Timothy had a hard job (2 Timothy 4:1-5).  Appointed by Paul and inspired by the Holy Spirit, Timothy preached the truth about Jesus publicly, and taught the church – preparing God’s people for greater persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).  It was vital that the young man stayed strong in the truth.  If he looked to his own inner resources, he would fail (2 Timothy 1:6-7): but if he kept on trusting the Lord Jesus, he would receive enough strength for every circumstance (Philippians 4:13).  Other believers would look to Timothy, so his own life of faith was the example for the church and was equally important to his teaching.

Timothy’s strength could only come from one source – the grace of God in Christ Jesus.  Timothy’s sins and failures were covered by the blood of Jesus, his wisdom came from the Spirit of Jesus, his loving patience towards others came from the love of Jesus.  He could not generate any of that himself.  It was God’s free gift to him which enabled him to live the truth as well as teach it.
 
But others could not simply copy the way Timothy lived.  They also needed a personal faith in Jesus, believing the gospel truth which Paul had taught in Ephesus, receiving His grace and be personally inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Paul was at the end of his life (2 Timothy 4:6-8) so he reminded Timothy to select reliable people, who had the desire and ability to teach, and carefully explain all that the Apostle Paul had taught him … so that they could teach others.
 
The church is always only one generation away from extinction.  In order for the gospel to reach the next generation with freshness and divine power, it must be preached by people who know it, love it and live it.  Accurate Bible teaching is still one of the greatest tasks for the church, encouraging believers to keep receiving the grace of Christ, and sharing it with others.  That is God’s way of multiplying His grace to more and more people.  It is like passing on the baton in a running relay race.  So who are you telling?  Spiritual leaders must primarily concern themselves with teaching God's truth.  So too must believing parents; they have a great responsibility to teach their children.  Hold fast to the truth about Jesus, do not waver, and pass it on to others.