Children's Challenge: Week 40
5–11 October 2015
We have now moved from the first letter that Paul wrote to Timothy to his second letter. These are two letters that Paul wrote to Timothy (a person rather than a church, as we have been exploring) to encourage him as a young leader in the church. The second letter is written so that Paul could give Timothy some helpful advice. This included stuff like how to get along with all sorts of different people in the community and in the church, making choices about leaders within the church, instructions and ideas for worship as well as dealing with people who were not teaching the truth about Jesus.
Timothy was a very special young person to Paul, someone that Paul saw great things in. Paul worked with Timothy and encouraged him and, on the other side, Timothy listened to Paul and put into practice the things he was teaching him. It is important to have great people that we listen to, follow and look up to, and that care about us and take the time to encourage, train and pray for us. The next passage is Paul again encouraging Timothy on his journey. I wonder who those people are that encourage you on your faith journey.
Paul is such an encouragement to Timothy as he develops as a leader. I wonder who are the people that encourage you, pray for you and build you up. Take sometime to think about who these people are and thank God for them. Paul encouraged Timothy to rely on the Holy Spirit:
‘The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline’ (2 Timothy 1:7).
This is a powerful and important verse to remember. You might like to make up some actions to help you remember it. Then share it with those of your family or special friends who encourage you, pray for you and build you up.
- Think about the times you share meals with others. What might you do together at those meals to remember what Jesus has done for you?
- During the week, choose a meal and volunteer to say a special prayer after you have finished, remembering all that Jesus has done for you. ‘I am thankful for this meal and that Jesus…’