Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
This week, we will walk a mile in Timothy’s shoes. Timothy grew up in a home with a believing mother and a gentile father. Today, we might say he likely grew up in a part-member family and a wicked environment. Some doubted his abilities, maybe because of his youth. The words of Paul to Timothy are so relatable to anyone who feels like they have been doubted. I hope you love your study this week as we walk in Timothy's shoes.
“First and Second Timothy and Titus reflect the travels and teachings of Paul after the book of Acts concludes. Written from a "pastor" to "pastors," these three letters are called the Pastoral Epistles and have been so designated for the last 350 years (Latin pastor means "shepherd") ... Timothy was a Church leader and teacher at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), and because one of his duties was to appoint bishops (local unit leaders), he himself was apparently a regional officer, or what we today might call an area authority.
“The epistles to Timothy and Titus were probably written not long after the events described in Acts 28, following Paul's first imprisonment (or house arrest) in Rome... Paul had commissioned Titus to act as his representative in Crete and put Timothy in charge of the Church at Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 1:3). Paul then went to Philippi …[and then] traveled back to Rome, where he was imprisoned a second time, and there he wrote 2 Timothy before being executed around A.D. 67 or 68 (see Bible Dictionary, "Timothy," "Titus," "Pauline Epistles: The Fourth Group"). (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 212-213)
By the time Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy he was back in prison in Rome (2 Tim 1:8,17; 2:9). Paul's second imprisonment in Rome appears to have been far more severe than the house arrest of his first imprisonment. Mounce writes: “Onesiphorus had to search diligently before finding Paul (2 Tim 1:17), who was imprisoned as a serious criminal (2 Tim 2:9). His lack of shame at Paul's chains, Paul's encouragement to Timothy that he too not be ashamed, all the Asian Christians abandoning Paul, and the abandonment of Demas, one of Paul's inner circle, all suggest the seriousness of the imprisonment. The presence of Luke, a physician, and Paul's desire for a warm cloak may also point to a difficult imprisonment (although Luke was also a friend and winter was coming). Paul's eulogy and his admission of impending death (2 Tim 4:6 8, 18) show that he knew he would not be released.
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “The bishop has five principal responsibilities in presiding over a ward:
“In his role as presiding high priest, the bishop is the ward’s “spiritual leader.” He is a “faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.” …
“The bishop has a paramount role in serving as a shepherd to guide the rising generation, including young single adults, to Jesus Christ.” (Quentin L. Cook, “Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock,” Liahona, May 2021, 58)
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “You precious young people … are at the threshold of the most important decisions you will make in your lives. Please counsel with both your parents and your bishop about important choices that are ahead of you. Allow the bishop to be your friend and counselor.” (“Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock,” Liahona, May 2021, 60)
Jeffrey R. Holland: “Be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work. … So be patient and kind and forgiving.” (“Lord, I Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 94)
Walk a mile in Timothy’s shoes:
Sister Bonnie H. Cordon: “My dear friends, why is shining our light so important? The Lord has told us that “there are many yet on the earth … who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” [ Doctrine and Covenants 123:12 ]. We can help. We can intentionally shine our light so others may see. We can extend an invitation. We can walk the journey with those who are taking a step toward the Savior, no matter how halting. …
I testify the Lord will magnify every small effort. The Holy Ghost will prompt us to know what to say and do. Such attempts may require us to step out of our comfort zone, but we can be assured that the Lord will help our light shine.” (“That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 80)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Who are the presbytery? They are the elders of the Church. Each of you deacons, teachers, and priests has been ordained by one having the proper authority, in most cases by your fathers or bishops. You have been given a great and precious gift. You can speak truth. You must speak truth. You can bear testimony of the great and good things of the gospel. This is your gift. Neglect it not!” (Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 69; or Ensign, May 1997, 49)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “There is nothing inherently evil about money. The Good Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellowman that Judas used to betray the Master. It is ‘the love of money [which] is the root of all evil.’ (1 Tim. 6:10) The critical difference is the degree of spirituality we exercise in viewing, evaluating, and managing the things of this world.” (“Spirituality,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 63).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Who among us can say that he or she has not felt fear? I know of no one who has been entirely spared. Some, of course, experience fear to a greater degree than do others. Some are able to rise above it quickly, but others are trapped and pulled down by it and even driven to defeat.
“We suffer from the fear of ridicule, the fear of failure, the fear of loneliness, the fear of ignorance. Some fear the present, some the future. Some carry the burden of sin and would give almost anything to unshackle themselves from those burdens but fear to change their lives” (“God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear,” Ensign, Oct. 1984, 2).
Elder Richard G. Scott: “We talk to God through prayer. He most often communicates back to us through His written word. To know what the voice of the Divine sounds and feels like, read His words, study the scriptures, and ponder them. Make them an integral part of everyday life. …
Through daily, consistent scripture study, you will find peace in the turmoil around you and strength to resist temptations. You will develop strong faith in the grace of God and know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right according to God’s timing.” (“Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 93–94)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Some might feel embarrassed or unworthy because they have searching questions regarding the gospel, but they needn’t feel that way. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a precursor of growth.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-11-0050-the-reflection-in-the-water#churchofjesuschrist)
Paul's second imprisonment in Rome appears to have been far more severe than the house arrest of his first imprisonment. Paul was imprisoned as a serious criminal (2 Tim 2:9). It appears that many abandoned Paul at this time. The presence of Luke, a physician, and Paul's desire for a warm cloak may also point to a difficult imprisonment (although Luke was also a friend and winter was coming). Paul seems to know he would not be released. Tradition records that Paul was beheaded under the Neronian persecution that began in 65 AD perhaps, if Eusebius is to be believed, in 67 AD.
“Titus was an early Greek convert to the Church. He was present with Paul at the Jerusalem conference (see Galatians 2:1). Traditionally, Titus is held to be the first bishop of the Cretans. Paul had left Titus on Crete (see Titus 1:5). Crete is an island approximately 160 miles east to west and averaging twenty-five miles north to south, with many cities and likely quite a few branches of the Church. This epistle was written to strengthen and encourage Titus. This letter, like 1 Timothy, deals also with priesthood organization. We don't know where Paul was when he wrote this letter, but the date seems to lie between A.D. 64 and 66.” (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 219)
"Titus is the epistle of obedience. Writing in his old age, Paul seems increasingly impressed by the Spirit to counsel his beloved Titus, and through him all the saints, of the overpowering need to walk in paths of truth and righteousness. ...Titus is written to and for the saints. It is a sermon of practical exhortation to those in the fold, a commonsense approach to the problem of living in the world without being of the world." (McConkie, DNTC, 3:119.)
Titus 1:15 - JST: Unto the pure, let all things be pure; but unto them who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Every thought that one permits through his mind leaves its trace. Thoughts are things. Our lives are governed a great deal by our thoughts. (Brisbane, Australia Area Conference, March 1, 1976) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 154)
President David O. McKay: “Thoughts are the seeds of acts and precede them. Mere compliance with the word of the Lord, without a corresponding inward desire, will avail but little. Indeed, such outward actions and pretending phrases may be vehemently condemned. . . .. . . .
“What a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are aroused gives the measure of that man's character. In these reactions are revealed the man's power to govern or his forced servility to yield.” (CR 1951 Oct 6,8)
Teaching Thoughts:
“First and Second Timothy and Titus reflect the travels and teachings of Paul after the book of Acts concludes. Written from a "pastor" to "pastors," these three letters are called the Pastoral Epistles and have been so designated for the last 350 years (Latin pastor means "shepherd") ... Timothy was a Church leader and teacher at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), and because one of his duties was to appoint bishops (local unit leaders), he himself was apparently a regional officer, or what we today might call an area authority.
“The epistles to Timothy and Titus were probably written not long after the events described in Acts 28, following Paul's first imprisonment (or house arrest) in Rome... Paul had commissioned Titus to act as his representative in Crete and put Timothy in charge of the Church at Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 1:3). Paul then went to Philippi …[and then] traveled back to Rome, where he was imprisoned a second time, and there he wrote 2 Timothy before being executed around A.D. 67 or 68 (see Bible Dictionary, "Timothy," "Titus," "Pauline Epistles: The Fourth Group"). (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 212-213)
By the time Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy he was back in prison in Rome (2 Tim 1:8,17; 2:9). Paul's second imprisonment in Rome appears to have been far more severe than the house arrest of his first imprisonment. Mounce writes: “Onesiphorus had to search diligently before finding Paul (2 Tim 1:17), who was imprisoned as a serious criminal (2 Tim 2:9). His lack of shame at Paul's chains, Paul's encouragement to Timothy that he too not be ashamed, all the Asian Christians abandoning Paul, and the abandonment of Demas, one of Paul's inner circle, all suggest the seriousness of the imprisonment. The presence of Luke, a physician, and Paul's desire for a warm cloak may also point to a difficult imprisonment (although Luke was also a friend and winter was coming). Paul's eulogy and his admission of impending death (2 Tim 4:6 8, 18) show that he knew he would not be released.
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “The bishop has five principal responsibilities in presiding over a ward:
- He is the presiding high priest in the ward.
- He is president of the Aaronic Priesthood.
- He is a common judge.
- He coordinates the work of salvation and exaltation, including caring for those in need.
- And he oversees records, finances, and the use of the meetinghouse.
“In his role as presiding high priest, the bishop is the ward’s “spiritual leader.” He is a “faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.” …
“The bishop has a paramount role in serving as a shepherd to guide the rising generation, including young single adults, to Jesus Christ.” (Quentin L. Cook, “Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock,” Liahona, May 2021, 58)
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “You precious young people … are at the threshold of the most important decisions you will make in your lives. Please counsel with both your parents and your bishop about important choices that are ahead of you. Allow the bishop to be your friend and counselor.” (“Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock,” Liahona, May 2021, 60)
Jeffrey R. Holland: “Be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work. … So be patient and kind and forgiving.” (“Lord, I Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 94)
Walk a mile in Timothy’s shoes:
- Part-member family: Timothy’s mother and grandmother were righteous examples, but his father was a Greek Gentile who was likely not a believer (see Acts 16:1 ; 2 Timothy 1:5 ; 3:14–15).
- Living in wicked environment: Timothy was serving as a Church leader in Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 1:3), a large city where idol worship and immorality were widespread (see Acts 19:35).
- Some doubted his abilities: Paul hinted that some members doubted Timothy’s leadership abilities because he was young (see 1 Timothy 4:12).
Sister Bonnie H. Cordon: “My dear friends, why is shining our light so important? The Lord has told us that “there are many yet on the earth … who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” [ Doctrine and Covenants 123:12 ]. We can help. We can intentionally shine our light so others may see. We can extend an invitation. We can walk the journey with those who are taking a step toward the Savior, no matter how halting. …
I testify the Lord will magnify every small effort. The Holy Ghost will prompt us to know what to say and do. Such attempts may require us to step out of our comfort zone, but we can be assured that the Lord will help our light shine.” (“That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 80)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Who are the presbytery? They are the elders of the Church. Each of you deacons, teachers, and priests has been ordained by one having the proper authority, in most cases by your fathers or bishops. You have been given a great and precious gift. You can speak truth. You must speak truth. You can bear testimony of the great and good things of the gospel. This is your gift. Neglect it not!” (Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 69; or Ensign, May 1997, 49)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “There is nothing inherently evil about money. The Good Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellowman that Judas used to betray the Master. It is ‘the love of money [which] is the root of all evil.’ (1 Tim. 6:10) The critical difference is the degree of spirituality we exercise in viewing, evaluating, and managing the things of this world.” (“Spirituality,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 63).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Who among us can say that he or she has not felt fear? I know of no one who has been entirely spared. Some, of course, experience fear to a greater degree than do others. Some are able to rise above it quickly, but others are trapped and pulled down by it and even driven to defeat.
“We suffer from the fear of ridicule, the fear of failure, the fear of loneliness, the fear of ignorance. Some fear the present, some the future. Some carry the burden of sin and would give almost anything to unshackle themselves from those burdens but fear to change their lives” (“God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear,” Ensign, Oct. 1984, 2).
Elder Richard G. Scott: “We talk to God through prayer. He most often communicates back to us through His written word. To know what the voice of the Divine sounds and feels like, read His words, study the scriptures, and ponder them. Make them an integral part of everyday life. …
Through daily, consistent scripture study, you will find peace in the turmoil around you and strength to resist temptations. You will develop strong faith in the grace of God and know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right according to God’s timing.” (“Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 93–94)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Some might feel embarrassed or unworthy because they have searching questions regarding the gospel, but they needn’t feel that way. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a precursor of growth.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-11-0050-the-reflection-in-the-water#churchofjesuschrist)
Paul's second imprisonment in Rome appears to have been far more severe than the house arrest of his first imprisonment. Paul was imprisoned as a serious criminal (2 Tim 2:9). It appears that many abandoned Paul at this time. The presence of Luke, a physician, and Paul's desire for a warm cloak may also point to a difficult imprisonment (although Luke was also a friend and winter was coming). Paul seems to know he would not be released. Tradition records that Paul was beheaded under the Neronian persecution that began in 65 AD perhaps, if Eusebius is to be believed, in 67 AD.
“Titus was an early Greek convert to the Church. He was present with Paul at the Jerusalem conference (see Galatians 2:1). Traditionally, Titus is held to be the first bishop of the Cretans. Paul had left Titus on Crete (see Titus 1:5). Crete is an island approximately 160 miles east to west and averaging twenty-five miles north to south, with many cities and likely quite a few branches of the Church. This epistle was written to strengthen and encourage Titus. This letter, like 1 Timothy, deals also with priesthood organization. We don't know where Paul was when he wrote this letter, but the date seems to lie between A.D. 64 and 66.” (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 219)
"Titus is the epistle of obedience. Writing in his old age, Paul seems increasingly impressed by the Spirit to counsel his beloved Titus, and through him all the saints, of the overpowering need to walk in paths of truth and righteousness. ...Titus is written to and for the saints. It is a sermon of practical exhortation to those in the fold, a commonsense approach to the problem of living in the world without being of the world." (McConkie, DNTC, 3:119.)
Titus 1:15 - JST: Unto the pure, let all things be pure; but unto them who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Every thought that one permits through his mind leaves its trace. Thoughts are things. Our lives are governed a great deal by our thoughts. (Brisbane, Australia Area Conference, March 1, 1976) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 154)
President David O. McKay: “Thoughts are the seeds of acts and precede them. Mere compliance with the word of the Lord, without a corresponding inward desire, will avail but little. Indeed, such outward actions and pretending phrases may be vehemently condemned. . . .. . . .
“What a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are aroused gives the measure of that man's character. In these reactions are revealed the man's power to govern or his forced servility to yield.” (CR 1951 Oct 6,8)
Teaching Thoughts:
- Relatability and relevance of Timothy
- Young
- Part-member family
- Living in wicked environment
- Some doubted his abilities
- Overcoming fear in and age of doubt.