Second Timothy chapter number one: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. To Timothy, my dearly beloved son, grace, mercy and peace from God the Father, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Introduction
Title: “The Secret to Faithfulness – Part 1”
Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu
In this message Dr. Terry LeQuieu begins a short series through 2 Timothy, focusing on what makes a believer faithful. Drawing from Paul’s final letter to Timothy, he emphasizes authority, approval, affection, appeal, and stirring up the gifts God has placed in believers. This sermon is designed to encourage young adults to grow deeper in their walk with Christ, to understand practical motives for faithfulness, and to embrace the call to both receive and pass on spiritual investment.
“This series, Brother Anthony, is going to be titled the Secret to Faithfulness. The Secret to Faithfulness.”
Outline
- Presentation of Authority
- Paul Presents His Apostleship
Paul begins by identifying himself: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ.” That phrase establishes the weight and authority behind the instruction that follows. For the casual Christian: God often uses men with clear calling and authority to teach, correct, and lead.
- By the Will of God and Promise of Life
Paul is clear that his apostleship is not self-appointed but given “by the will of God,” and tied to “the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.” God’s call comes with purpose, expectation, and the promise of eternal life to motivate faithfulness.
- Paul Presents His Apostleship
- Passing of the Baton
- Spiritual Succession and Stewardship
Paul addresses Timothy as “my dearly beloved son,” showing a transfer of leadership and spiritual inheritance. Faithfulness involves training others and leaving a legacy. Churches and leaders must plan succession, investing in younger believers so the work continues.
- Practical Examples for Today
Successful transitions in ministry often happen when experienced leaders intentionally mentor successors—years of patient investment rather than sudden replacements.
- Spiritual Succession and Stewardship
- Approval and Appeal
- Approval Given
Paul’s words convey God’s approval for Timothy’s ministry. When God approves, there is encouragement to continue. The church must recognize and affirm faithful servants.
- Persistent Prayer and Appeal
Paul had “remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.” Faithful leaders pray continually for those they disciple. Persistent appeal means active intercession for people’s spiritual growth.
- Approval Given
- Affection and Affirmation
- Kindred Spirit and Close Relationship
Paul and Timothy shared real affection—Paul longed to see him and remembered his tears. Faithfulness is not merely duty; it is personal love for people. The gospel changes relationships into family bonds.
- Unfeigned Faith from Generational Influence
Paul calls Timothy’s faith “unfeigned”—sincere and genuine—and notes it came through his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. Faithfulness is often rooted in godly family and spiritual mentorship. Young adults should value and continue that heritage.
- Kindred Spirit and Close Relationship
- Stirring Up the Gift
- Remembering to Rekindle
Paul tells Timothy, “stir up the gift of God which is in thee.” Spiritual gifts and zeal sometimes grow cold; they need to be intentionally rekindled. Stirring involves remembrance, exhortation, and practical mobilization.
- What Stirs You?
Dr. LeQuieu asks, what will stir you spiritually? For Timothy it was reminder of his family and Paul’s investment. For you it might be Scripture, prayer, godly fellowship, or a mentor’s encouragement.
- Support Systems: Family, Church, Pastor
Paul reminded Timothy that he had a family that supported him and a spiritual father in Paul. Young Christians need to recognize and lean on family (biological or church family) and on leaders who pray, guide, and stand in the gap.
- Remembering to Rekindle
- Guarding the Responsibility of Leadership
- Ministry Affects Lives
Decisions made from the pulpit and in leadership shape real people. Leaders must be prayerful, deliberate, and humble because they steward others’ souls. “You don’t have time to make mistakes with their lives.”
- Multitude of Counselors
Use wise counsel and study success and failure in ministry. Avoid naive decisions; seek peace and confirmation from God before major moves.
- Ministry Affects Lives
Summary
In 2 Timothy 1 Paul, writing from prison at the end of his life, models for us what motivates faithful Christians and leaders. He writes with divine authority, passes a spiritual baton to Timothy, prays without ceasing, shows deep affection, and stirs up a sincere faith that came through godly mothers and grandmothers. Faithfulness is not only doctrine—it is relational, generational, and practical. Paul’s final charge to stir up the gift is a call to every believer: renew your zeal, accept the support God gives you, invest in others, and be faithful to the end.
“I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
Application for the Week
Practical, actionable steps to help you grow in faithfulness this week. These are meant for young adults and all believers who want to mature spiritually. Pick a few to work through and journal what God does in response.
- Daily Prayer for Those You Mentor
Make a list of people God has placed under your influence—family members, friends, younger believers—and pray for them each day this week. Follow Paul’s example: pray night and day.
- Stir Up Your Gift
Identify one spiritual gift or calling God has given you. Take 15–30 minutes three times this week to read Scripture related to that gift, pray about it, and write one practical step you will take to use it in the next 30 days.
- Reach Out to a Mentor or Mentee
Call or meet with a spiritual mentor or encourage a younger believer. Share a personal testimony of when someone invested in you and ask how you can pray for and support them.
- Remember the Heritage
Reflect on the spiritual influences in your life (parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers). Write down two lessons you learned from them and one way you will pass those lessons to someone else.
- Seek Peace Before a Decision
If you face a major choice this week, pause and seek the peace of God before proceeding. Get counsel, pray, and wait for confirmation. Don’t rush important spiritual decisions without God’s peace.
- Serve Practically in Church
Volunteer for a ministry this week—ushering, youth work, visitation, or any place your gift and schedule fit. Faithfulness is shown in service, and serving will stir a deeper commitment.
- Journal Your Progress
At week’s end, write a short entry: what did you pray for, who did you contact, what did you do to stir your gift, and what did God do? Share this with your mentor or a trusted friend to create accountability.
May God stir your heart as He stirred Timothy’s. Faithfulness is learned, modeled, prayed for, and passed on—so let us be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
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