Sport
stars are often called upon to be role models to the young. Some measure up.
Many do not. Even fewer celebrities could be looked to for such an important
role. For those looking to the Church for guidance in this arena who would you
choose?
The third
imperative from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 deals with this matter, perhaps in a
round-about-way. The Greek word used is ‘andrizo’ and is variously translated
as ‘quit you like men’ (KJV) ‘be courageous’ (NRSV)) and ‘act like men and be
courageous’ (Amplified) or ‘play the man’ (Nestles Interlinear Greek-English).
This word is used only once in the New Testament. It’s apparent that what Paul
wrote is a challenge to translate and apply.
It is
certain that the apostle was calling his readers to reach for the highest ideal
of manhood their transformed minds could imagine. Would they relate it to noble
warriors, Olympic champions, Biblical characters, even to missionaries? We will
never know. Thinking about Biblical characters however, the one I’d look to as
my role model would be Timothy. Why? Maybe because I see in him some of my
personality and temperament. The way he utilised their strength, rose above
their weakness and allowed the Holy Spirit to refine, mature and flavour them
is encouraging. He is my role model for being courageous. He is my example as a
faithful minister. He is a challenge to ‘play the man’ when it would be the
self-preserving thing to run.
Timothy
had a difficult family situation. Jewish mother and a Gentile father who is
apparently absent. Then, when they hear the gospel he, his mother and
grandmother become followers of Christ. I wonder about the reaction of the
synagogue. It is apparent that Timothy took hold of the Lord’s grace and proved
true in the eyes of the recently established local church. They had no
hesitation in endorsing him to serve with Paul in up-coming missionary
ventures.
From the
book of Acts and various letters from Paul we see Timothy’s character and
commitment. He was timid but conviction of and commitment to Christ gave him
moral and spiritual backbone. As last week’s imperative put it, he stood his
ground in the faith. Another thing which impresses is how he handled serving
under the ‘shadow’ of Paul’s dynamic and restless missionary endeavours. In
Philippians 2:19-24 Paul tells the Church he is sending Timothy to them. Then
he adds: ‘I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your
welfare. All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus
Christ.’
The two
letters Paul wrote to this man from prison are revealing. Timothy was the
minister at Ephesus, a very difficult assignment. He was called upon to deal
with a number of issues which I imagine he would rather have let pass. However,
being a faithful servant and a capable teacher he stood on the authority of
Scripture (both the Old Testament and Paul’s letters). In the first letter and
chapter 4 he is encouraged to maintain pri0rities in teaching and setting an
example in ‘speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.’ He was not a pulpiteer.
He was first and foremost a role-model.
In the
second letter this man faces issues regarding the political correct issues of
his day. Paul addressed him as a soldier of Christ and a worker approved by
God. These and other matters required him to stand true to the ‘sacred
writings’ and to proclaim the message of Christ and the cross. The same is true
today for those who would be role models in spirit and in truth.
The five
imperatives of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 build-up similar to a musical crescendo.
Each depends on the other and will culminate in the rhapsody of devotion. Next
week be ‘be strong’ is the subject to consider.
