"Entrusted" Multiplicity

1 Tim 1:1-2
Intro material Written by Paul in roughly 65AD between Paul’s imprisonments to Timothy who was in Ephesus (ef-a-sus)

Timothy was not actually one of the pastors of a church but was Paul's liaison who implemented Paul's instructions to the churches. This letter is in the category of “Pastoral Epistles”

We understand something very important about Paul and Timothy’s relationship…Paul’s intent was to multiply his life into Timothy

This is a biblical way of living from the beginning
-Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply”
-Matthew 28:19 “Go and make disciples”
-Concept of fruit “Reap what you sow”

Matthew 10:24-26 not above those who are above you. This is a sobering thought. Remember what Whitefield said during the great awakening when asked why the churches are dead…”because they have dead men preaching”

Some peoples response to this is….
This is why I do not want anyone under me, I can’t live up to the standard I think I should live up to.
But know this…You are multiplying whether you want to or not. Others are watching and learning from you, your habits will be picked up by those who are close to you.

So if we are influencing others we should ask ourselves some questions…
-Who am I building into?
-What do I believe? (Orthodoxy, right teaching)
-What is my life like? (Orthopraxy, right action)
-What do I not want to multiply?
-What do I want to multiply?

These questions get people thinking about their faith, parents with young children coming to church because they want to be able to pass something down.

So much of what we will see in this letter is what Paul wants to pass to Timothy.

1 Timothy 1:1 Paul

Facts about Paul
-single…the gift no one wants
-a word to the single people enjoy the freedom of not having family responsibilities, serve the Lord in ways that you wont be able to later in life if the Lord brings you spouse and children.
-a word to the married people, take your responsibility and enjoy the fruit of it.

Enjoy the stage of life that God has placed you in. (Proverbs tells us a fool looks back at the former days)
-A former enemy of Jesus and His followers
-A victim of harsh persecution
-A discouraged pastor
-A Faithful servant
-Realized his call to the body “I planted”

Notice verse 1 is Paul’s identity is in Jesus and the call of Jesus. Where do you find your identity?

Paul could have said…a single guy, a former blasphemer, hard working servant, a guy who faced many troubles.

For you it may be a…fill in the blank.

But what Paul does here is state his position as it relates to Jesus…so what are you?

(List)-forgiven, adopted, bought with His blood, a child of God, a co-heir with Christ, a citizen of heaven, sealed with the Spirit till the day of redemption, born again, saved, passed from death to life, more then a conqueror, strong when you are weak, loved, chosen and redeemed

In order to multiply yourself for the cause of Christ you have to know your identity.

Vrs 2a
Facts about Timothy
-A man in his early to mid 30’s
-Most likely converted under Paul’s ministry Acts 16:1-3, 1 Cor 4:15-17 “True child in faith”
-In regards to his upbringing he had a Mom Eunice and Grandma Lois that were believers and taught him the truths of the faith. But his Father was Greek. 2 tim 1:13-14, 2:2 , 3:14
-Faithful worker and consistent helper to Paul and one of his most trustworthy associates
-Good reputation
-His personality was timid and in need of encouragement. (a boy needs his dad)
You have to do what is right regardless of the fact that people will oppose it. If it is right its right.
Most Christians take the path of least resistance, they will not stand against wrong or stand for what is right. And it is more pathetic when it is leaders who will not stand up for what is right.

They see a Jesus who is weak and a door mat and they don’t see Jesus as a strong and standing up for righteousness.

The Good Shepard sometimes had to use the other end of His staff to protect the flock. (David the Shepard boy with a bear and a lion, he did not try to calm them down and reason with them, some false teachers and people with evil intent cannot and will not be reasoned with)

In order to multiply yourself for the cause of Christ you have to find someone who is teachable. Timothy was that for Paul

Vrs 2b Here is what we should multiply.
Grace- God’s ongoing forgiveness and enabling.
Mercy- God’s sympathy and concern
Peace- God’s tranquility and stability.

Which are all encompassed in the GOSPEL