Gtcotr/ss052123
God invites young men and young women to represent Him in every generation. Young men and young women all over the world say yes to God’s call each day. For as long as the earth remains, God will continue to provide the world with a steady stream of faithful witnesses who commit their lives to His work. Some of the greatest Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers the world will ever know are being born around the world every day.
It has always been the case that when God wants something done, a child is born to that purpose. The golden thread of God’s will can be seen running through families who are called and purposed to impact generations. The providential hand of God prepares, positions, provides, and protects those destined to accomplish even a single element of His will. Nothing is left to chance with God.
I’d like you to go with me to the first chapter of the New Testament Pastoral Epistle, 2 Timothy. While you find our text allow me to provide the setting and describe the time and place in which the Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to pen this letter.
After many decades of study I believe Paul’s letter to young Timothy was written in the late spring of AD66 or AD67. The Apostle Paul was 61 years old at that time and was locked up in a prison in Rome for a second time, this time under the orders of Emperor Nero. Nero was a crazy, evil, power-hungry man. Paul was charged with spreading a new and unlawful religion which had been deemed dangerous to the state.
The charges against Paul were of course false but that would not stop his impending execution. Paul expected to soon be put to death however before he lost his head, Paul wrote his young son in the faith, Timothy, to encourage him to continue serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
Considered by many to be the dying counsel of one of the most eminent Apostles which he gave to one who had just entered into the ministerial life, 2 Timothy should be listened to with great respect by anyone desiring to offer themselves in service to Christ. Each topic was no doubt selected with extra care knowing those things dearest to his heart and seeing the time was short.
With these things in mind, let’s read the platform on which Paul stood to trust his dying investment and what we believe to be his last words, to this young man Timothy. And by the way, had Paul not trusted him, neither would you. In fact, if it had not have been for one single encounter that impressed the Apostle Paul, chances are we would never even have known Timothy’s name. But, because of what Paul knew about Timothy, Timothy became the heir apparent to the covenant ministry mantle of this great Apostle to the Gentiles.
2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
There is a golden thread of God’s Will running through families who are called and purposed to impact generations. It might begin with you, or you may be an intermediary through which the covenant calling of God reaches from one generation to the next. It is even possible that you are the only reason why your ancestors experienced the blessings and the protection of God. We see this in the lives of Joshua, Moses, David, Mary, and so many. Paul recognized the golden thread of faith in Timothy’s family.
It's the providential hand of God prepares, positions, provides for, and protects those who are called according to the will of the Lord. Generation after generation, those who are born to carry the message of the Gospel in their time are called and equipped to serve. This is God’s way.
I believe you are critical to generations yet to come. Today you can begin a heritage or continue the legacy by making one decision. You can commit your life to God’s service. You can offer yourself to Him right now.
John 6:37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
Joshua 24:15 … As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
