Daily Walk Through the New Testament
Read 1 Timothy 1:1-20                                  January 16
When we think about the apostle Paul, we picture an outspoken, brave, and driven man who stood strong for Christ in spite of beatings, imprisonment, and conflict. He was the church’s John Wayne. In Paul’s letter to young Timothy, however, we discover a different picture of Paul. We see a caring mentor who shared his life with a fellow believer despite the hardships and activity in his life. Paul’s letter to Timothy serves as a blueprint for us as we share our lives with others.
Paul was a transparent mentor. In (1:12-17) he shared how God can use someone with an ugly past for His glory. Paul was not hiding or bragging about his past; he simply used it as an example of God’s patience and grace. In Philippians 1:12, Paul wrote, “I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”
Paul was a caring mentor. He warned Timothy to be on guard against false teachings and ideas that would lead him away from Christ. He understood the importance of truth. He carefully & intentionally guided Timothy to truths that bring freedom and protected him from lies that destroy. Paul was also an encouraging mentor. In (1:18-19), he expressed his faith in Timothy to fight the good fight and stay close to God. He based his faith in God. We find a great expression of this faith in Philippians 1:6, when he told believers he was confident “that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Follow Paul’s example and take time out of your hectic schedule to mentor people God has placed in your life.