What The Church Needs: Paul

What The Church Needs: Paul

     There are many examples in Scripture of godly men fulfilling their call and glorifying God. They serve as models; albeit, they are imperfect ones. However, they can teach us many truths both by their positive and even their negative actions. We look to these men only in an effort to project their emulative characteristics back onto us, realizing all the time that they are mere men, and sinful men at that (except, of course, Christ Jesus). We can learn; we must learn from those who have gone before. We look at these men and examples of the past in order to reform the present. Ultimately, however, we must look to Christ. We know looking back throughout the Bible that Christ was active within his people. As we look back on them, we are actually focused on Christ and his work then to better our now. So, what do we need?

Paul (2 Timothy 3:10-4:8)

We need a Paul-like passion for preaching and teaching the glorious gospel of Christ, studying the scriptures, and preparing the next generation for serving God and the church. If Paul had one thing, it was passion. His heart beat for God; Paul was zealous for the glory of Christ. His life was inflamed by the love of the Spirit. Paul was passionate about God, doctrine, practice, life, preaching, faith, evangelism, missions, discipleship, teaching, worship, fellowship, good works, church planting, bible study, and even death.

     We are well aware of Paul, his academics, theological acumen, etc. He was used mightily by God, but something remarkable about Paul needs our attention. His life and labors were poured into others. He cared for and prepared the next generation of believers for God's work. He did not merely preach, go on a few mission trips, start a couple of churches, and then die. No, Paul worked for the future. Paul made disciples. He multiplied himself. God's work carried on after Paul.

     How blessed was Timothy? He not only knew Paul, but Paul poured his life into the young man. Timothy was taught and mentored by the apostle Paul. He received counsel, advice, practical teaching, doctrine, and encouragement from his friend.

     What are we doing for the next generation? Do we seek to mentor and disciple believers? Do we make time for others? Are we encouraging the preaching and teaching of sound doctrine in an age of people with itching ears? Do we use Scripture to reprove? Correct and train? Is our ministry characterized by the competent equipping of men in order that they perform good works all for the glory of God? Do ministers teach young men how to read the Bible? If someone has a desire to preach, do they shepherd him?

     We have a responsibility to the next generation. Our generation stands on the shoulders of giants that had come before. Who will the next generation stand on? There are some weak shoulders and backs. Oh, that God would strengthen us and awaken us to the fact that we do not serve ourselves. We do what we do for others, and so many of these others may be yet to come.