Tag: 2nd Timothy 1
Fan your Gift into Flame!
Scripture reading for October 3rd: 2nd Timothy 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Timothy 1:6-10 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.”
Paul encouraged Timothy and us to fan our gift into full flame! The Holy Spirit is not timid but bold, loving, and disciplined to accomplish God’s will by using us and the gifts of the Spirit given us by God’s grace. We may face suffering and even death, but Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought immortality to light for us who know Him and have believed!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers purposefully develop the gifts God has given them for His glory and purpose and boldly live and preach the Gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. “I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your Name for your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word. When I called, You answered me; You made me bold and stouthearted.” (Psalm 138:2-3)
Don’t let the fire go out!
Scripture reading for October 2nd: 2nd Timothy 1
Several years after his first letter, Paul was in jail and very probably facing execution for his faith. He wrote a final letter to his son in the faith, Timothy, to encourage him. These ‘last words’ should encourage us as we face increasing persecution and opposition in our world today.
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother, Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.” (2nd Timothy 1:3-7)
Paul spent much of his last days in prison for his faith. He used this time to pray and to write. His heart was filled with thanksgiving and longing to see Timothy again. Paul had known Timothy’s family and the faith that they shared and encouraged Timothy to keep fanning the flame of faith through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit that empowers us to witness and preach the Gospel with authority and to love those Christ puts in our lives. It is only through the guidance of the Spirit that we can discipline ourselves to live the holy life that God calls us to and to pass our faith to the next generation. Let’s fan the flame in our hearts today! The fire of God’s Holy Spirit yearns to reach the lost!