Four Things Every Man Needs

2 Timothy 1:2 (CSB) - "To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is believed to be Paul’s last letter. Last word’s carry a significant importance. Shortly after writing this letter Paul was put to death by Nero (circa 66-67 AD.). Who is Timothy

His name means “Honoring God.” He is one of Paul's converts, a native of Lystra, he was converted at Lystra. Timothy's father was a heathen Greek. His mother was a Jewess, but he had not been circumcised in infancy, probably owing to objections made by his father. Timothy's mother was called Eunice, and his grandmother Lois. Timothy wa a co-worker with Paul, one that Paul held in very close concern.

With this being Father’s Day, I would like us to consider 4 things that every man needs as demonstrated in the introductory statements of Paul.

Every man needs someone to LOVE, LIFT, LEARN, and LABOR over him.

First - every man needs someone who loves him. Someone to show true devotion (2 Tim. 1: 2). Paul calls Timothy a beloved son. the word translated beloved,agapeto, means favorite, esteemed, one worthy of love. The word translated  son, tekno, means a child. The name transferred to that intimate and reciprocal relationship formed between men by the bonds of love, friendship, trust, just as between parents and children. Paul had taken this neophyte theologian under his wing. He found a close bond of care and concern had developed for him. Every man needs someone in their life who will bond and seek to be the mentor, the teacher, and the molder of their lives. Every man needs someone to love him.

Then, every man needs someone to lift him up. Someone to pray for him (2 Tim. 1: 3). It is a great encouragement when we are told that someone is praying for us. It gives us strength and courage. It gives us the ability to stay the course. It helps us when we feel like our prayers are weak. Every man needs someone to love him, and to lift him up. 

Every man also needs someone who learns all they can about him. Someone believes in him. Someone who knows us very well (2 Tim. 1: 5). When we struggle through events in our lives, we need someone who speaks and shows that they believe in us. Every man needs someone to love him, to lift him up, and to learn all they can about him. 

Finally, every man needs someone who labors over him. Someone who shows true encouragement (2 Tim. 1: 6). We all struggle and need someone to be a cheerleader for us. Every man needs someone to love him, to lift him up, to learn all they can about him, and to labor over him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You gave me my Dad. He truly was an example to me, and I saw in him someone who loved me, lifted me up, learned all he could about me, and labored over me. Thank You that Dad showed me how to call You Dad, to make You my Heavenly Father. This day as I think about him, I am so blessed to have two Dads in Heaven - You and him. Amen.