Pastor Tom Grieb continues our series, "Champions of the Church."

There is no doubt that the Apostle Paul took Timothy under his wing.  Paul was quick to recognize his heart.  He was well-assured of Timothy’s every desire to serve the Lord.  Having grown up under the loving influence of a faithful mother and grandmother, Timothy was ripe for the role of leadership he would play in the early New Testament church.  At the outset of his Second Missionary Journey, Paul had Timothy come along.  Along the way, Paul would install Timothy as the leader of the church in Ephesus.  Even though Timothy was young, Paul saw in him the potential to do great things for the Kingdom.

We can learn from Paul’s investment in Timothy’s life.  Paul was intentionally present to meet Timothy where he was spiritually and help him grow.  He gave him opportunities to learn.  He gave him opportunities to lead.  Above all things, Paul encourage him to be “prepared in and out of season” to share the gospel.  In this regard, Paul took his que from Jesus.  In effect, Paul did discipleship just as Jesus did it.  Paul invited Timothy into his life, just as Jesus invited the twelve disciples into his.  Paul and Timothy did life together and a true disciple of Christ was born.  We are challenged to do the same.  We are challenged to consider those persons around us with whom we might come alongside and encourage in the faith.

Jesus commissions us to “go into all the world and make disciples.”  This is our lot as Christians.  There is no plan B.