Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 16:10–11
We know God has called us to serve Him, and as we serve, God desires us to bring younger Christians alongside us to mentor them (Matthew 28:19) so they can learn to serve Him as we do. God had used Paul in Timothy’s life to disciple him and help him grow in his walk with our Lord. Paul had mentored Timothy well, and so, as God led Paul to write to the believers in Corinth, we read in 1 Corinthians 16:10–11, “Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.” Paul did not know for sure if Timothy was going to be able to make it to Corinth, but if Timothy did show up, God had Paul tell the Christians in Corinth to make sure they treated Timothy well because he, like Paul, was doing the Lord’s work. God had Paul warn them not to let anyone treat Timothy with contempt. Most likely, Timothy was still a young man and Paul did not want people to treat him with disrespect. Paul expected Timothy to show up with some other believers, but Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to treat Timothy well. Sometimes, older Christians can show disrespect to younger Christians by treating them as mere children. God wants us to remember that they are His and deserve respect.
Challenge & Application
Why did God have Paul speak to the Christians in Corinth about Timothy?
How should we treat younger Christians, and how can we come alongside them to grow in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!