Principles of Discipleship and Training That Parents Can Glean from 2 Timothy 2
Parents seek to train their children in what they deem as necessary life skills. These skills include reading, writing, communication, social, history, and math among others. The methods of teaching vary from parent to parent. No matter which direction a parent may take, each parent can learn important principles from Scripture that will guide them in their endeavors.
There are some important principles found in 2 Timothy 2 that Apostle Paul utilized to train his young student, Timothy. Parents can apply those same principles in training their children. Let’s look at several verses to find a few.
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Parenting Is Discipleship
Paul was a spiritual parent to Timothy. Calling Timothy his “own son in the faith,” Paul discipled Timothy as a father would disciple his own son. (See 1 Timothy 1:2.)
Parenting Is Instructional
Paul directed Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul knew that the strength Timothy would need to fulfill his destiny would be found only in Christ. He would need Christ’s grace and mercy so that he could minister the same to others.
Parenting Is by Example
As a spiritual father, Paul’s life testified of Christ’s influence. His testimony was esteemed highly by those who knew his daily walk, business principles, and communications. As a tentmaker, Paul labored to provide the best workmanship that a purchaser of tents could receive. As an evangelist, he sought God’s direction as to his travels and ministry practices. As a teacher, he taught truth despite the contradictions of others.
Timothy modeled his life accordingly. The methods that Paul used to teach Timothy, Timothy then used to disciple others. His was a self-disciplined life marked with determination to avoid worldly lusts and pleasures which would lead him from his pursuit to fulfill God’s will.
Parenting Is Being a Child’s Hero
Paul was Timothy’s hero and rightly so. Paul’s life was not contradictory. No matter how he was tried or persecuted, he remained true to the principles of the gospel. Paul’s boldness in preaching the gospel was an encouragement to Timothy to be bold as well.
Parenting Is Being Respectful
Paul always showed respect to the authorities. Even though he was a Roman citizen, many times Paul was jailed or beaten against the law. In those cases, he still showed respect.
In every situation, Paul displayed the fruit of the Spirit working in and through his life. He remained temperate in all things.
Parenting Is Being Mindful of What Is Being Taught
Paul taught daily in the temples, synagogues, street corners, houses, or roadsides. Sometimes he had a classroom in which to teach; sometimes it was just a courtyard. The location was not important. What was important was the doctrine and principles of the Word of God he conveyed.
Timothy was taught well. His later life as a pastor was a result of Paul’s teaching. Many men were taught under his ministry who were enabled to teach others also.
Every young child sees their father as their hero. Sadly, many fathers do not live according to godly standards. But when fathers do, what a difference it makes in the lives of their children.
Fathers teach daily. Although it may not be hand in hand with a textbook, life is still being taught. The location is not important; but the relationship and principles taught by one’s life is.
No parent is perfect, but moral character is evident to every child. If we desire mastery for our children, then we must strive lawfully also. If we require honesty of our children, then we ourselves must be honest. If we want our children to love God and submit to His desires, then we must love God and walk in submission.
Parenting Never Ends
Discipleship is not an 8 to 3 endeavor. It is an around the clock endeavor. Consider what Apostle Paul is teaching Timothy, and may the Lord give thee understanding also.
©2018 by Uncovering God’s Word
Something to Consider
The disciples of Jesus walked, talked, ate, and slept 3 ½ years with their Master. Jesus taught them the principles they would need to live their lives according to the gospel.
The disciples lived well, and they died well. Their legacy of spreading the gospel remains to this day.
What legacy do you wish to leave your children?
Do you believe that lessons are only taught from 8:00 to 3:00 Monday through Friday?
Do you consider your children as your disciples?
In what ways might you need to change your discipleship methods for your children’s sake?
