2 Timothy 1:6, 7
John McKeel
What’s in Your Memory Box?
Scrapbooks and memory boxes can be wonderful reminders of our past. Sometimes they make us laugh, and sometimes they make us cry, but they connect us with our story. So it is with our text this morning. The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy to think about his own past and the love of Timothy’s mother and grandmother and the apostle’s own tears.
The reason isn’t nostalgic. It’s motivational. We need to fan our faith into a flame!
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 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 God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control, (2 Timothy 1:6, 7).
Gifts
We have all received gifts from our heavenly Father. They are different from the gift Timothy received, but they are just as precious. For example, Paul told the Romans:
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness, (Romans 12:4 – 8).
What’s My Gift?
God blesses all of his children with talents, but many people aren’t sure about what God has given them. So how do you know? John’s test: Does “church work” leave you refreshed or drained? If it is a gift from God, you should be energized by exercising your gift!
God’s Spirit
Our gifts, like Timothy’s, require diligence: “For God did not give us a Spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline,” (2 Timothy 1:7).
How do you know God’s Spirit is active in your life? Paul identifies three defining qualities of the Spirit: power, love, and self-discipline.
Notice: God did not give us a spirit of timidity. Because we are children of God, we are not afraid, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15).
If there is one thing to be afraid of, it should be the fear of not trying at all, (Matthew 25:14 ff.)
The Spirit of Power
We have received the Spirit of power. We can do much more than we think we can,
… and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might, (Ephesians 1:19)
…that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (Ephesians 3:16).
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, (Colossians 1:11).
The Spirit of Power is the Spirit who changes lives!
The Spirit of Love
He is also the Spirit of love. Sometimes it helps us understand what a word means when we look at its opposite. The opposite of love isn’t hate — it’s selfishness.
The use of our talents without love leads only to pride. If we use our gifts with love, then we will use them with gratitude and others will be encouraged to use their gifts as well.
The Spirit of Self-Control
Third, we have also received the Spirit of “self-discipline.” This is the only place this word is found in the New Testament. It carries the meaning of prudence, moderation, and self-discipline. In other words, proof of the presence of the Holy Spirit isn’t being a “holy roller.” Rather, wisdom, discipline, and “It helps us control ourselves,” (NIrV).