Tag Archives: the book of 2 Timothy

October 20
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“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.”  (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)

The Holy Spirit is not, as it is sometimes described, a gift from God; it is the gift of God.  As finite beings, we lack the capacity to have 100 percent of an infinite God; but we should aspire (and perspire) toward the place where God is 100 percent within us.  In other words, His will is our will — and we desire no other.

What corners and niches in our living are bereft of God’s holy presence?

If God’s Spirit is only an ember within us, then it is easy to see why our so-called “business” life; and our so-called “social” life; and our so-called “political” life are beyond the mere influence — let alone, the control — of the Spirit of God.

As Paul reminded his protege, Timothy, an ember easily becomes a flame when it is “encouraged.”  Through prayer and practice, fan into flame (work-out) the gift that God has “worked-in.”  – Luther 

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August 16
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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

A while ago, I heard a podcast of a panel of bible teachers/scholars who were discussing the widespread lack of “bible engagement” by Christians today.  There seem to be many reasons — but no excuses — for why we keep the word of God at arm’s length, instead of embracing it, and becoming intimately familiar with all that it says.  Paul’s letter to his protege Timothy reminds all of us of the primacy of both carefully reading and faithfully heeding scripture in the daily living of the Christian.

On this topic, Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) offered a thought worth pondering — and accepting: “Am I learning how to use my Bible? The way to become complete for the Master’s service is to be well soaked in the Bible; some of us only exploit certain passages. Our Lord wants to give us continuous instruction out of His word; continuous instruction turns hearers into disciples.”

It is difficult to be a faithful disciple without also knowing the heart of the Person we have chosen to follow.  Holy scripture introduces us to our Father’s heart.  – Luther

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October 30
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“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”  (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV)

What awaits you after this life?

In his final days on this earth, Paul — writing to his protege Timothy — declares that “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” awaits him.

The trials of this life are many, and often cause us great pain and suffering.  However, do not despair.  Fight the good fight, meaning: Draw on all of your resources — in heaven and on earth — to resist the evil one and his schemes.  Stay in the race to the finish, meaning: Don’t quit — ever.  Keep the faith, meaning: Remember that God, through Jesus, has assured victory at the end of all things — even if it doesn’t look that way now.

The rewards written of by Paul are not only his — but ours, as well, if we wait in longing for His appearing.

What awaits us after this life?  Life in the presence of the Lord.  The crown of righteousness.  Hearing the righteous Judge say to us, “Well done.”  – Luther

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