Have you ever wondered, "Can God really use me?" If you have, I encourage you to look at Timothy. Some say he was around 30 years old at this time. Paul (after at least 2 years at Ephesus) had left him there as pastor of this young church. Timothy encountered several problems at Ephesus: False doctrine and legalists (Judaizers); Issues about the public worship; The need for qualified leaders; Some may have questioned his youth (4:12). Greek society believed a man came of age around 40; Materialism (chap. 6) & others. In an effort to encourage this servant of God, Paul uses his life as an example of what God can do through His grace amd power. He says, "Timothy, look at me. See what God has done in me." He knew if Timothy could see that God could take him (Paul) with all his baggage, save him and use him, He could do great things through Timothy as well. These verses are a look at Paul's personal testimony. In them we see that what God did in, to, for, and through Paul; He can do in to, for, and through any one of us. We only have to make ourselves available to Him. "It's not your ability God wants; it's your availability." Let's notice:

  I.  THE TESTIMONY OF A SINNER -- VV. 13, 15.

 II.  THE TESTIMONY OF A SAINT -- VV. 13-14.

III.  THE TESTIMONY OF A SERVANT -- VS. 12.