2 Timothy 1:6-14
6 That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [[a]with those of the elders at your ordination].
6 That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [[a]with those of the elders at your ordination].
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
8 Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [[b]with me] take your share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you, and do it] in the power of God.
9 [For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].
10 [It is that purpose and grace] which He now has made known and has fully disclosed and made real [to us] through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who annulled death and made it of no effect and brought life and immortality (immunity from eternal death) to light through the Gospel.
11 For [the proclaiming of] this [Gospel] I was appointed a herald (preacher) and an apostle (special messenger) and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which [c]I have committed [to Him] until that day.
13 Hold fast and follow the pattern of wholesome and sound teaching which you have heard from me, in [all] the faith and love which are [for us] in Christ Jesus.
14 Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.
This is such a good Scripture. This is a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy regarding the administration of the affairs of the church at Ephesus. Paul is telling us that God has not given us a power of fear. He has given us power and courage so we can handle trials, tribulations and persecutions that we may face. We also have a spirit of a sound mind and a spirit of love. A sound mind is a clear understanding so we can speak, think and act right in all things. Love gives us hope and to be able to endure all things. Paul says to stir ourselves up. Stir up the gifts that God has given us. We should be active in our ministry; use our gift of the Holy Spirit. Use our gift of fire and add fresh fuel to it. By going out and using our gifts that God has given us, we are actually stirring ourselves up; using our zeal for the Gospel. Our strength and power comes from God.
We should not be ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16). Paul loved Timothy and he wanted him to know that to suffer for Jesus was the greatest thing he could do. Even though we might suffer, God will always be with us. By the power of God, we are strengthened to stand. We are called to a holy work; not according to our works but to God's works. Paul tells Timothy that God appointed him to be a preacher, apostle and a teacher. He is to teach men and he was really sent to instruct the Gentiles. Paul says to Timothy even though I suffer for the Gospel, I am not ashamed of it. God's grace is enough for him. He knows that because he believes, he can talk to God and God will give him the power to continue on. Paul committed his life to Jesus. He committed to the Gospel. How many of us are really, truly committed? One of the definitions of committed is the state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons. Committed is to be steadfast, loyal, devoted and faithful. Are we really committed to spread the Gospel of Jesus? Are we committed to our leaders in our churches? Hmmmm....gives us something to ponder over a little bit. Are we loyal, devoted and faithful to our Pastors? Do we complain when they ask us to do something - and it's something for the Kingdom of God? How do we react? Just something for us all to think about. Ok...I'm getting a little long here. In Verses 13 & 14, it says to hold fast the sound teaching. We need to stay in the Spirit and the Spirit will help us to preach to others about salvation. But it also says to guard and keep the Truth. Make sure that man doesn't change the Word to suit himself. It has been entrusted to us by the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit guide us. So let us all stay in the Spirit, stay in the Word at all times and go out and tell others about the good news of salvation.
