2 Timothy 1
-Paul writing to Timothy
-Paul is in prison on death row
-This is Paul's last written letter
-Paul has a sense of urgency in this letter, almost like his "last words"
-Timothy was timid, didn't like to confront people, he tended to be a little "squishy" and didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
-Paul was extremely loving but also a man who never shied away from confrontation. He was constantly writing letters to confront the Church (ex: 1 Corinthians) and confronting people (ex: Peter - Galatians 2:11-21) - but he always confronted people with a loving heart that wanted to see them look more like Christ and experience more of Christ.
-In 1 & 2 Timothy you will find 25 different places where Paul tells Timothy to "be bold", not to shy away from confrontation, and to be strong and stand up where he needs to stand up.
~There is a difference in being bold in the Lord and being in your face confrontational. Like stated earlier we should confront people with the heart posture of wanting to see them more like Jesus or to be a better representation of Jesus. Not out of a heart of unforgiveness or hurt.
-Timothy already had a Shepherd's heart and a genuine faith that Paul mentions in verse 5, but now Paul wanted Timothy to develop boldness so he could properly and effectively lead and protect the flock of God.
-That's why Paul tells Timothy to "fan into flame" the gift he has received.
~This reminds us that God does not work His gifts through us like robots... even when He gives you a gift He leaves an element that needs response, and a desire and drive to fulfill the purpose of His gifts.
~Some of us are passive and waiting for God to use us but God is waiting for us to stir up the gifts He has already given us!
-"fan into flame" reminds us to keep it burning bright and strong - think about a fire... if it is left alone, it will burn out, but if we keep adding wood and fanning it than it will grow and burn even brighter, even higher. God wants us to keep our gifts burning strong for Him.
-"laying on of hands" is one of the many ways to receive or understand your gifts God has given you. Also through prayer, praying alone or w/ another person, you can figure out and discern your gifts. Also you can ask those who walk closely with you through life what they think your gifts are. Ask the Lord - pay attention to what you are passionate about or what you naturally are strong or gifted in.
-And this is why we are bold in using our gifts... because God gave us a spirit of power (boldness), love, and self control (sound mind).
-Don't over think it... if you are doing His work, proclaiming His Word, and representing His Kingdom, we have all the power backing us! We are safe in His hands.
-God has given us a spirit of love. This tells us a lot about the power He has given us. Many think of power in terms of how much we can control people; but Jesus' power is expressed in how much we can love and serve others.
~Example: on the night before the crucifixion, Jesus, knowing the Father had given all things into His hands - what did He do with all the power? He washed His disciples feet! (John 13:1-11)
-Self control or sound mind; means calm and at rest, the opposite of panic and confusion
-We need to receive and walk in what He has given us!
~If you are fearful, worried, or confused - you are not walking in the spirit of boldness the Lord wants you to.
~Yes, we are sinners saved by grace... but we must walk confidently in our sainthood. We are no longer sinners, we are saints.
-Boldness and confidence matters! Without it we can't fulfill God's purpose for our lives. God's purpose for you is much more than making money, being entertained, and being comfortable. It is for you to use your gifts He has given you to touch His people and help a world in need.
-1:8, People are going to talk down Christianity. Expect that in this life, but don't even think into it. Don't let it keep you from loving them, you should have even more compassion on them because they don't know that the Gospel is living, active, and powerful. They don't know that God saves souls and transforms lives.
~We must be unashamed and compassionate just as Jesus was on the cross when He said, "Forgive them for they know not what they do."
-1:9, This is why Paul considers it a privilege and joy to suffer for Him...because God's plan for salvation began for us in eternity past, before time began; it continued with the appearing of our savior Jesus Christ, and came to us when He saved us and called us, continues as we live our holy calling, and will one day show itself in immortality, eternal life!
-1:12, "I know whom I have believed"
We must know what we believe, but it is even more important to know Whom we believe. When we know how great God is, when God and His glory becomes the great fact of our lives, then we will have real boldness and real faith.
-Do you truly believe God is good and wants good for you? If you do - then you will have great faith! In order to know God is good you must get to know Him. Read about Jesus. Study the Gospels. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. The more you get to know Him, the more you will love Him.
-"Convinced that He is able"
Paul gave Jesus his life and knew Jesus was fully able to keep it. Remember, Paul is waiting to be executed! Yet he is still convinced of the goodness of God.
-1:13, 14
-Paul taught Timothy! Yes Paul was carried along by the Holy Spirit but Paul was still a human, a brother, therefore we should always be willing to learn from others - for we all have the Holy Spirit.
-We should never say, "oh God will teach me everything through His Word, I don't need any teaching."
-The Lord specifically made the body so we can learn and serve one another so we may be humble like His Son.
-"Guard the good deposit" or "hold fast" suggests that something is trying to take the truth from us... that unless we hold on in faithfulness it will be snatched from us.
-Takes a rare man or woman to truly hold fast, it takes someone who is not tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine. (Ephesians 4:14)
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