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Timeline of Paul

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What is a Reputation?

Often times reputation is a subjective feeling toward someone or something.

I. Timothy's Reputation:

Like all of us, there are some parts of Timothy’s reputation that are not so desirable...

Our family reputation can hold some biases and even guilt and shame upon us depending on whether or not we break the mold.

Can you identify any family reputations that have held or still hold guilt or shame on you because you broke from them or didn’t meet them?

Timeline of Paul

Does that mean no one could say one bad thing about him? No. That is unrealistic for all of us.

Timothy's Qualifications:

Timothy's Qualifications:

• Timothy had a solid understanding of the scriptures.

Timothy's Qualifications:

• Timothy had a solid understanding of the scriptures.
• Was well known for his gifting in the church.

Timothy's Qualifications:

• Timothy had a solid understanding of the scriptures.
• Was well known for his gifting in the church.
• Above reproach in many ways... except one

Why was Timothy’s reputation a big deal?

The Gospel itself contains its own stumbling blocks like crucifying our desires and putting to death the desires of our flesh in order to live for Jesus.

We do not need to or want to add anymore hurdles or stumbling blocks for others to come to faith in Christ.

Timothy has a freedom and a right to stay exactly how he is... but instead chooses pain, suffering, humiliation all so that the gospel could be seen and heard clearly and loudly.

II.Our Reputation:

“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”
1 Corinthians 9:22

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Are you serving yourself or serving others?

Are you claiming rights or giving them up in order to reach others?

How well are you identifying with those around you to build trust?

Conclusion:

Who controls our reputation?

Who Controls our Reputation?

• You can control what you do.

Who Controls our Reputation?

• You can control what you do.
• To some level you can control how you think of yourself.

Who Controls our Reputation?

• You can control what you do.
• To some level you can control how you think of yourself.
• You do not have control of how others view you.

Does God want you to live under the shame or guilt from family reputations or expectations you have failed to meet?

In Jesus our shame and guilt can be redeemed, transformed, and be used for good.