'Everyman' Timothy

Aim: To become everything God would have us be—in and through Christ.

Doctrine: In certain interesting ways Timothy's life mirrors that of many Christians, since his upbringing an background was a mixed spiritual ''bag,'' and he was dependent upon others for his growth and success.

Exegesis: How '''Everyman' Timothy'' encourages us in the church today: by his faith—despite a challenging life-situation (vv. 1-2); by his submission—despite a challenging logical situation (v. 3); by his effectiveness—despite a challenging ''understanding'' situation (vv. 4-5).

Further application: How Timothy's life further inspires us in the church today: that though all of us have spiritual ''pedigrees'' that are ''sketchy'' in some ways, God makes us precious in Christ, and valuable as His church, and for His gospel.

Key verses: vv. 1-2 ''Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.''