The steward of God should be faithful (1 Cor. 4: 2). Faithfulness is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5: 22). There is a teaching that, like how Moses was faithful in the house of the Lord, we must also be faithful (Heb. 3: 2-5). There should be faithful workers or stewards, is something that is seen repeatedly in Jesus’ teaching. We see even Paul searching for faithful workers (2 Tim. 2:2). A person who studies the Word and is in the ministry of God should faithfully fulfill his ministry. In Joshua 4: 1-9 we see a thing that the Israelites who crossed Jordan did to remember the faithfulness of God. To study the word of God is a commandment of God (Deut. 6: 6-8; Joshua 1: 8). “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8: 31, 32). The word ‘abiding’ has ‘obedience’, ‘train’, ‘make practical’ as its meaning. It is not just enough to learn His word but we should be obedient to it. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves” is what James taught (James 1:22). “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and do not do what I say? (Luke 6: 46). There are many who think that it is not practical to follow the words of Jesus. But as Sadhu Sunder Singh said it is like climbing a ladder. Once you step into the first step you can climb the next one. It is impossible to climb the last step from the first step all at once. Obedience- step by step. That is how we grow as much as Christ, the head. After Christ’s resurrection, when the apostles were given duty, the commandment that was given is noteworthy. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28: 18 – 20). A disciple is one who teaches the teachings of Jesus. Let us listen to a few words that are about remaining in the Word of God.

1. Word of God should be Studied (Psalm 1)
Psalm 1 reminds us that the word of God should be studied. The word should be meditated day and night is an important teaching to the Israelites (Psalm 1; Joshua 1: 8). It is the power of the word of God that sets apart the society from the evil (Psalm 1: 1-3; 119: 11). Theological education is a ministry that creates the faithful that are rooted in the word of God.

2. Formation of the Faithful (1 Timothy 6: 11- 16)
Timothy from Lystra was brought up in faith by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois ( 2Tim. 1: 5; 3: 15). His mother was a Jew and father was a Greek. Since he was good in missionary work and had a good testimony, Paul decided to take him along but considering the Jews who knew that he was not circumcised, Paul circumcised him (Acts 16:3). Following this he was set apart for ministry by laying hands on him (1 Tim. 4: 14; 2 Tim. 1:6). Thus Timothy became Paul’s concomitant. They along with Silas and Luke travelled to Philippi (Acts 16: 12). It is recorded that like how a son was with his father Timothy served Paul in the work of the gospel (Philippians 2: 22). To help the church in Philippi it is Timothy and Silas that Paul sent (Acts 17:4). Later they joined together in Athens and Timothy went to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:2). From Thessalonica he came to Corinth and worked with Paul. In the letters that were written to Thessalonians from Corinth Timothy has been mentioned twice (1 Thes. 1: 1; 2 Thes. 1:1). There is no record for the works of the following five years. Paul who prepared himself for a long journey including places like Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem and Rome sent Timothy to Macedonia in advance (Acts 19: 22). As pre- arranged Timothy met Paul (1 Cor. 16: 10).When the second letter to Corinthians was written Timothy was with Paul (2 Cor. 1:1). In letter to Romans Timothy sends his greetings to his acquaintances in Rome (Romans 16: 21). Therefore it can be understood that Timothy was with Paul at that time. It is from Corinth that the letter to Romans was written. When letters to Phillipians , Colossians and Philemon was written Timothy was with Paul (Phil. 1:1; 2:19, Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1). When Paul was in prison the second time he expressed his desire to see Timothy (2 Tim. 4: 9, 21). Since Timothy was out of prison, many conclude that Timothy took care of Paul in prison (Heb. 13:21). Timothy was given a broad ministry – command and teach (1Timothy 4:11), exhort (1 Tim 5:1),do not rebuke an older man harshly, reprove before everyone (5: 19, 20), manage everything related to finance (5: 3-10), appoint overseers( 1 Tim 3: 1-13)- many like this. In Paul’s last words he again expresses his desire to see Timothy (2Tim. 4: 9, 21). It is not clear whether Timothy was able to fulfill this desire. It is believed that according to tradition he became a Bishop at Ephesus and was later martyred during the time of Nerva. In 1 Timothy 6: 11 -16 we see the edification of Paul’s spiritual son Timothy. Paul exhorts Timothy to be innocent and to do service to Christ.

3. Growth of the Word of God (Matt. 13: 1-9)
Through Theological education we see the work of the word of God spreading first to an individual and later to a society. It will thus yield thirty, sixty and hundred times what was sown. Through him a society that has the vision of the Kingdom of God is formed. Theological education helps form individuals that are faithful to God, word of God and the Church of God.