Paul urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus because it seemed that Timothy wanted to give up and run away. In my experience, when coaching became my ministry, there were many tough days when I wanted to give up. Timothy probably had numerous external and internal pressures driving his desire to leave, but, despite all these reasons, there is no doubt that God and the Apostle Paul wanted Timothy to remain in Ephesus. In the rest of 1 Timothy 1, Paul gave Timothy at least six reasons why he should stay there and finish the ministry God called him to.
· Because they need the truth (1 Timothy 1:3-7).
· Because you minister in a hard place (1 Timothy 1:8-11).
· Because God uses unworthy people (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
· Because you serve a great God (1 Timothy 1:17).
· Because you are in a battle and cannot surrender (1 Timothy 1:18).
· Because not everyone else remains steadfast (1 Timothy 1:19-20).
Competitors, God will allow us to be in difficult situations. We must set our minds to meet the challenge, or we will surely give up. Learn from this valuable letter that Paul used to coach his disciple Timothy and keep fighting the good fight of faith. It’s a matter of life and death for those under your influence!
Tim Morton
FCA Southeast Michigan