When I was in Junior High School I ran the 440 relay race.  The critical part of the relay race is passing the baton.  A team with smooth transitions for passing the baton could actually beat a team with faster runners.

The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to pass on the baton of faith in his ministry,

The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  (2 Timothy 2:2)

How many spiritual generations do you see in this verse?  Let’s start with Paul who is mentoring Timothy.  Then there is Timothy along with many many witnesses.  The word for witnesses are not simply spectators, but those who are involved in testifying.  The Greek word for witnesses is μάρτυς (martys) from which we derive our English word martyr.

Paul and the witnesses are to entrust this faith to the third generation of faithful people.  The word entrust is a command and Timothy and the the many witnesses are to commit to training faithful disciples who have the capability to teach the fourth generation (others).

The renowned management theorist Peter Drucker once said, “There is no success without a successor.”   We who have been entrusted with the gospel have a responsibility to pass on the faith to the next generation.  As we look at the successful leadership transitions in the Bible we see the principle of passing on the baton of faith.

Who is your Timothy?  Can you see faithful people who are passing on the sacred teaching?  As you invest your life in others you will reap spiritual dividends,

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.  (3 John 4)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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