Tag: life and immortality
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!
Life and immortality through the gospel!
Scripture reading for October 22nd: 2nd Timothy 1:1-18
Paul’s second letter to Timothy turned out to be his last letter before he was martyred for serving Christ. He knew that his time on this earth was short and wanted to pass on important pastoral encouragement to his young friend and co-w0rker. Timothy was the pastor of the church that Paul had founded in Ephesus and also faced increasing persecution. His youth and somewhat timid spirit may have been hindering his ministry.
“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. (2nd Timothy 1:7-9) The Holy Spirit brings us power to live a life of love and self-discipline. God’s purpose is to use us as a witness of this love through our godly living. He chose us Himself and through grace saved us.
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 has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” (2nd Timothy 1:9b-10) God’s plans were put in place before the beginning of time. God lives in the realm of eternity and sees all of time. He and His Son determined the proper time to reveal His grace by Jesus Christ, the Son, coming to earth as a man. Through Christ’s life and atoning death, the way for all men to receive God’s grace was made available. Now through preaching this Gospel, the gift of eternal life and the path to immortality with God has been opened to all who will believe!
“And of this Gospel I was appointed a herald, an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2nd Timothy 1:11-12) Paul assured Timothy that God would be faithful to keep them both!