Apologetics

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To Samuel, my dear friend and colleague: how are things in your new home there in Newtown Square? I pray that you are fitting in nicely amongst you new congregation. Still, I hear that you are having a bit of trouble with certain members. Samuel, unbeknownst to you, word has gotten back to me that some of your disciples feel that you are too young and not as educated as they would like their pastor to be.

You know how I feel about this topic. To me, age has nothing to do with preaching, but had everything to do with where you received your “education” from. Your teachings came from me which I acquired from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Remember, your job is to “get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation” (1 Timothy 4:11-16 (MSG). also remember: it’s not what you know, it’s Who you know.

I also understand that you are making yourself sick with worry and fear because of the gossip you’ve been over-hearing about this topic. First, I will tell you to cast all of your worry and fear on the Lord. Remember, it is He who placed you there, and it is He who will sustain you. Now, this next advice might seem a little strange to you, but I want you to follow it to the letter, if you want to see your health improve. I want you to “stop drinking only water. Instead, drink a little wine for your stomach because you are frequently sick” (1 Timothy 5:23 (GW).

And, lastly, as I was praying the other day, the Lord “reminded (me) of how sincere your faith is. That faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I'm convinced that it also lives in you. You received a gift from God when I placed my hands on you {to ordain you}. Now I'm reminding you to fan that gift into flames. God didn't give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord or be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God's power, join me in suffering for the sake of the Good News” (2 Timothy 1:5-8 (GW).

I know that it is hard for you to sit idly by while many treat you like a child, but remember, the Lord Jesus chose and anointed you to be His witness among the people He has placed in your care. These are your people, and Christ has left it up to you to see them fully into the kingdom. Christ has given you the assignment to make sure that “our people have to learn to be diligent in their work so that all necessities are met (especially among the needy) and they don't end up with nothing to show for their lives” (Titus 3:14 (MSG). Samuel, above all things, you must divert your disciple’s attentions away from you and onto the task that Jesus has given all of us to do, and that is to take care of the needy and poor. Along with preaching the gospel, that is your first and most important job as the leader of these people. Lead them and guide them in the ways of the Master, and, in time, they will see the life of Christ in you.

Best wishes and all my prayers to you my son. I will be thinking of you always for you are forever in my heart. Be strong; be brave; and let the Lord of All see you through. God bless and amen. Your friend, Bobus.

References

Scripture marked (MSG) taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000,
2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture marked (GW) is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

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