but for vile sinners, among them....
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Yes, Satan has his own system of doctrine, and it often closely counterfeits God's truth. It can seduce, if we don't know the Bible very well.
Keep reminding the brethren....
1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
In Paul's absence, there is one priority....
1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Don't drop the ball, Timothy.....
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Teaching doctrine is an honorable thing....
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Teach the servants to respect their masters....
1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Separate from some folks....
1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Timothy was there through it all. He had witnessed Paul's endurance of persecutions, because of the doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Doctrine matures us, equips us for the work of the ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. Anytime, any place, be ready to preach God's Word. Instruct with patience and emphasize doctrine as the means of Christian growth.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Sad prophecy, but Paul knew it was true, and so do we. We are living with that truth now. The general population are not only bored with Bible doctrine, they are offended by the doctrine and by the term itself. Entertainment, not teaching, is the expectation of a vast majority of today's Christians. Therefore, they are not prepared to handle even the most mundane daily adversity, or to witness the truth of Jesus Christ to the common man.
Entertainment can be had anywhere, anytime. There is only one place and time to be taught Bible doctrine, which equips the saints for ministry. The local Church, under the leadership of a capable Pastor/Teacher.
The man who can teach you, to whom you will respond with confidence in his leadership, is the right one for your advance to spiritual maturity. Find him. The Holy Spirit will lead you to him. Listen to him. Learn from him.
You'll be glad you did.
