The Timidity of Timothy
One of the most interesting New Testament characters, to my way of thinking, is Timothy. This young man, the son of a Jewish mother who had become a believer and a Greek father (who apparently had not) met Paul in the Lycaonian city of Lystra while the apostle was on his second missionary journey.
Seeing the potential in Timothy, Paul invited him to join the team and he became Paul’s companion and missionary partner along with Silas. During the years that followed, Paul not only mentored Timothy but became, in a sense, his spiritual father.
Later, Paul assigned his protegee to help disciple the believers in various church plants: Berea, Thessalonica, and Corinth. Ultimately, Timothy was given the leadership of the church at Ephesus.
It was while he was there that Paul penned two epistles that bear the young man’s name: First Timothy and Second Timothy.
In that second letter we read these words of exhortation: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
While this is a simple verse for us, it was a prophetic word for Timothy. In reading between the lines, it would appear that Timothy struggled with an inferiority complex.
A Lack of Confidence
Whether it was a function of his age or his personality, or not having had a strong father figure, it seems that he struggled with a lack of confidence, as indicated in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: “When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him” (I Corinthians 16:10 NLT).
Now we can see the reason behind Paul’s admonition: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity…”
The word “timidity” comes from the Greek word deilia. It’s the only occurrence of that word in the New Testament and it means (Are you ready for this?) “cowardice.”
It’s the inability to face a challenge without surrendering to fear. It’s about encountering a threat and losing one’s nerve. It’s about facing long odds and lacking grit.
Paul lovingly, yet strongly, challenged Timothy’s timidity. And, if you are wondering whether Timothy rose to that challenge, it might be interesting for you to consider how he died.
A Courageous Ending
According to church tradition, Timothy’s life ended around the year 97 A.D. at the age of 80. Cause of death? He tried to stop a pagan parade in honor of the goddess Diana by preaching the gospel. That’s not timid at all!
Timothy had come to the place where he was done with being intimidated. He was through with losing his nerve. He was determined to do exactly what his spiritual father had done: fight the good fight, keep the faith.
That action was a costly one and it earned Timothy the martyr’s crown. The angry crowd dragged him through the streets and eventually stoned him to death.
Timothy sets an example that some of us in leadership might need to emulate. To quit using our family of origin or our challenging circumstances or our personality as an excuse for timidity.
Jeremiah’s Inferiority Complex
Timothy wasn’t the only biblical character to struggle with inferiority. When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, the man started making excuses. He said, “I can’t speak for You! I’m too young!” (Jer. 1:6 NLT).
And we do the same exact thing, don’t we? We’re not enough of this or too much of that. But the fact is none of us is without flaws or weaknesses or limitations.
Which is why the Lord cut Jeremiah off: “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’” (Jer. 1:7 NLT). That is to say, “No more excuses.”
Why? Because it’s in our weakness that God offers strength. That’s where His Spirit provides supernatural capacity and offers power, love, and discipline. That’s how He puts His grace and glory on display.
None of us is without flaws or weaknesses or limitations. But it’s in our weakness where God's Spirit provides supernatural capacity and offers power, love, and discipline.
Let the example of Timothy bolster your confidence and provide you with courage. Not in denying your limitations, but in accepting the fact that there is One whose resources are unlimited.
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