6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame (STIR UP AND USE THE GIFT OF GOD, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does NOT make us TIMID, BUT GIVES US POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MIND. 2 Timothy 1
We said yesterday that God expects us to use what’s been given to us for the Kingdom, don’t bury your gift in the ground, use it to bless others and serve the King.
After these exhortations the next issue Paul addresses is SHAME, another possible hindrance to Timothy and the Gospel.
8 SO DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE TESTIMONY ABOUT OUR LORD OR OF ME ‘HIS PRISONER’. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 2 Timothy 1
Paul links the TESTIMONY ABOUT THE LORD with his own imprisonment and says He’s the Lord’s prisoner. Paul wrote or dictated part of our New Testament while in prison, he served God’s purpose wherever he was. The Church in the West may not have experienced much suffering yet, but that is changing. The enemy does however bring Adversity and Opposition to those who truly love the Lord. Paul exhorts Timothy not to back off but to join him or stand with him for the Gospel. It’s much easier to be a secret believer, but God expects us to take our stand for Him.
11 And of this gospel I was appointed A HERALD (Publicly announce) AND AN APOSTLE (Lays foundations and sets in order) AND A TEACHER (Establishes Truth). 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is NO CAUSE FOR SHAME,
Paul concludes by giving the reason why he’s not ashamed or downcast despite circumstances;
… because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
It doesn’t matter what comes, Paul’s FAITH IN THE LORD GOES DEEP and nothing is going to shake his inner resolve, especially not temporary outward conditions.
Paul also confirms that our Calling to live a Holy life is from God and that Call existed before time began;
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
Have you ever considered that you existed in the spirit before coming to earth as a human? The late Neville Johnson, said that when God spoke with Job, Job 38, He was actually saying that Job existed with Him at the creation of the earth.
A well known international Christian speaker also said that the Lord had told him he needed to get two people onto the earth for this present time. Would they be willing to accept responsibility for two extra children, waiting to come to this world? So today they have a larger family than they’d originally planned.
Christ has won the victory and we have to walk it out on earth, with all Heaven’s resources helping us.
God bless and keep you today.