Follow A Good Mentor

In this lesson we see where Paul is preparing young Timothy, on the opposition he will face. Paul considered Timothy, as his son in the faith. It's amazing to me, that the bible is self fulfilling. The principles of righteousness, are called on repeatedly throughout the bible. The same problems they had in the start. Are the same things happening, thousands of years later. Just like we had the answer then, we have the answer now. We have the holy bible, the written word of God. We have been doing a series centered in Exodus, about the deliverance of the Israelites. The reluctance of the people, to follow the word of God. Took a journey that was supposed to take three days, and turned it into one that lasted forty years. The gospel has changed considerably, since the beginning of time. It has always been to save the children, of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Which brings us, to where we as Christians are today. All people fall into one branch of that family. The same problems Moses and Paul faced then. We face as Christians today. Just like Timothy needed a good mentor then, we need one today.


Passage 2 Timothy 3
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Again Paul is instructing the younger Timothy, on the opposition he will face in his Christian walk. Paul reminds Timothy, he has been taught all there is to know, about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been taught what Godly behavior is, and what is not. The fruits of the spirit should be evident, in his actions. He knows what he should look for, in other leaders as well. Paul is aware of the things Timothy will face, in maintaining the church. Experience is the best teacher you can have. Paul has endured these things himself. He speaks of the experiences he faced at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. Through it all, he depended on his faith in God. The lord delivered him through everything he encountered.


Passage 2 Timothy 3
12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

If you live for God, they will come against you. That's a given, you can expect that to happen. When you look around, and it seems like the bad guys always win. That's a trick of the devil, used to weaken the believer. Just keep watching, you'll see the righteous always prevail. Only those things we do for God will last. Those that trick others, just keep on getting tricked themselves.


Passage 2 Timothy 3
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Stick with what got you to this point. Remember what you've learned, and who you learned it about. Remember week before last Timothy was reminded of his grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice. To have known this thing all your life, makes you stronger in your walk with Christ. Everything that you have learned thus far, is worthy of repeating. It is complete in it's coverage, because it is inspired by God. If one seeks to truly live a righteous life. Why not use the manual God has provided us, for perfection in our lives.

2 Timothy 4
1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Your faithfulness and works, will be judged by the Father and his son Jesus. In spite of it not being popular, keep preaching the word anyway. It usually convicts us, in one way or another. Don't be hesitant to share, or use the word of God. The time will come when man will be willing to listen, to everything but the truth. People now can find congregations and denominations, to go along with whatever they want. They find groups that go along or feed into their behavior. Regardless of what the world does, you continue to trust in God, and tell others. Be an example yourself, or the gospel you profess.

2 Timothy 4
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Here Paul foresees his future coming to an end . The end of his earthly ministry is at hand. To know you have lived a good life dedicated to God, must be a wonderful feeling. To know at the time of judgment, you will be abundantly rewarded. This will be a day of happiness for all who accept. Not just the elect. Most people won't live a life as instrumental as Paul's, in the upbuilding of the body of Christ. That's why it's so important to have mentors. They provide encouragement, and examples for us to follow. To have someone go ahead of us with success, makes it easier to go ourselves. That's why it's important to have mentors for ourselves, that have gone before us. As well as be mentors to those who follow you.