C.A.C Sunday School Manual For September 28, 2025, Lesson 36 : Title - LEADERS THAT INFLUENCE AND PREPARE TIMOTHY FOR LEADERSHIP

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For September 28, 2025, Lesson 36 : Title - LEADERS THAT INFLUENCE AND PREPARE TIMOTHY FOR LEADERSHIP

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas

 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON PREVIEW CLASS

Theme : PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP

 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025

 SEPT. 28, 2025.

 

 LESSON 36

 Unit 5: Leadership Preparation In The New Testament (II)

Topic: LEADERS THAT INFLUENCE AND PREPARE TIMOTHY FOR LEADERSHIP

 Memory Scripture: To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Timothy 1:2). 

Timothy's leadership was shaped by parental guidance, church support and Paul's mentorship, blending faith, character and practical skills for Christian leadership

BRIEF COMMENT

Apostle Paul charged Timothy to remain in Ephesus so that he would charge others not to teach any other doctrine than the doctrine of Christ, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Timothy must have shown himself faithful in all areas under Paul's leadership before this kind of task could be committed into his hands. He was not just a son, but a true son in the faith. Effective leadership demands faithfulness from every follower.

DIGESTION FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES

 SHORT STORY OF TIMOTHY

Painful lessons are usually doorways to new opportunities. Even the apostle Paul had much to learn. Shortly after his disappointing experience with John Mark, Paul recruited another eager young man, Timothy, to be his assistant Paul's intense personality may have been too much for John Mark to handle. It could easily have created the same problem for Timothy. But Paul seems to have learned a lesson in patience from his old friend Barnabas. As a result, Timothy became a "son" to Paul. 

Timothy probably became a Christian after Paul's first missionary visit to Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Timothy already had solid Jewish training in the Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. By Paul's second visit, Timothy had grown into a respected disciple of Jesus. He did not hesitate to join Paul and Silas on their journey. His willingness to be circumcised as an adult is clearly a mark of his commitment. (Timothy's mixed Greek/Jewish background could have created problems on their missionary journeys, because many of their audiences would be made up of Jews who were concerned about the strict keeping of this tradition. Timothy's submission to the rite of circumcision helped to avoid that potential problem.) 

Beyond the tensions created by his mixed racial background, Timothy seemed to struggle with a naturally timid character and a sensitivity to his youthfulness. Unfortunately, many who share Timothy's character traits are quickly written off as too great a risk to deserve much responsibility. By God's grace, Paul saw great potential in Timothy, Paul demonstrated his confidence in Timothy by entrusting him with important responsibilities. Paul sent Timothy as his personal representative to Corinth during a particularly tense time (1 Corinthians 4:14-17). Although Timothy was apparently ineffective in that difficult mission, Paul did not give up on him. Timothy continued to travel with Paul. 

Our last pictures of Timothy come from the most personal letters in the New Testament: 1 and 2 Timothy. The aging apostle Paul was near the end of his life, but his burning desire to continue his mission had not dimmed. Paul was writing to one of his closest friends-they had traveled, suffered, cried, and laughed together. They shared the intense joy of seeing people respond to the Good News and the agonies of seeing the gospel rejected and distorted. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young church there (1 Timothy 1:3-4). He wrote to encourage Timothy and give him needed direction. These letters have provided comfort and help to countless other "Timothys" through the years. When you face a challenge that seems beyond your abilities, read 1 and 2 Timothy, and remember that others have shared your experience. 

 *Strengths and accomplishments* 

* Became a believer during Paul's first missionary journey and joined him for his other two journeys 

* Was a respected Christian in his hometown Was Paul's special representative on several occasions 

* Received two personal letters from Paul 

* Probably knew Paul better than any other person, becoming like a son to Paul 

 *Weaknesses and mistakes* 

* Struggled with a timid and reserved nature 

* Allowed others to look down on his youthfulness 

* Was apparently unable to correct some of the problems in the church at Ephesus when Paul sent him there 

 *Lessons from his life* 

* Youthfulness should not be an excuse for in effectiveness 

* Our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available to God 

 *Vital statistics* 

* Where: Lystra 

* Occupations: Missionary, pastor 

* Relatives: Mother. Eunice. Grandmother: Lois. Father, a Greek. 

* Contemporaries: Paul, Silas, Luke, Mark, Peter, Barnabas 

 *Key Verses* 

"I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News" (Philippians 2:20-22). 

Timothy's story is told in Acts, starting in chapter 16. He is also mentioned in Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10-11: 2 Corinthians 1:1. 19; Philippians 1:1:2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, 2:3-4; 3:2-6, 1 and 2 Timothy: Philemon; Hebrews 13:23.

*Our DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS Stated that:* 

 1. Church membership is not just for quantitative purposes but for qualitative leadership preparation.

 2. In parenting, children are more influenced by the actions of their parents than their voices. Churches must complement godly efforts of parents to build godly future leaders.

*BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 31:1-7* 

 *AIM of this lesson is:* To show how Timothy was influenced for his God-given leadership roles.

*INTRODUCTION* 

 *TEXTUAL SOURCE: Acts 16:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:14:3:14-17* 

Glory be to God! In the previous lesson, we examined PAUL UNDER GODLY INFLUENCES, from Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-30; 13:1-3; 18:5; 22:3; Galatians 1:11-18. God helped us to learn vital lessons from the God-Factor as well as the Human Agents in Paul's preparation for leadership. Hope you have resolved not to let the lessons learnt slip from your heart? 

In the journey of leadership, people are often shaped and prepared by various influences that mould their character and equip them for the responsibilities ahead. In our lesson today, we delve into the life of Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian Church, to explore the diverse influences that paved the way for his effective leadership. From his upbringing to his encounters with mentors and experiences in ministry, Timothy's journey offers valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of preparation for leadership. 

Join us to uncover the influences that contributed to Timothy's development as a leader, and glean timeless principles for our own leadership journeys.

*LESSON OUTLINE* 

 *I. THE GODLY MOTHERS* 

 *II. THE LOCAL CHURCH AND PAUL*

*LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. THE GODLY MOTHERS (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15)* 

When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also (2 Tim. 1:5). 

a) 2 Tim. 1:5: Eunice and Lois, Timothy's mother and grandmother, played vital roles in nurturing his faith since childhood. Their teachings and examples formed the basis for his spiritual growth and leadership development. 

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 *First and foremost who is a mother:* 

Proverbs 31:25-28 portrays the ideal woman as one who is strong, dignified, and caring, which many people reflect upon on. These verses highlight the value of a mother who provides wisdom, encouragement, and love to her family: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

 *AGAIN WHO IS A MOTHER? ITS A BIG QUESTION WE MUST NOT NEGLECT:* 

There are mothers but a real mother is not everywhere! Let's 

Understand these few keys of a godly mothers below: 

 *Biblical Motherhood* 

 *Lifegiver and Nurturer:* 

The fundamental definition of a mother involves conceiving, bearing, and nurturing a child, as seen in the first mother, Eve, being called "the mother of all the living". 

 *Family Unifier:* Mothers are depicted as holding the family together through love, wisdom, and work, binding the family with their nurturing influence. 

 *Spiritual and Moral Educator:* 

A godly mother teaches her children biblical truths, instills moral values, and guides them to love and serve God. 

 *Role Model of Faith:* 

She sets a positive example by reflecting Christ's heart, living with integrity, and demonstrating a commitment to God, which her children are called to follow. 

 *Ongoing Care:* Motherhood involves a continuous role of care, nurture, and encouragement throughout a child's life, whether they are young or grown. 

 *A Ministry and Responsibility:* 

Biblical motherhood is presented as a significant and sacred calling, a ministry that requires a woman to build her capacity and take responsibility for her child's holistic upbringing.

Baby mothers have flooded the society in this confuse generation  (21st century). 

A girl who is supposed to be refer to as daughter suddenly turned mother. During our own time it's a very shameful things to see any girl who is expected to focus on her education to get pregnant but in this dispensation we are celebrating them. Engaging in premarital sex have become the pride of the youth today including Churches!

Bone of my bone is our prayer point when we are still youth but in this dispensation all bones is the best way to make money. They believe "life is give and take. Like trade by bater". Baby are given birth to babies. Do you know that 98% of the problems comes from their parents? What the parents received from their parents is what they are also given to their own children. You cant' give what you don't have.

Currently I know two girls from same mother but different fathers but are living under the same roof. Both of them are between 18 & 19years from secondary school to pregnancy at the same time. Both of them have given birth this year! Can these girls give their children a good and godly training? the answer is NO!

Why is it difficult for majority of parents to break some family curses from their own time instead of passing the same batons to their children and coming generation? God is not partial, you will reap whatever you sow!

Success of Timothy can Firstly be traced to his mother and grandmother (Eunice and Lois). What can you say about your mother and grandmother? What impact do your parents and grandparents made in your life?

We are undiluted Word of God and powerful teachings yet we fail to plant what we receive into the life of our children.

You can't abandoned the role you're supposed to play in the life of your children to God. God's won't fail to play His role but He won't help you to play your role. Eunice and Lois did not wait on any Bishop, Reverend, Prophet, Pastor even God before doing the right thing. Who are you waiting for or who do you abandoned your children to when you're still alive? Prostitute, bandits, armed robbers etc they all have parents. Their parents made them what they are not the society. If you said it's the society think of other children who are living a godly life in the same society. Hannah and Samuel are also a tipical example.

*Let's move forward in our lesson*  

1:5 Timothy's mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, were early Christian converts, possibly through Paul's ministry in their home city, Lystra (Acts 16:1). They had communicated their strong Christian faith to Timothy, even though his father was probably not a believer. Don't hide your light at home; our families are fertile fields for planting seeds of the Good News. Let your parents, children, spouse, brothers, and sisters know of your faith in Jesus, and be sure they see Christ's love, helpfulness, and joy in you.

b) 3:14: His mother and grandmother provided him with a solid spiritual heritage that influenced his commitment to God and dedication to serving God in leadership capacities. 

c) vv. 14-15: Timothy's upbringing in a household of faith and his early exposure to Scripture equipped him with the knowledge and conviction necessary for effective leadership in the Church. 

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3:14 Besieged by false teachers and the inevitable pressures of a growing ministry, Timothy could easily have abandoned his faith or modified his doctrine. Once again Paul counseled Timothy to look to his past and to hold to the basic teachings about Jesus that are eternally true. Like Timothy, we are surrounded by false teachings. But we must not allow our society to distort or crowd out God's for eternal truth. Spend time every day reflecting on the foundation of your Christian faith found in God's Word, the great truths that build up your life. 

3:15 Timothy was one of the first second-generation Christians: He became a Christian, not because an evangelist preached a powerful sermon, but because his mother and grandmother had taught him the holy Scriptures when he was a small child (1:5). A parent's work is vitally important. At home and in church, we should realize that teaching small children is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Jesus wanted little children to come to him (Matthew 19:13-15). Like Timothy's mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, do your part in leading children to Christuss 

3:15 For Timothy, the "holy Scriptures" were the books of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is important because it points to Jesus Christ. At the same time, faith in Christ makes the whole Bible

d) His godly upbringing by Eunice and Lois instilled in him a genuine faith that prepared him to handle the challenges of leadership with confidence and conviction. 

e) Eunice and Lois served as powerful examples of faithfulness and devotion to God, deeply influencing Timothy's faith from childhood. 

f) Godly mothers are beacons of living examples, guiding their children towards godly living and effective leadership through their own virtuous lives. Are you nurturing life or causing harm?

*II. THE LOCAL CHURCH AND PAUL (Acts 16:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 1:14;3:14-17)* 

He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:2).

Every church members are sick in one way or another. Therefore every leader must be able to discover which area do each of them need healings. Don't destroy what has been destroy. Damage life must not be badly damage! They all need a repairer not a destroyer. What leader are you? Are you a repairer or destroyer?

a) 1 Tim. 3:15: The guidance of the local church community provided Timothy with a solid spiritual foundation, shaping his character and preparing him for leadership. 

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3:14, 15 The Bible is the written form of what God expects us to know and do. God chose Paul to carry out one phase of the plan. Through Paul, the inspired teaching was written down. As such, it was passed on to Timothy. Then, it was passed on to others. Later, it was passed on to us. Times have changed, but the original authority remains. Because the Bible is from God, it must be studied seriously, understood thoroughly, and applied faithfully. Paul intended this letter to teach believers how to conduct themselves. We would do well to read carefully.

b) His active church involvement and service cultivated in him practical experience and spiritual growth vital for his leadership development. Don't underestimate the place of your local church. 

c) Acts 16:2: The believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of Timothy, reflecting the supportive influence of the local church in his spiritual growth that helped in preparing him for leadership tasks in the Church. 

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16:2, 3 Timothy and his mother, Eunice, were from Lystra. Eunice had probably heard Paul's preaching when he was there during his first missionary journey (14:6-18). Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father-to the Jews, a half- breed like a Samaritan. So Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised to remove some of the stigma he may have had with Jewish believers. Timothy was not required to be circumcised (the Jerusalem council had decided that-chapter 15), but he volun tarily did this to overcome any barriers to his witness for Christ. Sometimes we need to go beyond the call of duty in order to further the Kingdom of God.

d) vv. 1-3: Under Paul's mentorship and commissioning, Timothy received invaluable wisdom, knowledge, and practical experience necessary for effective leadership in the Church (2 Tim. 1:2-7). 

e) v. 2: The Church in Lystra and Derbe affirmed Timothy's character, growth and leadership potential, commissioning him for ministry through the laying of hands (1 Tim. 4:14). 

f) v. 3: His willingness to undergo circumcision at Paul's instruction shows his commitment to follow Paul's mentorship and leadership, and his readiness for ministry and leadership roles.

g) 2 Tim. 3:14-17: Through involvement in the iocal church and Paul's apostolic teaching, Timothy received practical leadership training and equipping, enabling him to lead with doctrinal soundness and spiritual maturity. 

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3:14 Besieged by false teachers and the inevitable pressures of a growing ministry, Timothy could easily have abandoned his faith or modified his doctrine. Once again Paul counseled Timothy to look to his past and to hold to the basic teachings about Jesus that are eternally true. Like Timothy, we are surrounded by false teachings. But we must not allow our society to distort or crowd out God's ey eternal truth. Spend time every day reflecting on the foundation of your Christian faith found in God's Word, the great truths that build up your life. 

3:15. Timothy was one of the first second-generation Christian: He became a Christian, not because an evangelist preached a powerful sermon, but because his mother and grandmother had taught him the holy Scriptures when he was a small child (1:5). A parent's work is vitally important. At home and in church, we should realize that teaching small children is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Jesus wanted little children to come to him (Matthew 19:13-15). Like Timothy's mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, do your part in leading children to Christ. 

3:15 For Timothy, the "holy Scriptures" were the books of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is important because it points to Jesus Christ. At the same time, faith in Christ makes the whole Bible intelligible. 

3:16 The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believ ers, who wrote down his message for his people (2 Peter 1:20, 21). This process is known as inspiration. The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing. Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and life. The Bible is "God-breathed." Read it, and use its teachings to guide your conduct. 

3:16, 17 The whole Bible is God's inspired Word. Because it is inspired and trustworthy, we should read it and apply it to our life. The Bible is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. It is our only source of knowledge about how we can be saved. God wants to show you what is true and equip you to live for him. How much time do you spend in God's Word? Read it regularly to discover God's truth and to become confident in your life and faith. Develop a plan for reading the whole Bible, not just the familiar passages. 

3:17 In our zeal for the truth of Scripture, we must never forget its purpose to equip us to do good. We should not study God's Word simply to increase our knowledge or to prepare us to win arguments. We should study the Bible so that we will know how to do Christ's work in the world. Our knowledge of God's Word is not useful unless it strengthens our faith and leads us to do good.

h) 1:14: Paul commended Timothy for his faithful adherence to his teachings, showing the importance of continuity in leadership until the end (1 Tim. 3:10-11). 

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1:13, 14 Timothy was in a time of transition. He had been Paul's bright young helper; soon he would be on his own as leader of a church in a difficult environment. Although his responsibilities were changing, Timothy was not without help. He had everything he needed to face the future if he would hold on tightly to the Lord's resources. When you are facing difficult transitions, follow Paul's advice to Timothy and look back at your experience. Who is the foundation of your faith? How can you build on that founda- tion? What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you? Use the gifts you have been given. The young ministers should not destroy down any leader simply because you want to take over. You may even know what he didn't but try to wait for God's timing. If you rush yourself to occupy any leadership position you will not last and you will regret it.

i) Besides Timothy's good reputation, he was willing to pay the price of followership as a disciple. Are you willing to pay the price of discipleship and leadership preparation? 

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Good character lead to good reputation/recommendation and readiness to pay the price of followership is the master key you needed to continue the good work of a godly leader.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

*LESSONS DERIVED* 

 1. Eunice married a Greek husband, yet she was able to influence her son positively.

 2. The Church at Lystra and Iconium prepared and recommended Timothy to Paul for the next phase of preparation.

*QUESTIONS* 

 1. Consider the maternal influence in Timothy's life.

 2. Describe the role of the Church and that of Paul in preparing Timothy for Leadership.

Thank you for joining us today. May God grant us a retentive memories in Jesus name. Amen

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