Daily Writing

Monday, 5 March 2018

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Paul now explains the previous statement he made to Timothy which said, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.” The word translated here as “fear” is a noun found only this once in the Bible. It signifies timidity or cowardice. Its corresponding adjective signifies someone who would be fainthearted, and thus falling short in following Jesus as the Lord. Paul is encouraging Timothy, not rebuking him. He is saying in essence, “God hasn’t given us a spirit of cowardice. You will face many great challenges in your duties, but He has given you a spirit of the ability to handle them.”

This same thought must transfer to all Christians. When we have a fear of displeasing others, we are not demonstrating that which is of God. If there is, for example, a moral issue which is presented for the Christian to stand on, they are to stand on that without wavering.

Next, Paul contrasts the “spirit of fear” with one “of power.” The word is closely connected to having a sense of boldness. It reflects the ability to overcome difficulties and obstacles which one is bound to face, such as persecution and confrontation.

Paul further defines the spirit we have been given as “of love.” In 1 John 4, it says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” Rather than fearing, we have the love of God, and that for the lost. This should be such a love that fear is cast out. We should be willing to say, as so many faithful witnesses of the past have, that our love for the gospel is so strong that we will fearlessly proclaim it. Jesus, speaking to the disciples, showed them this when he said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” There should be a calming peace in us as we face the unknown, because in reality, our end is known. Whatever we face is simply leading us to the glory which is promised to the saints.

Finally, Paul says that the spirit we have received is “of a sound mind.” It is another word unique to Scripture which carries the idea of “self-control.” HELPS Word Studies says that it is “safe-minded, issuing in prudent (‘sensible’) behavior that ‘fits’ a situation.” Instead of being fearful and unable to meet the challenges we will face, if we rightly apply God’s instructions to our lives, we will be able to meet whatever comes our way in a wise and sensible manner.

Life application: As we look at Christians around us, many who do not demonstrate (even nearly) the qualities that are mentioned in this verse, we might question whether the words here are true or not. We may not even fit the words of the verse very well. And so, where is the disconnect? It is not in the word, but in us. It is we who have to follow through with our salvation by applying God’s word to our lives. In reading it, remembering it, and heeding it, we will then have the spirit which Paul now describes. If we don’t, we cannot blame God. He has given what is necessary for it to occur. Further, this verse is often cited by people, almost as a talisman, claiming that they have a supernatural spirit which will allow them to do anything. This is wholly unrealistic. The same people may not know their Bible at all. In carrying this verse around as a catch-all for possessing power, they set themselves up for a fall. Let us be grounded in our doctrine, and rely on what we are given in Scripture as our source of boldness, power, love, and sound thinking.

Lord God, when your word says that we have been given a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind, those words need to be taken as conditional upon our knowing Your word and rightly applying it to our lives. Help us not to claim things from Your word unreasonably, but to keep things in context. In this, we will not set ourselves up for disappointment. Help us in this O God. Amen.

Sunday, 4 March 2018

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6

The word “Therefore” is given to confirm what he has just said, concerning “the genuine faith that is in” Timothy. Paul knew it to be so, and he is giving strong encouragement based on this. He knew Timothy as a father knows a son. And Timothy surely looked to Paul as a father. In this, there is the heartbreaking thought that Paul was in prison, possibly on his way to execution. Along with that were troubles within the church itself which Paul has already noted, and which he will continue to refer to (such as in 1 Timothy 1:18-20 & and in 2 Timothy 2:17, 18).

Instead of being downcast because of such things, Paul gives him positive exhortation by reminding him “to stir up the gift of God.” The word which translates into “stir up” is found only here in the Bible. It refers to fire being fanned into flames. Paul is then encouraging Timothy to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in him, as he then says, “through the laying on of my hands.” This is probably referring to the same thing as was stated in 1 Timothy 4:14 –

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

Though the laying on of hands was done by a group of men, Paul is using the singular here to make his participation in it personal to Timothy now. There may have been others present, but as a father to a son, Paul laid his hands on Timothy. In this act, Paul and the others made an acknowledgment that the Spirit resided in Timothy, and the he was now being set apart for service to the Lord based on the gift he possessed as a leader. It is this gift that Paul is imploring him to fan into flames. This is reminiscent of his words of 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.” Instead of stating it in the negative, he is stating it as a positive. Rather than quenching, he is admonished to fan.

Life application: Despite the many trials of our lives, we can and should stir up the flame of the Spirit in us. In doing so, we will be able to overcome the trials and difficulties we face. But the only way to do this is to act in accord with the Spirit – reading the word, praying to the Lord, praising God, joining with other believers in fellowship, and the like. In doing these things, we will stir up the flame, and we will then be able to press on with far less difficulty as we continue down life’s path.

Heavenly Father, help each of us to stir up the flame of the Spirit in our lives. Help us to do this so that we can face the many challenges which lie ahead of us in our family life, our jobs, our social life, and in other areas which can often be so challenging. May we be willing to tend to Your word, speak to You with our hearts, and rely on others for fellowship and encouragement. In these things, surely You will direct us and guide us through the daily difficulties. Thank You for being with us as we pursue You. Amen.

Saturday, 3 March 2018

…when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5

The words here now take us back to verse 3. Paul had said, “I thank God.” Now he continues that thought with, “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you.” Paul’s gratitude to God is found in Timothy’s sincere faith. He calls it to remembrance as if the most cherished of memories.

For a true and sound believer, the faith – steadfast and deep-rooted – is truly a source of rejoicing. This is because when we think of our beloved brother or sister, we know that when they face a time of great trial, sadness, or disappointment, it will not be a reason for that person to be in utter despair. Genuine faith does not mean that they will not feel the pains of life, but that they will be able to endure them without losing all heart. Faith in Christ will ultimately be their rock of stability. In this, we can truly give thanks to God.

Paul next notes that Timothy’s faith “dwelt first in your grandmother Lois.” Here is a word used only once in all of the Bible, mammé, or “grandmother. It is comparable to us saying “mamma” to a grandmother as a term of endearment. The word “dwelt” is in the past tense, implying that Lois is now dead, but that while alive, faith resided in her as if in an abode. She was the first in the line of Timothy to possess saving faith, and it resided in her in a way obvious to those around her. Hence, Paul’s note of it now.

Likewise, he adds in, “and your mother Eunice.” The same thoughts apply to her as to Lois. They were both now dead, but while alive, they were women of great faith. Eunice was a Jewess. This is learned from Acts 16:1 –

“Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.”

It is implied that the father was not a believer, but the mother had received her Messiah at some point during her life. As only Eunice is mentioned, but not by name in Acts, and as both are mentioned now, it is a note which truly displays the authenticity of this epistle. The two accounts beautifully align to comprise a united picture of this family of faith.

Finally Paul, speaking of these women’s faith, says, “and I am persuaded is in you also.” Paul knew this was true, but by saying it in this way, it is given as an encouragement to Timothy that his faith is one of a noble tradition which looked to Chris Jesus. In this, Paul was stirring up Timothy to continue in that tradition and build upon it.

Life application: There are times when reminding someone about their family’s faith is an appropriate thing to do. If Franklin Graham were to seem overwhelmed with the challenges of his ministry, patting him on the back and saying, “You are from a great line of faithful people” would be a great encouragement to him. It would remind him of the things his father had done and it would then spur him on to even greater things. We should remember this, be aware of the line of faith in others, and use that in an appropriate manner when needed.

Heavenly Father, some of us have come from a line of believers in Christ Jesus that goes back for generations. Some of us are the first in our line. In each, there is a unique opportunity. We can build upon the faith of our fathers, or we can start a new line of faithful followers, encouraging the next generation to fan the flames of our love of Christ. No matter what, may each of us be willing to continue on this line of love for Jesus, and to make it grow and flourish in our families. To Your glory! Amen.

Friday, 2 March 2018

…greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 2 Timothy 1:4

This continues Paul’s thought concerning his relationship with Timothy of the previous verse. Here he next says to him that he is, “greatly desiring to see you.” The Greek word he uses indicates a longing for, or a yearning. We can greatly desire something we see at the store without having yearned for it. But those things we long for are the things we set our mind on continuously. Paul’s mind was brought back, time and again, to his fellowship with Timothy, and his heart was stirred for more of it. And there are two reasons for this. First he says, “being mindful of your tears.”

It can be inferred that upon their last parting, Timothy openly broke down and wept. His heart was broken that Paul, his teacher and friend, was being separated from him. This exact same thought is conveyed to us concerning the very church that Timothy was now given the charge of overseeing. In Acts 20:36-38, we read –

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. ³⁷ Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, ³⁸ sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.”

The care Paul had for the churches he ministered to, for the people that he fellowshipped with, and in particular for Timothy whom he traveled with and mentored, would overwhelm the hearts of those people when they realized their parting may be permanent. It stands as a testimony to the beauty of Christ being reflected through this great apostle. Timothy’s tears of parting rent Paul’s heart; and he longed to see him again, and to instead see and experience tears of rejoicing, and in turn that he may rejoice. That is his second reason for wanting to see Timothy. As he says, “that I may be filled with joy.”

In seeing Timothy again, there would be joy in abundance. There would be talks of missionary travels, of conversions, of baptisms, of love feasts, and of doctrine. The world would seem right as they talked about everything that had been missed or experienced during their time of separation. There would be rejoicing in the fellowship of the Spirit, and in the blessed hope of being united once again with the Lord upon His return. These things would fill Paul with joy, and this is why he yearned to be with his protege once again.

Life application: Ecclesiastes says that there is a time for everything. This includes times of permanent parting. If we knew when that time would be, would we act as we do towards those around us? Even if we plan to see someone in the morning, the morning may never come for one of us. Let us be careful to hold those we love with a special note of care as they depart our presence.

Gracious heavenly Father, You have granted us fellowship with people that we have come to love in our lives. We are all the more blessed because we know them and have had personal times of joy with them. But there is a time when we will be parted for the last time. And so help us to be wise about how we depart from their presence, knowing that we may not see them again in this life. But for those who have the hope of Christ and of the resurrection, at least we know that the separation is not forever. Thank You, O God, for this blessed assurance which comforts us beyond even the grave itself. Amen.

Thursday, 1 March 2018

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 2 Timothy 1:3

After his salutation, Paul begins his main thoughts with, “I thank God.” The words are most probably connected to “the genuine faith” mentioned in verse 5. Thus, it would make everything between these parenthetical. In other words, “I thank God … when I call to remembrance the genuine faith.” Paul rejoices over the faith of his young protege, and where it has led him in his life.

From his thanks to God, he then explains his relationship to Him by saying, “whom I serve.” Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ at this time in his life, but throughout his life he had dedicated his time and energy to a pursuit of God. The fact that he missed Jesus in the process for a time doesn’t mean he wasn’t serving God, but that he was simply doing it incorrectly. His service was and is, “with a pure conscience.” Rather, the Greek here reads, “in a pure conscience.”

It isn’t that he merely had a pure conscience and he served God with it, but that he had a pure conscience, and it was in that sphere of spiritual recognition that he served God. One could say, “I served my nation with the USAF.” This would mean that he served his nation, and it is by the USAF that he did so. Or he could say, I served my nation in the USAF. The USAF became the sphere of his life. Everything that comprised who he was as a person serving his nation was dedicated to the sphere in which he had united. In Paul’s case, he served “in a pure conscience.” From there, he explains that this was “as my forefathers did.”

Two possibilities exist of what he means here. The first is speaking of his forefathers in the faith, such as Abraham, Jacob, David, etc. The second is his line of ancestry through his parents. He was raised a Pharisee, and schooled from a young age in this capacity. His parents would have sent him to school for this, and they would have been schooled before him, holding fast to the traditions of this sect. It is hard to be dogmatic on which option he is referring to, but in Galatians 1, we seem to have a clue –

“For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” Galatians 1:13, 14

The hope of his fathers, either of the faith, or of his ancestry, was in the coming of Messiah. He had missed that coming, and a special call by the Lord Himself was needed to correct this, but it was his hope nonetheless. During his time before coming to the Lord, his life was directed in a pure conscience. That continued on, but with a new direction in which to live it out.

To finish this verse, he then says that his thanks to God were heartfelt and ongoing. This is seen in the words, “as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day.” Timothy must have come to his mind a great deal. As he received reports of him, he would stop and pray for him. As he remembered their travels, he would stop and pray for him. As he worked or walked, he would mentally connect with the Lord and pray for him. The two thoughts – “as without ceasing” and “night and day” – are intended to be taken in this way. Whenever Timothy came to mind, and in whatever Paul was doing, he would also be in prayer to God for him.

Life application: Our minds are always being filled with something. Even when it seems we are not really thinking of anything, something is going on up there. If we train ourselves to be thankful, then thanks will become a part of who we are. If we train ourselves to remember others as we live out our lives, then those type of prayers will become as common as inhaling. Let us mentally redirect our daily thoughts to that which is honoring of God, and productive as Christians.

Lord God, redirect our minds to the contemplation of that which is good and productive. Help us to be thankful always, and to express that thanks to You in everything we do. And help us to think on others that we interact with, and to then remember them in prayers always. This can become as natural as the very breath we take. And so mold us to live in this way. May our lives and thoughts be an honor to You at all times. Amen.