How wonderful to have a ministry of multiplication like the Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to have. Yet, it doesn’t always happen because sometimes the odds are against us and we fail to endure.
2 Timothy 2:2 —
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Sometimes the Odds are Against Us as Bible Teachers
Immediately after encouraging Timothy to engage in a ministry of multiplication, Paul said, “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:3). Sometimes there will be hardship. We might face opposition.
At minimum, pursuing such a ministry is …
not always convenient.
We may need to sacrifice to make it happen.
not always easy.
We may need to work within limitations imposed by church policy or perhaps due to other responsibilities we have like our families or jobs.
not always popular.
We may need to withstand criticism from people who don’t understand, who think just showing up and teaching a lesson is enough.
A Ministry of Multiplication Can Happen Despite the Odds
Most Bible teachers will not experience the persecution the Apostle Paul suffered who mentioned even being “chained like a criminal” (2 Tim. 2:9). He was able to endure, and encourage Timothy to do the same, despite the odds, because of these realities:
1) the strength that comes from God’s grace
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 2:1)
2) the power of God’s Word
… I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. (2 Tim. 2:9)
Both of these realities reflect the necessity of God to work both in and through us. Let us not think we can power through in our own strength. Because of that which He provides, a ministry of multiplication can happen even when the odds are against us!