From 2 Timothy 1-4
The gospel of God’s grace has strings attached. Not in the sense people have to do something to receive God’s grace. No. For Paul and Timothy were saved by grace, not as a result of any works they had done. But they were saved so that they may be specially equipped and commissioned into gospel ministry. What is the holy calling you feel as a result of God’s purpose and grace? What gift are you being called to fan into flame?
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Timothy we should be reminded is Paul’s young protegé. Fellow gospel worker who has been under Paul’s tutelage for some time. Paul begins his letter to Timothy with a standard introduction wishing upon him grace, mercy and peace from God. We continue from there.
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. (2 Tim 1.3-4)
‘I thank God’, ‘clear conscience’. Paul is thankful for Timothy and his ministry. He says this holding nothing back. No negative thoughts or experiences. He is sincerely thankful for him.
What do your prayers say about you?
‘Prayers night and day’. Paul devoted a lot of time to prayer. His prayer life says a lot about the earnestness of his faith, the intimacy of his relationship with God, and his acknowledgment of dependency on God in his ministry.
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. (2 Tim 1.5-7)
‘I am reminded’. Paul is thinking ahead as he speaks. As an aside he remembers how Timothy came to faith. The women in his life (his grandmother and mother) shared the gospel with him. Their sincere faith became his.
‘Fan into flame the gift of God’. At some point in time Paul came to Timothy and laid his lands on him. As a result the Spirit came down on Timothy and he was given a new spirit.
What do you remember it was like when you first received the Spirit?
The context suggests Timothy may be prone to be introverted and fearful. But the spirit he was given is one of power, love and self-control. This is the gift of God that was given him. The boldness, desire and holiness of life to share the gospel with others.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, (2 Tim 1.8-10)
‘Saved us and called us’, ‘Purpose and grace’. Paul shares a similar experience to Timothy.
He was saved from sin (incongruity) and called into gospel ministry (reciprocity) in the grace he was given.
His salvation (C1 to C3 see below) was without regard to any good works he had done before. He was saved by incongruous grace, not as a result of his own works. He was saved so that he might serve God in ministry (2 Tim 1.11) he feels obligated to perform (Rom 1.5,14; 1 Cor 15.10).
‘Manifested through the appearing’. The grace of God is none other than the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel story itself. God’s gift which has abolished death and brought life.
11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. (2 Tim 1.11-12)
‘I am not ashamed’. Paul is not ashamed of his gospel message, even though he is currently suffering for it in prison, an object of scorn for many in his day. It may be folly and a stumbling block to some (1 Cor 1.23). But the gospel is the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1.24) and the power of salvation (Rom 1.16). Paul is convinced God will guard the gospel in his heart until the day of Christ’s return.
With this in mind he encourages Timothy. His fellow worker in gospel ministry.
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Tim 1.13-14)
‘Follow the pattern’. Paul encourages Timothy to continue in ministry in the same way as he has. Paul is referring to the faith and love that is to characterise Timothy in his words and deeds.
‘Guard the good deposit’. Timothy’s task is to guard the deposit (the gospel. cf. 2 Tim 1.12) in the sense of keeping it safe. Paul encourages Timothy to call upon the help of the Spirit to do this.
Words for Believers
The gospel of God’s grace has strings attached. Not in the sense people have to do something to receive God’s grace. No. For Paul and Timothy were saved by grace, not as a result of any works they had done. But they were saved so that they may be specially equipped and commissioned into gospel ministry.
What is the holy calling you feel as a result of God’s purpose and grace? What gift are you being called to fan into flame?
Paul not only feels immense gratitude for the grace and forgiveness God has shown him apart from what he has done. He also feels strongly obligated to respond to what God has done for him. I am convinced truly knowing God’s grace will drive both thankfulness and a desire for service in anyone exposed it.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2016. All Rights Reserved.
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