If I were Timothy #12: power

INTRODUCTION

Last month, we journeyed through the book of 1 Timothy, a letter written by Paul directly to his protégé Timothy.

Just a reminder of who Timothy was –

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.  Acts 16:1

After Paul had visited Lystra, Timothy became his companion and co-worker along with Silas. Timothy then travelled around with Paul, who became his mentor. Paul trusted him to carry out important work.

During the month, I imagined how I would have reacted to this letter from Paul if I were Timothy. You can read the whole of that response here. I’d have been blown away – and now here I am, receiving another letter from Paul addressed directly to me! This letter is traditionally considered to be the last one Paul wrote before his death.

So let’s unpack it together, imagining each day who Timothy would respond.

PASSAGE

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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 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. 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, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, 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.

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:6-13

RESPONSE

Paul, you’re such an incredible writer! You pack so much into just a few sentences! So many truths! I intend to re-read extracts from your letter every day to remind me of why I’m here and what I’m doing.

I love the idea of ‘fanning into flame’ the gift I have been given by God. It’s God’s Spirit, I know that, but His Spirit manifests itself in different ways in each one of us and through different characteristics and skills and talents…and it’s up to each one of us to fan that spark into a flame to burn bright for our God. And each one of us can experience God’s power, love and self-discipline in whatever He has called us to do.

There is nothing to be ashamed about! Whatever situation you or I find ourselves in, there is no place for shame! We’re living the life, aren’t we? The life God intended for us to live. Living life to the full as God intended. It may not look like that to other people, but the joy lies in the fact that whatever is going on on the outside, we can know for certain that God has set us apart/made us holy to be an example of how to live in His grace and peace and love.

I know you know all this already. I guess I’m setting it down here for my benefit, affirming outwardly what you and I both already know. But that I sometimes forget!

Thank God for Jesus! He is the reason we do what we do. He transformed our lives with His resurrection power and continues to work in us every single day. I will ‘guard the good deposit that has been entrusted to me’ – another great image. I have been given a precious role and responsibility and I intend to cherish and treasure and nurture that.