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The best way you can help lead your family is to make sure you are growing spiritually. This growth will give you the wisdom and strength you need for leading your children in the faith. You can make this happen by regular time reading the Bible (2 Timothy 3:17), finding role models to emulate (Proverbs 27:17), avoiding influences and situations where you will be tempted (1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Timothy 2.22), and choosing to abide in Christ in order to bear fruit (John 15:1-8).
If you knew you were going to die in the near future, what information would you want to pass on to your family? Paul found himself on “death row,” waiting his execution for preaching the gospel of Christ. He chose to write one last letter to his spiritual son in the faith, Timothy. Paul wrote to comfort, encourage, and motivate Timothy.
Concerned that Timothy may be in danger of spiritual burnout, Paul wrote to encourage him to continue being faithful to his duties, to hold on to sound doctrine, to avoid error, and
to expect persecution for preaching the gospel. Above all, he encouraged Timothy to put his confidence in the Word of God.
He reminded Timothy of his genuine faith that had been modeled for him by his mother and grandmother, his calling and giftedness, a resolve to hold tightly to the truth of God’s Word, and a loyalty that will last even under the most difficult of circumstances.
Paul then challenged Timothy to prepare others to follow him in the ministry. In his dealings with others, Timothy must not get entangled in useless controversies. In his dealings with himself, he must flee youthful lust and keep his life pure. Paul exhorted Timothy to never waver in his use of the Scriptures—the same Scriptures that God used in Timothy’s childhood to made Timothy “wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15).
To the very end, Paul thought of the personal and spiritual needs of this spiritual Son. He was able to pour into Timothy in the last days of his own life, knowing that he himself was abiding in Christ. What an amazing example of a relationship with God being used to lead another person in their faith.
God, please transform my family by transforming me. Speak to me through Your Word, through Your Spirit, and through godly people. Make me the parent my family needs. Amen.
If you wish to learn more life lessons for men from the people in the bible like Paul and Timothy, you will find a great resource in Jim’s book, A Leader After God’s Own Heart.
How can I use my own faith to lead my family well? Am I abiding in Christ that I may lead others?
Paul was able to pour into Timothy in the last days of his own life, knowing that he himself was abiding in Christ.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
