N.T.Y.P. New Testament Young People
BY MARJORIE KINNEE
For some time I’ve been writing youth-oriented studies for individuals and groups and for Sunday School literature, and so, this study intrigued me. . .
Timothy: There’s usually at least one in every youth group. A special anointing rests on Timothies. It’s easy for everyone to see. Sometimes, as in Timothy’s case, it’s “incubated” by godly parents and grandparents. On others, the anointing seems to come by reason of use; they draw so close to God that the anointing seems to flow out of their consecration. Further, the ministry is quick to recognize it. Paul evidently laid hands on Timothy for the ministry early in his life. These young people seem destined for great things. Oh, there is plenty of evidence that the enemy also recognizes the anointing and sets about to thwart God’s purpose. Paul took time to warn Timothy about things that could derail his ministry and anointing. Evidently, Timothy heeded Paul’s warnings and spared himself much grief, heartache, and west time.
Titus: This young man seems overshadowed by Timothy. Perhaps he wasn’t as dynamic or charismatic, perhaps he was a bit of what some would call a “plodder. Be That as it may, Titus was a valuable asset to
Paul’s ministry and the work of God as a whole. He may not have been Timothy but he had received something from the Lord that helped him be steady over the long haul. And it may be that this very steadiness is an important key.
John Mark: This young man, raised in the fires of Apostolic prayer meetings (held at his mother’s house,) burst on the scene in an enviable position; traveling companion to the Apostles Paul and Barnabas (who was John Mark’s uncle). Probably, every young person in the Jerusalem church wished they could have John Mark’s privilege. However, something happened on that trip; maybe it was a letter from his girlfriend, maybe he had allergies or got sick, maybe he was just homesick. Whatever the reason, John Mark, much to Paul’s disappointment, gave up and returned home. Later, when Uncle Barnabas-
wanted to give John Mark another chance. Paul said, “No way!” Barnabas tried persuasion but couldn’t budge Paul, so they Darted company. Paul took Silas, Barnabas took John Mark. Day by day, year by year, John Mark rebuilt his credibility with the Apostle Paul. Ultimately, Paul told Tlmothy, “Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is profit table to me for the ministry. ” (II Timothy 4:11). Faithfulness will do
that!
Demas: What promise! What a future! It seemed Demas had it all. In Philemon 24, the Apostle Paul calls him a “fellow laborer. ” He was running well. What was it that hindered him? Did he fall prey to some
fleshly temptation? Did the lure of the “bright lights” blind him to what was truly and eternally important? Did some enemy make him an offer he couldn’t (or wouldn’t) refuse? How sad that Demas’ final ledger entry reads, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thressalonica ” (II Timothy 4:10). We never hear of him coming back.
Diotrephes: Once full of promising potential, Diotrephes got caught up in his own press. To nut it simply, he began to think honor and preeminence was his right and his due. He felt that his position gave him the right to criticize the Apostle John and the ministering brethren. Further, he was not just caught up in his own error, but he became an obstacle in the way of others. I guess you could say it was “ego’ that caused Diotrephes’ downfall.
Well, there you have it. Sure there were girls who excelled, but this particular group; seemed to move itself into cross-sections which apply just as well today. Their stories are placed m the Bible for our admonition. II John 8 says, ” Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (NIV)
THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED BY THE APOSTOLIC WRITERS’ DIGEST, JULY 2002. THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.
