Everyone can testify!

1Timothy 1:4

To help the children understand that we have a responsibility to testify to others about Christ, knowing he will help us accomplish this when we live a holy and pleasing life

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’” (Matthew 9:37-38, NIV*).

Because Paul was persecuted constantly, he had to leave each place he went to. However, he was the founder of the church at Ephesus. There a group of people forced him to leave. In addition, he had a vision in which he was asked to go to Macedonia. It was for these reasons that Paul left Timothy in Ephesus.

It is unknown when he wrote this letter to Timothy, but it is believed he did so from Macedonia. In this letter, Paul gives some advice to Timothy. He starts explaining why he asked him to stay in Ephesus. Paul realized that some believed in doctrines contrary to Christianity. They did not recognize Jesus as the Son of God and as their Savior. These people brought false doctrines that kept many from the truth, but we know that the Gospel teaches the truth (John 8:32). That is why Paul left Timothy, so that the people in Ephesus would learn the truth.

Paul testified to others about Jesus and his salvation by showing love. When faith is sincere (not fake), the spirit of love prevails in the Church of God.

Paul exhorts the Church to pray (Acts 2) and be thankful for all men (including those who are in leadership positions). He also asks us to pray that all around us will be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul also advised the young Pastor Timothy to spend time and energy in the task of exercising spiritually. He recommended that Timothy not let anyone look down on him for being young, but to act in a way that wins the love, respect and confidence of the people. How could he accomplish this? By being an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and in purity.

Through Christ-like behavior and through his ability to serve effectively, he was able to overcome obstacles in his ministry.

Finally, Paul advised him to read scripture publicly, to preach and teach, without neglecting the gift he had received from God. Preaching is the proclamation of the Word of God, and teaching suggests instruction in Christian faith.

Explain that today’s story is in the form of a letter. It was written by Paul to Timothy - a young pastor in Ephesus. Tell the group: “Because Paul was persecuted frequently, he did not stay a long time in most places he visited. However, he was the founder of the church at Ephesus. There a group of people forced him to leave. In addition, he had a vision in which he was asked to go to Macedonia. It was for these reasons that Paul left Timothy in Ephesus.

Ask the group to follow along as you read the lesson to them.

A letter from Paul

“Finally, a letter from my dear friend and teacher!” Timothy thought when he received Paul’s letter. As he read it, he remembered the first time he heard Paul preach. Paul and Barnabas had come to Lystra, Timothy’s birthplace.

At first, the citizens of Lystra treated Paul and Barnabas very well. But later they were angered by Paul’s message. They stoned him and left him for dead. But it was through his preaching that Timothy and his mother and grandmother became Christians.

Timothy was very happy when Paul returned to Lystra for a second time. He was even happier when Paul chose him to be his assistant for the rest of his trip.

Paul and Timothy were the first Christians to go to Europe. Together they started churches in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. Memories flooded Timothy’s mind as he thought of how they had worked in the church at Ephesus. Now he was doing what Paul assigned him to do. He was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. Lately, some false teachers had been creating many problems. Maybe Paul had something to tell him that would help, Timothy thought as he started reading.

To Timothy, my true son in the faith: grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines . . . The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once, a blasphemer . . . I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

“I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience.

“Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

“Let your life, just as your words, be an example to others. Love like Jesus commands us to love and be careful not to sin. Let your faith in Christ be known to all.

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by God. Timothy, you have been given gifts to build up the church. Meditate on these things; remain in them, that your progress may be seen by all. Take care of yourself and your doctrine, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ.

Testify? Me? But . . .

Give the group Student Activity Sheet #286-A. Say: “Paul gave Timothy some important advice, such as not to let anyone think less of him for being young.” Then ask: “Why did Paul say this to Timothy? Do you think that being young is a disadvantage in following Jesus?”

Have them find 1 Timothy 4:12 in their Bibles. Refer them to Student Activity Sheet #286-A and ask them: “Why do you think it is difficult to testify?” (Some will say they have to know a number of verses from the Bible or memorize a plan of evangelism. Others are embarrassed to talk about Jesus. They may be afraid that the person they are witnessing to will mock them. Some will say that they never think about witnessing. Others may see it as work for adults or ministers, etc.) “What stops you from giving your testimony?” (Let your children answer honestly.)

Paul’s plan

Direct your group to Student Activity Sheet #286-B and #286-C. Have them find the activity called “Paul’s Plan”. Paul gave Timothy five ways of being an example to others. Find them in the Bible story and write them on the fingers of the hand.

1. Speech: means to testify. We need to tell others what God has done for us and what we believe about Him.

2. Conduct: It is doing everything well because we love God and want to please him. He wants our life to be an example of good conduct.

3. Love: show to others the care and love of God.

4. Faith: means to believe and to trust in God.

5. Purity: turn away from what is not good for us.

A letter to a friend

Give your group Student Activity Sheet #286-D entitled “A Letter to a Friend.” Have your children write a letter to a friend telling them about Jesus. In the letter, they should also invite their friend to accept Christ into their hearts as their Savior.

Dear Timothy

On the same activity sheet as the letter, have your children do the word-search puzzle. Give them time to search for the words listed to the right of the puzzle and circle them.