pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Faith, Calling, Trust

Reading: 2nd Timothy 1:8-14

2nd Timothy 1:14 – “Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

As we continue in 2nd Timothy 1 today, the call to trust into God and to rely on the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit remains front and center. Paul encourages Timothy to do these two things and to keep the faith, even when suffering for doing so. He reminds young Timothy to depend on God, “the one who saved and called us with a holy calling.” This call was not from anywhere or anyone other than God, so it is backed with God’s purpose and grace as revealed in Jesus Christ. This call, this purpose, this grace – all of this applies to you and to me as well.

In verse 11 Paul shows Timothy how this has worked in his life. Paul was called by God as a messenger, apostle, and teacher. Paul has suffered for answering the call, but he is not ashamed. He is living out his holy calling. He knows the God in whom he trusts. Paul is convinced that God is powerful enough to protect his trust and his faith. All of these truths are universal. Paul wants Timothy to know that they apply to him. They are truths for us too.

The last two verses turn the focus to Timothy (and to us.) Paul first encourages Timothy to hold fast to the pattern of teaching modeled by Paul. Timothy is told to use the love and faith found in Jesus as the means to hold onto good teaching. We have Paul’s model to hold to. And we also have Jesus’ model recorded in the gospels. In verse 14 we read, “Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Call on the power and strength of the Holy Spirit within. Allow the power and presence of the Spirit to protect your faith, your trust, and your calling to serve God and neighbor in love and grace. Relying not on self but on the power and presence of the Spirit, may we too be used to share the good news.

Prayer: Lord God, guide us to open ourselves to your calling and purpose for us and for our lives. We’ve all been called to be messengers of the good news of Jesus Christ. We’re all created with your spark within – with the ability to love and care for one another. Fan that spark into flame, Lord, as we learn to apply the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to our own walk of faith. Amen.


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Power and Strength

Reading: 2nd Timothy 1: 1-7

Verses 6 and 7: “Fan into flame the gift of God… for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline”.

Power and strength are virtues, are things to be desired. From the perspective of the world, power and strength elevate us over the competition and place us on the seat of control. In our passage today, Paul speaks of power and strength.

Paul begins by reminding Timothy of the source of his power and strength. It began at home as the faith of his grandma Lois and the faith of his mother Eunice was passed along to young Timothy. It was confirmed and enhanced with the laying on of hands by Paul, which brought upon Timothy the “gift of God”. This gift is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Timothy’s power and strength come through faith in Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit – the living presence of Jesus Christ within him.

Paul encourages Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of the Holy Spirit. He wants Timothy to be “on fire” for Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to empower Timothy, reminding him that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline”. Paul reminds his young friend that God gives him great power and strength so that he can walk in faith as he shares the good news of Jesus Christ. It is the power and strength to do and say great things. It is not, however, a power and strength that elevates oneself or serves to control or dominate others.

The power and strength that Timothy and all disciples possess trusts God’s call to humility and service. It brings an assurance that allows the disciple to place their will and their needs after God’s and after the needs of others. It is a faith that allows a disciple to give generously, knowing that God is totally in control and will provide all that one really needs. These beliefs and practices are the power of love and self-discipline living within us.

As we seek to live out our faith today, may we draw upon the Lord our God as our source of power, love, and self-discipline. May our gifts of faith and of the Holy Spirit be fanned into flame today as we build up the kingdom of God here on earth.

Prayer: Lord of all, burn within me today. Empower and strengthen me to be a humble servant this day and every day. Be my sure foundation, my only source of power and strength each day. To God be the glory today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.