Tag: spirit of timidity
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)
Avoid tickling ears!
Scripture reading for December 8th: 2 Timothy 1-4
The second letter of Paul to Timothy is widely believed to be the last written by the Apostle before his execution in Rome. His final words of encouragement to this young man should also be encouraging to us.
“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.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
Timothy came from good stock. His mother and grandmother were both Jewish believers. They had faith which was alive in them. Paul sensed the call of God on Timothy and prayed for God’s gifts to come forth in him. One gift was that of pastor and teacher which required holy boldness.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17
Paul warned Timothy of coming persecution and deception. The best defense was continuing in the word of God. This was the word that was taught him by his mother and grandmother as well as Paul.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” 2nd Timothy 4:1-2
He told Timothy to “preach the Word” of God. It should be used to correct people, to rebuke those in sin and to encourage them to prepare for Christ’s coming. Take this simple charge to your heart today and let it move you to action! It’s in season no matter what time of year!
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!
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 is 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 hindered 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 and through our witness. 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!