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Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 20

"Commit these to faithful men..."

Text: 2 Timothy 2:2

THE PASSING OF ONE GENERATION

The apostle Paul had served the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully and fervently all his life. He lived a very full and significant life for the glory of the Lord. To his credit, and to the glory of God, Paul established a good number of churches. He was a successful fisher of men. He went on to become the most prolific writer for the Lord. But soon his life would come to an end. Paul had come to the end of a long and arduous journey of faith.

 

FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER

Paul realised that soon another generation must take over where he leaves off. He was glad that there was another generation that would carry on with the Lord’s work.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses,
commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2

1. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses”

a) This is a reference to the teachings of the apostle Paul.
b) Of course these teachings had been revealed to him by the Lord.
i) Paul always defended the fact that his knowledge was by revelation from God (Ephesians 3:3).
ii) What Paul taught was public knowledge.
iii) There were many witnesses to what Paul had taught,

 

2. “Commit these to faithful men”

a) Paul now urged Timothy to look for “faithful men”.
b) These must of course:-
i) Be people who shared the same faith.
ii) These are people who have proven themselves (1 Timothy 3).
c) The teachings of Paul must now be passed on from one generation to another.
d) This is not however “apostolic succession!” Paul’s focus was on the great
body of truth that the Lord graciously entrusted to His apostles.

 

3. “Who will be able to teach others also”

a) Perpetuation of the faith is certainly in mind.
b) These faithful men must share the same characteristics:-
i) They are men of faith.
ii) They are proven to be faithful.
iii) They are able to teach others.
iv) They must be as deeply committed to this task of perpetuation of faith.