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2 Timothy 1:1-7
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 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, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: We are beginning a new series in 2 Timothy. If you remember from 1 Timothy, Paul had sent Timothy to Ephesus to put things in order in the church, and he had; but now it appears Timothy was struggling with remaining in ministry, a waning zeal. Perhaps it was because Paul was in prison, persecution was on the rise from the Roman government, as well as conflict in the church with false teachers who had continued to make inroads into the church even after Timothy rebuked them. Timothy was a young man, often battling sickness, who had a timid personality and was about to lose his spiritual father.
Paul was critically aware of the need to persevere in guarding the good deposit of the gospel. Who will do it? Paul is writing to Timothy this second letter to pass the baton to Timothy. Paul writes to encourage Timothy, his beloved child, to follow his example in persevering and preaching the gospel of truth. This letter is meant to encourage us in our responsibility to strive to live faithfully in days of fatigue and trials.
Review and Apply
If a personal letter, why do you think Paul starts out with identifying as an apostle by the will of God?
How does Paul's self-understanding help him endure suffering?
What is your spiritual heritage? How does knowing one's spiritual heritage for Paul and Timothy help us persevere?
What characteristics make for a good spiritual mentor?
Who has been a spiritual mentor to you? How did it help you in the faith?
Can you identify one spiritual gift that God has given to you? If you have neglected it, why?
How can you fan it into a greater flame?
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