"... Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20.

Timothy- a leader who was discipled

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to each others also." 2Timothy 2:2.

Where are the Timothies who are being discipled and trained? Where are the men and women who are being motivated, encouraged, prepared and called by the Lord to meet the needs of a hungry, broken and lost world? We need more people consumed with a passion to send servants into the world with the message of hope, peace and salvation. Paul's discipling of Timothy blazes an unmistakable trail for us all to follow.

1. Timothy was Available

Timothy lived at Lystra. Acts 16:1. Paul's first visit there almost cost him his life. Acts 14:19-20. On his second visit an event happened that proved to be one of the greatest joys of his life. He met Timothy. His mother was a Jewess and a believer. His father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and nearby Iconium spoke well of him. Acts 16:1-2. Paul recruited Timothy and invited him to join the team. Acts 16:3

2. Timothy was Teachable

Timothy was young, nexperienced and timid. Paul knew that the way ahead was full of problems, trials and opposition. Why did Paul select him to be the disciple he would train as a labourer for Christ? He obviously perceived his potential. He was prepared to put in the years of discipling to help this young man develop and serve God.

3. Timothy was willing to be a Servant

Some people want to serve God on their own conditions. Timothy was fully committed. He was willing to 'lose his life' (Matt. 10: 39), as he served others. Timothy demonstrates servanthood. Servants are rare. Some of us pefer to be served by others, but he was eager to serve people. Phil. 2:20. Because of this, Paul the great discipler described him as a 'minister of God and fellowlaborer in the Gospel of Christ'. 1Thess. 3:2.

4. Timothy was a Reproducer

Timothy responded magnificently. He not only patterned his life after Paul, but he in turn established, nurtured and trained other disciples. We sent Timothy...to strengthen and encourage you concening your faith. 1Thess. 3:2. Timothy had the capacity to catch Paul's vision and approach to his mnstry and share it with others. The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others. 2Tim. 2:2.

5. Timothy Achieved great things for God

One great man has said 'Use them or lose them'. A disciple's involvement must be real. A disciple must speak of 'our ministry' instead of 'your ministry'. Paul knew how to pass on responsibility. Necessaity may have demanded it, but he saw to it that Timothy could cope and that he received encouragement. 2Tim. 1:4-5. timothy went on to serve alone and towards the end of Paul's life he was invited to minister to his discipler. 2Tim. 4:21.

We need all to find more Timothies. Let's disciple and mould them. Let's use the challenge of the great commission (Matt.28:19-20) as an opportunity and ministry target. Let's see potential in people and prepare them for the future. here is great blessing and fulfillment in discipling and praying for labourers and seeing the Lord thrust them out into His harvest fields. Amen.

"...Go and make disciples of all nations....baptizing, teaching them to observe all that I commanded.." Matthew 28:19-20.