Encouraging Timothy

This 8/21/16 message by Michael Gowens is based on 2 Timothy 1:1-11. Timothy, the young pastor of the church at Ephesus, was frightened and discouraged. The pressures of ministry in a pagan environment, especially in light of growing persecution of the stripe that had already landed Paul in prison, were taking a toll on his spirit. So Paul, in the final letter he wrote prior to his demise, writes to encourage his young son in the faith. He encourages Timothy in three ways: (1) by affirming his personal affection for the young man; (2) by reminding him of his own rich heritage; (3) by urging him to maintain his God-given responsibilities. Such a personal look into the heart of Paul and the tender way he reaches out to minister to a young preacher is a great example to us concerning what it means to truly minister to others.