The Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy encouraged and equipped Timothy to lead the church in Ephesus amid false teaching (including early gnostic ideas that promised salvation through secret knowledge). As we learn from 1 Timothy 6:17–21 and supporting scriptures, we are encouraged to challenge common ideas of success and warn against trusting human influence inside and outside the church. Believers are called, especially through our “reach one” focus, to meet people where they are, build genuine relationships one person at a time, and serve as faithful, loving representatives of Christ who bear good fruit in the community.
