Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,…..(13) Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (14) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul. This letter was written from the Roman dungeon of the Mamertine prison where Paul was held under the sentence of death. It was his last letter and so beautiful and intimate. In our verses today Paul writes to his son in faith, Timothy. God had used Paul as the instrument for the gift of ministry to Timothy and it needed rekindling. The metaphor of fire already existing but in need of being stirred up is used here; rekindling is necessary for all our gifts – spiritual, athletic, artistic. The expression “use it or lose it” comes to mind. Timothy was given the Spirit of God which is love, power not just to endure but to remain steadfast in resisting temptation, and self control or a sound mind/judgment. Paul is not just addressing the power we get from God but the power God displayed toward us in our calling: if He called us we may be confident He will never leave us and bring us safely through trouble.

Paul cautions Timothy to hold fast to sound words and here he is not referring to certain creed constructed by man but the truth of God which is conveyed in the very words of God and this form must be maintained. (The Bible IS the word of God and does not just contain the word of God.). God has revealed Himself to man. Man on his own could never know God. Man is limited and no man can invent a religion for his own use and after his own mind but God has given us sound words/doctrine. Paul knew how many men were ready to fall or depart from pure doctrine and for that reason he cautions Timothy NOT to turn aside from that form of teaching which he had received.

Salvation is a free gift of God in Christ Jesus, not earned by anything man could do. At the moment of faith every Christian receives the indwelling Spirit of God – we are transformed and given power to live as we believe. Spiritual gifts are given to every believer. Paul reminds Timothy – and us – that we are responsible to discover and develop our gifts by serving, by recognition from others, by effectiveness and we are to evaluate these gifts and develop them. Paul is telling Timothy that what he lacks the Spirit will supply. Paul encourages Timothy to serve because he is saved; and when he serves he must be prepared to suffer. In the sight of the world man should be ashamed of the crucified Christ. But now, in faith Christ has become the power of God to the salvation of all who believe – it is a subject to exult in. Amen