oh' to be a Servant

Oh’ to be a Servant

1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2. Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1Timothy 1,2

Timothy was a Greek name meaning honouring God, or dear to God. Timothy was from Lystra. His Father being Greek; a Greek name was given to Timothy. Timothy was from Lystra in Asia Minor. In today's world would be turkey. His mother. Eunice, and Lois, his grandmother were Jews. Their faithfulness to God was pronounced (2 Timothy 1:5) Paul calling Timothy his true son in the faith was a significant label that paul had given him. (Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 3;11.

In 1Timothy 4:14 we read “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."

As we look at the above paragraphs, we notice that attributes of a Minister, Pastor or elder stands very clear.

First I would like to point out the meaning of Timothy’s name. Realizing that we all do not have the name “Timothy”, I believe that his name is given as an example to those who are considering a servants position. Nothing happens by chance. We all can use Timothy’s meaning of his name as a challenge before leadership is considered. “Are we honouring to God?” if not we need to seriously consider this label before one enters in the servant’s role.

Next I see that Timothy was from a Christian home. Just as we do not all have the name of “Timothy” nor do we all come from Christian homes. Only God knows the heart of each individual. Having said this, I believe that all my family know the Lord. Yet we are all different and living in different circumstances.

What a challenge, for those that do not have family as Christians? We have a responsibility to share the Salvation Gospel to our family members. I am not saying that you cannot be in a servant’s role because your family is not saved. But Timothy had that witness of being brought up in a Jewish home.

In these two verses we see that Paul called Timothy his “true son in the Faith.” What a witness to have. Paul the Apostle calling Timothy a true son in the Faith must have been an uplifting encouragement.

To be a witness to Timothy’s position as a servant we must consider 1Timothy 4;14. Paul recognizes that Timothy has a gift of being a servant.

I would like to submit that if we cannot be a servant to others in our Christian life, then how can we serve the house of God?

I believe that a Pastor, Elder, Minister should have a servants heart without reservation.

1. To be a Servant one must be a “True Son in the Faith”
2. He must be able to have a Christian home or be able to witness to His Family.
3. He must be a servant and have a servants heart.

Timothy had an outward and inward testimony. It is apparent today that Satan’s accusers have learned to destroy in today’s society. Accusations are made within and without the Church of God. If one has to defend every accusation that comes to us, we are not going to have much of a chance to grow or excel in the ministry that God has for us.

I think the devout leader should consider the accusations as coming from Satan himself and give little heed to that of the accusation. By giving heed has and will destroy potential Pastors, elders, and ministers.

I cannot prove this from scripture that I can think of but, if we Join forces with Satan on the accusation given, we are going to be robbed of the Glory of God in our lives and our position of servitude is going to be stripped away and our ministry stopped or hindered.

Let us take on the meaning of Timothy’s name and be honouring to God. Timothy was used as an example for us as one considers being a Servant of Jesus Christ.
KJV Bible
Phil Barrington