Success = Successor

2 Timothy 2. In verse one, Paul commands Timothy to 'be strong'. That is an imperative. It is a command, but it is a command tempered with Paul's love as he adds the words 'my son'. Why would Paul make such a strong command to Timothy? Remember, Paul is in prison facing death. He was to be executed by the Romans on the false charge that he was an anti-government revolutionist. Timothy was to be his successor in the ministry. And the question is could young Timothy handle the pressure and persecution? So Paul commands Timothy to be strong in these 'perilous times' that are fast approaching (see ch.3:1ff).
And not only be strong, but be a strong teacher-2:2. Paul is saying, "Timothy, take that which I have taught you concerning the Word of God, and pass it on to other faithful men, who then will pass it on to others." Multiplication has always been God's process for advancing His kingdom and this must be our focus for church and ministry growth. Our work is not done until new believers are taught, and then they are able to teach others. Remember, there is no success without a successor. And never forget this: Each local church always stands just one generation away from extinction. So we must pass this on.
Are you doing your part? Are you sharing the Word with others? Do you have a burden to pass it on, or have you grown cold in your faith? Two key indicators of healthy, spiritual life are evangelism and discipleship. Are you sharing and teaching? And I'm not just talking about in a formal setting behind a podium. Moms are you discipling your little ones? Dads are you training and teaching your sons? Grandparents are you passing the faith down to your grandchildren? We all have influence over someone. Are we being a positive influence for Christ?
Final thought: Christians must to three things with God's Word: Read it, heed it, and deed it! That is our responsibility!