2 Timothy 1:1-7
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 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, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 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. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 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, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 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. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Paul begins again with who he is called to be by God’s authority, knowing this letter written to Timothy would also be read to the churches, and they needed a reminder that this was God’s word because of that unique calling according to His will. The grace of God in goodness by unmerited mercy through complete forgiveness brings reconciling peace with God in Christ. That reminder we all need to hear daily. We also should be thanking God for each follower of Christ, whether we disciple them or not, and should be yearning for each time we meet together to worship or study or fellowship in His name. This means acknowledging their sorrow and finding joy to share as well. We must consider their salvation and the God-given faith exercised in them, seeing the Spirit’s fruit and remembering their calling out. Timothy is reminded to consider his own gifts and calling, and to ignite these into flame by fanning the fire of desire for pleasing and glorifying the one who called him. We should also consider the calling and gifts we each have been given, and think clearly to do all from love and in His power working to transform and use us for His eternal kingdom. This is sound thinking and a fearless walk of faith we are urged to live, considering Timothy’s example.
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