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Friday, September 12, 1997

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1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
Psalm 16
Luke 6:39-42

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man has baby!!!

"...Timothy, my own true child in faith." —1 Timothy 1:2

What does it take to make disciples? It takes a marriage, a pregnancy, labor and delivery, and nurturing.

  • Marriage - Paul said "I do" to Jesus and was baptized (Acts 9:18). He lived not for himself but out of love for the Lord (see 2 Cor 5:14-15).
  • Pregnancy - Paul spent his life birthing communities (see Gal 4:19). Like a mother, he carried, fed, and nourished them at the expense of his own health. He shielded them by taking the attacks of the evil one upon himself.
  • Labor and delivery - Paul had a rough labor in giving birth to Timothy at Lystra. Youthful Timothy would have been stunned to see Paul stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). He would have been even more astounded to see Paul painfully rise and return fearlessly into the town to encourage the believers! (Acts 14:20) How could Timothy help but be filled with zeal for the Lord after such a display of courage?
  • Nurturing - Paul returned to Lystra a second time and brought Timothy on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). He personally trained and discipled Timothy. Together, they experienced constant Scripture teaching, the life of prayer, and the joy of building God's Church.
  • Although Timothy caused Paul "labor pains" (Gal 4:19), he brought many to the Lord and gave delight to Paul's heart (see Phil 4:20ff). Be like Paul. "Make" disciples (Mt 28:19).

    Prayer:  Father, I want to give You a large family. Make me fertile for You.

    Promise:  "Remove the plank from your own eye first; then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." —Lk 6:42

    Praise:  Dr. Walt witnesses gently to his patients and prays with them during office visits.

    Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)

    Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 1, 1997


    Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 1997