Motivating a Spiritual Son

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. (1:1–5)

As mentioned in the Introduction, Paul's primary instruction to Timothy begins with verse 6 of chapter 1. The first five verses are motivational and constitute a beautiful and moving salutation to the apostle's beloved son in the faith. Yet even these very personal comments reflect principles pertinent not only to Paul's discipling of Timothy but also to Christian parents, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, pastors, counselors, neighbors, and friends—to any believer who is helping another grow toward maturity in Jesus Christ and effectiveness in ministry.

These six implicit, but easily discernable, principles of motivation are: authority (1:1–2a), altruism (v. 2b), appreciation (v. 3a), appeal (v. 3b), affection (v. 4), and affirmation (v. 5).

Authority

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved son: (1:1–2a)

The first principle of godly and successful motivation is that of authority, as seen in the opening declaration by Paul that he was an apostle of Christ Jesus. As explained in the Introduction, Paul's apostleship already was well understood by Timothy. It is mentioned here by way of reminder that, despite their close and loving relationship, Paul ranked above Timothy in spiritual authority because he brought the Word of the Lord and was writing in that capacity.

Intimacy does not preclude authority. The relationship of love that parents have with their children does not preclude their authority over their children. A parent-child relationship of love without authority is doomed to tragedy for the entire family. No matter how cordial a working relationship may exist, a business cannot succeed if employees refuse to recognize and submit to the employer's authority over them.

Although they shared a deep friendship, Paul's loving salutation to Timothy carried the full weight of his apostleship. Apostolos(apostle) literally means one who is sent out, "a messenger," as it is sometimes translated (see, e.g., 2 Cor. 8:23; Phil. 2:25). But in the New Testament it more commonly carries the connotation of ambassador, a representative who carries with him the authority of the one he represents. It is used in that sense of the twelve disciples Jesus called during His earthly ministry (Luke 6:13; 9:10) and of Paul, whom Christ called from heaven after His ascension (see Acts 9:3–15; 22:6–14; 26:13–18). The Lord used the verb form of Himself, as "Jesus Christ whom Thou [the Father] hast sent [apostello]" (John 17:3), and in the book of Hebrews Jesus is called "the Apostle and High Priest of our confession" (3:1).

As an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul stood in the place of Christ and spoke the Word of Christ, and he did so by the will of God the Almighty Father. Paul writes Timothy not merely as a dear friend but as a divinely commissioned ambassador of God the Father and God the Son. He is not offering brotherly counsel but declaring divine truth with firm authority.

He does so according to, meaning "in conformity to," the gospel, here called the promise of life in Christ Jesus. Paul's calling to serve the will of God as a messenger of the Savior was to be discharged by proclaiming the saving good news that those who are dead in sin can find life in Christ Jesus. A favored phrase of Paul was in Christ Jesus, which signified his own and every believer's union with our Lord and Savior through participation in His death, resurrection, and eternal life. Jesus is Himself "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and He gives the divine promise that "whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16) and "have it abundantly" (10:10). Those who claim that promise in faith can claim with Paul that Christ "is our life" (Col. 3:4, emphasis added).

Every worthy father deeply desires an unbreakable and rich relationship with his children. In the same way, Paul not only desired but experienced and expressed the intimacy of bonding love that he shared with Timothy, his beloved son. And just as this intimacy did not preclude authority, neither did authority preclude intimacy. As a loving spiritual father, Paul spoke with apostolic authority to his son in the faith. That authority gave Timothy a strong incentive for obedience.

Altruism

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (1:2b)

Although commonly expressed as a greeting, these were not just words but the expression of a genuine desire for God's best to be reality in the young preacher's life. Timothy was to be motivated by Paul's altruism, his unselfish concern for and devotion to the welfare of others. Like every believer, his young protege was saved by divine grace, the unmerited favor of God's providing forgiveness and justification. The apostle wanted his son in the faith to continually live in divine mercy, the inexpressible blessing of deliverance from the misery that sin deserves and creates. He also wanted Timothy to continue in full peace of mind and heart, the inner tranquillity produced by divine grace and mercy. He wanted Timothy to have the best that God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord offer to redeemed sinners: grace to cover sin, mercy to overrule misery, and peace to dominate life.

If we want to truly motivate other believers, we must, like Paul, have genuine, loving, and unqualified concern for their full spiritual blessing. In addition to their recognizing our authority under God, we want our brothers and sisters in Christ to know that they are loved by us without reservation. This, too, elicits response.

Appreciation

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, (1:3a)

A third principle of godly and successful motivation is appreciation. Not only was Paul a blessing to Timothy, but Timothy was a blessing to Paul. I thank God for you, the apostle assured him, saying in effect, "I am grateful for what God has done for me through you." While...