Thursday, October 22

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

"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 the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He 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 has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:6-10)


In 2 Timothy, Paul offers some parting thoughts to a key disciple, Timothy, who has taken a leadership role in the early church. As we read in 1 Corinthians 16:10, 1 Timothy 4:12, and the verses above, Timothy served in Gospel ministry but struggled with insecurity, perhaps arising from his young age.

The antidote to Timothy's insecurity did not lie within him, but rather from the power of God manifested through the Holy Spirit, given to him as a follower of Christ. The Spirit brings "power, love and self-discipline" in place of fear. The work of God begins and ends with God. The Gospel makes it clear that we owe everything for our salvation to God. As such, the Gospel minister relies on God's strength, given through the Holy Spirit.

It appears that Paul commissioned Timothy and sought God's favor for his ministry, indicating by the laying on of his hands. In 1 Timothy 4:15,16, Paul exhorts Timothy: "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

From Paul's two letters to Timothy, we see the commitment and endurance that Gospel ministry involves. He uses several physical analogies, including training (1 Timothy 4:7), "being poured out like a drink offering" (2 Timothy 4:6), and fighting the "good fight" (2 Timothy 4:7). Both Paul and Timothy had counted the costs and recognized that they were steep. Yet, they remained faithful because of the unwavering faithfulness of God. As a result, they would "endure" by relying on the God Who rescues and sustains.


Lord God, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness. Thank You too for the Gospel ministers who have poured out themselves like drink offerings so that we might have opportunity to come into relationship with You. Give us a similar strength of character and commitment to endurance by the power of Your Holy Spirit, indwelling with us and filling us to serve out Your good purposes. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


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