Young brothers can find encouragement in the examples of Mark and Timothy, who overcame fear and inexperience to serve faithfully alongside mature Christians. Their willingness to take on responsibility and expand their ministry made them valuable to Paul and deeply appreciated in Jehovah’s service.

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YOUNG BROTHERS - IMITATE MARK AND TIMOTHY

• Young brothers are encouraged to do more in Jehovah’s service and be helpful in the congregation.
• Many face challenges like fear of the unknown or lack of confidence.
• Mark and Timothy experienced similar fears, but they did not allow them to hold them back.
• Mark left a comfortable home to expand his ministry, first moving to Antioch, then traveling with Paul and Barnabas.
• Timothy also left home to join Paul in the preaching work, despite being young and inexperienced.
• Both gained valuable experience and shouldered weighty responsibilities early in life.
• Paul deeply appreciated them, especially near the end of his life. (2 Timothy 4:11)

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IMITATE MARK – BE WILLING TO SERVE

• Serving others means helping with diligence and persistence.
• Though initially rejected by Paul for a second trip, Mark did not give up on serving.
• He worked with Barnabas and later supported Paul in prison, becoming a “source of great comfort.”
• Mark benefited from close association with mature Christians like Paul and Peter.
• Peter called him “Mark, my son,” and likely influenced the emotional detail in Mark’s Gospel.
• Young brothers can imitate Mark by staying active and close to mature brothers, even after setbacks.
• Example: Seung-Woo—once felt overlooked but learned the joy of helping others practically, like assisting the elderly.

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• Timothy was chosen by Paul because of his good reputation and his genuine concern for others.
• Paul said of Timothy: “I have no one else of a disposition like his.” (Philippians 2:20)
• Timothy stayed behind to encourage new disciples and was later sent alone to strengthen others.
• Over time, he showed deep empathy, learning to “weep with those who weep.”
• Example: Woo Jae—once avoided conversations, but learned to engage by expressing appreciation and interest.
• Young brothers can imitate Timothy by taking personal interest in others, asking about their needs, and offering practical help, like tech support or ministry companionship.

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BENEFIT FROM PAUL’S FATHERLY ADVICE

• Paul gave Timothy personal counsel, which young brothers can apply today by reading 1 & 2 Timothy.

“Train yourself with godly devotion as your aim” (1 Timothy 4:7b)

• Godly devotion involves a personal attachment to Jehovah and requires self-discipline like an athlete’s training.
• Bible reading helps us draw closer to Jehovah—consider Jesus’ love for the rich young ruler as a lesson in compassion and personal growth.

“Become an example to the faithful ones” (1 Timothy 4:12)

• Develop both skills (reading, teaching) and qualities (love, faith, chasteness).
• Being an example adds weight to your words—especially in ministry-related assignments.
• Reflect on how you speak—express appreciation, give meaningful comments, and build up others with your words.

“Flee from youthful desires, but pursue righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22)

• Avoid distractions that take time from spiritual pursuits—such as sports, Internet, or video games.
• Replace them with theocratic activities, like helping at the Kingdom Hall or participating in cart witnessing.
• These efforts help you form lasting friendships with those who share spiritual goals.

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SERVING OTHERS BRINGS BLESSINGS

• Mark and Timothy’s self-sacrifice led to full and satisfying lives.
• Mark traveled widely and wrote the Gospel of Mark; Timothy helped establish congregations and encourage fellow believers.
• Paul’s deep affection for Timothy shows Jehovah’s love for young men.
• If young brothers take Paul’s advice to heart, they will not only succeed now but also “get a firm hold on the real life” to come. (1 Timothy 6:18, 19).

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)