Scripture

This is why I remind you to fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

Observation

Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle of Christ. His mission is to tell others about the life that comes through faith in Christ.

He thanks God for Timothy, praying for him night and day. He longs to see him again and will be overjoyed when they are reunited.

Timothy shares the faith of his mother and grandmother. Now he needs to fan into flame the gift God gave him when Paul laid hands on him. God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and self control.

Application

All followers of Jesus have a deposit of the Holy Spirit. When we are filled or baptised with the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit flow out of us and into other people.

Paul reminds us here that we must fan into flame the spiritual gift that we have received. The christian life is a partnership with God, and there is always something that we must do to receive the fullness of Gods promises.

There are several ways that we can fan into flame the spiritual gifts that we experience.

Firstly, we must use the means of grace to care for our own spiritual life. We must devote ourselves to prayer, reading the scripture, worship, and so on.

Secondly, we must submit ourselves to spiritual authority – our church and pastor, an apostle or other accountability person.

Thirdly, we must use the gifts. Spiritual gifts are like physical muscles. They grow best when they are used. People benefit from practising their gifts in small groups before standing in front of a crowd. Individual ministry is also a great way to fan these gifts into flame.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Please help me to use your gifts effectively and to the glory of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen

Scripture
Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.

Observation
People who are rich in this world should not be proud. They shouldn’t trust their money which is so unreliable. Instead, they should put their trust in God, being rich in good works and generosity.

Timothy should guard what God has entrusted to him. He should avoid godless, foolish discussions with opponents who flaunt their so-called knowledge.

Application
What has God entrusted to me?

• a ministry of pastoral care and teaching
• a dynamic faith community
• the gospel of Jesus Christ
• true knowledge of God and His word
• spiritual gifts

We all have received these things and much more from the Lord, and therefore should guard them as a treasured gift.

The “so-called knowledge” was probably a reference to the various gnostic sects. They thought that by learning various secrets of spiritual knowledge, we could shake off the sinful physical world and ascend to higher levels of spiritual purity. While they blended together teachings from various religions, including Christianity, they were far from the true faith.

We must avoid the temptation of chasing Bible secrets and mystical formulas for our salvation. It is our relationship with Jesus that sets us free from all sin. That is all we need.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are my living King. Thank you for your unfailing love. Amen

Scripture

For at just the right time, Christ will be revealed from Heaven by the blessed and only Almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Observation

People who long to be rich fall into all kinds of temptations. Money is a root of all kinds of evil. People have wandered away from the faith because of it.

Timothy is a man of God and will run away from these evil things. He should fight the good fight for the faith. If he does this without wavering, no one will find fault with him.

At just the right time Christ will be revealed from Heaven by Almighty God. He lives in light so brilliant that no human eye can see him.

Application

Many people spend a lot of time delving into the time and manner of Christ’s return. Many books have been written claiming to have the date worked out.

Regardless of what the latest teaching tells us about this, Christ will be revealed at the right time appointed by God. We don’t have to worry about these things, but rather we should be listening for what the Holy Spirit is telling us in this moment.

All of these things, both the cosmic “big picture” events and the mundane events of our daily lives are in God’s hands. We must trust Him and look to Him as our defender and protector in uncertain times. He is the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings.

Prayer

I thank you Lord that you are in control of the world and of my life. Help me to trust you always. Amen