When was the last time you received a letter in the mail? No, not a bill, financial statement, or a postcard promotion for a new roof or landscaping services. A letter! With the advances in technology, email, text messaging, and social media, the art of letter writing delivered via snail mail has greatly diminished. I wonder how many of us recall the days of having a “pen pal”? Today as we read, I want you to imagine that you’re holding a letter in your hand, not just any letter and not one written to a pen pal, but this letter was written by Paul to his dear friend Timothy. In this specific letter, Paul addressed Timothy as “a beloved son” and begins by sharing treasured memories. Let’s pause to read a portion of this short letter.
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 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.” 2 Timothy 1:3-7
These may just seem like words on paper, or should I say papyrus or parchment, but these words from Paul to this young pastor who loved and served Jesus, and his people had such rich meaning. You see, Paul was writing this from his second imprisonment in Rome, and it was shortly after this that he was executed. Paul knew that after his death the ministry would only become more difficult for Timothy, and with a sense of urgency, he needed Timothy to be bolstered and encouraged for the impending hardships.
Life is hard. Families are hurting, ministry can be stressful at times, and even here at Emmanuel we’re up against some growing pains. If you are experiencing fear of change and uncertainty, if your zeal has waned, if your fire needs to be stoked, then add some fuel now, the fire for the spiritual forge is that of the spirit, and that spirit is something given to us by God. BE ENCOURAGED because Paul’s words that were written to Timothy are for us today.
From this letter, we see the importance of having a consistent and continual prayer life. We must actively engage in our gift of faith, or we’ll default to fear. We must stir up or fan into flame the gifts that have been given through the Holy Spirit. Friends, hear this, understand this, God does not want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. We are empowered by God to face difficulties with courage and strength, the power, love, a sound mind and self-control.
This is not the time to focus on self and fear what is ahead or second guess everything, instead we need to fight the trepidations by turning our attention to Jesus. We must continue to be joyful dependable servants of the Lord.
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 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.” 2 Timothy 1:3-7
These may just seem like words on paper, or should I say papyrus or parchment, but these words from Paul to this young pastor who loved and served Jesus, and his people had such rich meaning. You see, Paul was writing this from his second imprisonment in Rome, and it was shortly after this that he was executed. Paul knew that after his death the ministry would only become more difficult for Timothy, and with a sense of urgency, he needed Timothy to be bolstered and encouraged for the impending hardships.
Life is hard. Families are hurting, ministry can be stressful at times, and even here at Emmanuel we’re up against some growing pains. If you are experiencing fear of change and uncertainty, if your zeal has waned, if your fire needs to be stoked, then add some fuel now, the fire for the spiritual forge is that of the spirit, and that spirit is something given to us by God. BE ENCOURAGED because Paul’s words that were written to Timothy are for us today.
From this letter, we see the importance of having a consistent and continual prayer life. We must actively engage in our gift of faith, or we’ll default to fear. We must stir up or fan into flame the gifts that have been given through the Holy Spirit. Friends, hear this, understand this, God does not want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. We are empowered by God to face difficulties with courage and strength, the power, love, a sound mind and self-control.
This is not the time to focus on self and fear what is ahead or second guess everything, instead we need to fight the trepidations by turning our attention to Jesus. We must continue to be joyful dependable servants of the Lord.