As we embark on an expository sermon series on 2 Timothy, we see Paul exhorting Timothy, his young friend and apprentice, to kindle afresh God’s gift to him, and serve the Lord with all his might, because there is a promise of life in Christ Jesus.
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Kindle Afresh the Gift of God
2 Timothy 1:1-7
This morning we embark on the study of 2 Timothy. Oh, what a precious and rich letter this is! This was the last inspired letter that the apostle Paul ever wrote. It has been called “Paul’s Last Will and Testament.” I like to refer to this letter as “Paul’s Dying Words.” When someone comes to die, and then picks up pen and parchment to write to an old and trusted friend, you know what he is about to write is of the greatest importance. This is the most personal of all the Pastoral Epistles. The others are more official in their tone and content because they have in view the church which these men served. But this one is intensely personal, directed straight at Timothy.
Who Is Writing This Letter? Verse 1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus.” Paul says that he is an apostle – a “sent one.” Paul had been directly commissioned and sent by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel, gather converts into churches, and then organize those churches with leaders and keep those churches on mission for the sake of Christ. As an apostle, Paul never spent too much time in any one place. He was an itinerant. When he had raised up a gospel church with elders in a town, he would move on to the next town to start all over again. Paul did not sign up for or seek out this job. It was given to him “by the will of God.” Why was Paul sent out? It was because of God’s “promise of life in Christ Jesus.” His job was to tell others about the life God had promised through faith in Jesus Christ.
Who Is Paul Writing To? Verse 2, “to Timothy, my beloved son.” Paul had picked Timothy up and taken him with him on his 2nd missionary journey, and Timothy had served with Paul in the cause of the gospel for the previous 15 years. Paul calls him his “beloved son.” No doubt, Timothy’s grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice, had been very influential in forming his spiritual life. However, it was Paul who came along and became sort of a father figure to Timothy. Remember that Timothy’s father was a Greek, with no knowledge of the true and living God. Well Paul became sort of a spiritual father to Timothy. He took him under his care, taught him, modeled godly living before him, trained him, and sent him out to do the work of God. And here, in Paul’s dying moments, he commissions Timothy to preach and protect this gospel after he is gone.
Where Is Paul When He Is Writing? He was in prison in Rome.
2 Timothy 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner.”
2 Timothy 1:12 “for this reason I also suffer these things”
2 Timothy 1:16-17, “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me, and found me.”
2 Timothy 2:3, “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus”
2 Timothy 2:9, “for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal”
2 Timothy 2:10, “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen”
2 Timothy 4:16-17, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth.” When Paul speaks of his first defense, he is probably speaking about the preliminary hearing which had already taken place. At that hearing, Paul had spoken boldly about the gospel of Christ. He wasn’t condemned and executed that day. Indeed, the Lord delivered him out of the lion’s (Nero) mouth.
Why Is Paul In Prison? Historians tell us that Paul endured two imprisonments in Rome. His first imprisonment is mentioned in Acts 28. At that time, Paul was under house arrest, but was permitted to live in his own rented quarters, and had the liberty to preach and teach about Christ to all who came to him with all openness, unhindered. Paul was evidently released from prison, and he went on his 4th missionary journey, probably to Spain.
In A.D. 64 a great fire had destroyed Rome. Rumors had it that Nero himself had started fire, so that he could rebuild the great city, and then had blamed the Christians for it. Christianity was now charged with being the enemy of the State. Waves of persecution spread through the Roman provinces. Paul was arrested and brought to Rome to face trial, accused of a capital crime. He appealed to notable Christians who were familiar with his work and character to testify on his behalf. However, because of the danger, they avoided the risk and didn’t come to testify (4:16). He defended himself by proclaiming the gospel and showing that it was not seditious propaganda. His bold confrontation of his enemies repelled every accusation they made, making a verdict of guilty impossible. The case was adjourned for further study by the court. However, Paul knew his death was imminent.
At this point is no longer under house arrest. Now he is in chains (1:16), in a prison cell, his liberties are gone, it is difficult for people to find him (1:17). At Paul’s first imprisonment he was surrounded by many brothers, as you can see by reading Colossians 4 and Philemon. Now he says “only Luke is with me” (2 Tim. 4:11). Formerly Paul’s friends had free access to him, but now Onesiphorus could find him only after hunting him down at personal risk to himself. Demas had deserted him, Crescens had gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia.
So imagine with me Paul sitting in a dark, damp, cold prison cell with only a hole in the ceiling for light and air. He is awaiting his imminent death. He says in 4:6, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” As he shivers in the cold and a sense of loneliness surrounds him, he picks up pen and parchment, and writes his final letter to his beloved and trusted friend, Timothy.
What Was Paul Thinking Of? As he begins to write, he speaks of the things he remembers. Notice,
1:3 – “I constantly remember you”
1:4 – “even as I recall your tears”
1:5 – “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you”
Paul has a lot of time to remember. What else can you do in a prison cell but think? So, as Paul sits in that Roman dungeon with quill in hand, his mind runs back to earlier, happier days with Timothy.
As we look at our text this morning, we’re going to see What Paul Remembers in 1:3-5, and then What Timothy Must Remember in 1:6-7.
1. What Paul Remembers 1:3-5
Verse 3 tells us that Paul constantly remembered Timothy in prayer, and when he did, he thanked God. Why did Paul thank God when he remembered Timothy? Well, there are two reasons. Verse 4 says that Paul remembered Timothy’s tears. Verse 5 says that Paul remembered Timothy’s faith. Paul thanked God for Timothy’s sincere love (as evidenced by his tears), and Timothy’s sincere faith.
Timothy’s Sincere Love
The apostle Paul had had a huge influence in Timothy’s life, and when they parted from each other the last time, Timothy must have sensed it would be their last. Remember that Paul and Timothy have been laboring together for the sake of the gospel for the last fifteen years. There is a very special bond that develops between brothers and sisters when they really engage in mission together, giving their lives for the sake of obedience to the Great Commission. It’s kind of like the deep bond that develops between soldiers who have fought side by side in war. Our smaller, mid-week groups are not fellowship groups, or community groups, or bible studies, or support groups, or 12 step groups, or recovery groups. They are Missional Communities. They are groups who have covenanted together to reach people with the gospel. We believe that if we focus on fellowship, it often evades us, but when we focus on mission, we get both.
Paul has a very deep and strong affection for Timothy. He constantly remembers him in prayer. He longs to see him, knowing that when he does he will be filled with joy. And the feelings are mutual. Timothy wept the last time they parted. Not only does Paul long to see Timothy again, but no doubt, Timothy longs to see Paul again. Timothy loved Paul as a son loves his father. He had learned so much from Paul – not just doctrine and theology, but about ministry, and character, and integrity, and godliness (notice that Paul mentions that he served the Lord with a clear conscience in verse 3). Do any of you younger believers have a “Paul” in your life? Do you have an older saint that will mentor you, and disciple you, and train you, and model for you what it means to live for Jesus? If not, I would suggest that you find one. Those relationships are invaluable!
Timothy’s Sincere Faith
In verse 5 Paul says, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you.” Not only did Paul remember Timothy’s sincere love, but also his sincere faith.
His Faith Was Sincere: Timothy’s faith was sincere. That is, it was non-hypocritical. Timothy was not serving the Lord with ulterior motives. He wasn’t a charlatan or a huckster. He wasn’t seeking after his own interests, but those of Christ Jesus (Phil.2:21). It was genuine. Oh, how important that our faith is real! Many possess a false faith, a faith that will not save them on the Day of Judgment. Instead they will hear the awful words, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Mt.7:23).
His Faith Was Passed Down: Paul says that his faith, “first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well” (1:5). Timothy wasn’t the first one to possess this sincere faith. His grandmother was a believer, who likely passed her faith down to her daughter, who passed her faith down to Timothy. Later in 3:15 Paul says, “from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Oh, what a blessing to have parents who teach their children from infancy the holy Scriptures. Did any of you have that wonderful blessing? Oh, if so, don’t take it for granted! And if you are a parent, take your responsibility seriously to bring your children up in the nurture and discipline of the Lord (Eph.6:4). When our children were growing up, every morning or evening we would have Family Devotions with them, where we would read the Scriptures and pray together. Make that a habit in your own families.
What are the two things about Timothy that Paul thanked God for? His faith and love. I have recently been struck at how often Paul mentions these two graces as evidence of true conversion. Let me read you a few:
Gal. 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”
Eph.1:15 “For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you”
Col. 1:3-4 “We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints”
1 Thess. 1:2-3 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father; knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you”
2 Thess. 1:3 “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater”
Really, if you boil it down, the Christian life is very simple. It consists of faith in Christ, and love for other Christians. Does that describe you?
2. What Timothy Must Remember
There are two things that Paul tells Timothy he must do: kindle God’s gift, and trust God’s Spirit.
Kindle God’s Gift
And For This Reason: What reason? Because Timothy possesses a sincere, true, saving faith in Christ, he exhorts him to put it to work! Do something with it! Don’t let that faith lay dormant. Faith works by love, so Timothy is to put his faith to work.
Kindle Afresh: But how? Paul tells him he needs to kindle afresh, or fan into flame the gift God had given him when Paul laid his hands on him. Remember those times when you would go camping as a kid? At night, you would sit around a bonfire and make Smores. Finally, you would crawl into your sleeping bags in your tent and go to sleep. In the morning, when you finally got up the courage to crawl out of your sleeping bag into the freezing cold, you would come back to the fire pit, but the fire would be out. There would be nothing left but a bunch of black embers and burnt logs. However, we all learned that if we would take a piece of newspaper, and stir the coals around, and blow gently on them, that eventually that piece of newspaper would burst into flame. That’s exactly what Paul is telling Timothy to do. He’s telling him, that he has a gift, now blow on it! His gift was growing cold, and would eventually die out. He’s saying, “Don’t let that happen! Stir it up! Kindle it afresh! Fan it into flame!”
The Gift Of God: What was the particular spiritual gift that Timothy received? We are not told directly. However, we know from verse 7 that Timothy could not be timid and still put that gift to work. Rather, he needed power, love, and discipline in order to fan that gift into flame. My sanctified guess is that God had called Timothy to preach and teach the Word of God. Notice that in verse 8 Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of his Lord or of Paul His prisoner, but join him in suffering for the gospel. Then in verse 11, Paul says that he was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher, and for that reason he suffers these things. So Paul says, “Don’t be ashamed of me, but join me in suffering.” Then he says, “I’m suffering because I am a preacher, an apostle and a teacher.” So, my hunch is that Timothy was given a gift of preaching or teaching the Word. This gift required boldness, power, love and discipline. When leaders in the early church boldly declared God’s Word, they became targets of persecution, and many ended up suffering for their faith.
Through The Laying On Of My Hands: Paul tells Timothy that God granted Timothy his gift through the laying on of Paul’s hands. In 1 Tim. 4:14 Paul says, “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.” Here we are given two additional insights: 1) it was not just Paul’s hands but the presbytery, or team of Elders that laid hands on Timothy; and 2) the gift was received through a prophetic utterance. Evidently, one or more of those leaders that laid hands on Timothy were given a prophecy as to what gift God had given him and how He was going to use him. I know there is a lot of disagreement about the gift of prophecy, but I believe we would be wise to remain open to God directing us through this gift today. This would be especially important during times where we lay hands on people and pray for them. This whole idea of the “laying on of hands” comes up frequently in Scripture.
Mk. 16:17-18 “And these signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Luke 4:40 “While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them.”
Acts 9:17 “So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.”
In these passages we are taught that physical healing is associated with the laying on of hands, as well as the impartation of spiritual gifts. We are also taught that it was not just Jesus or the apostles that laid hands on others for physical healing, but even an obscure disciple named Ananias. So, my conclusion is that we should continue to lay hands on others today and pray for others when various needs arise.
Trust In God’s Spirit
For God Has Not Given Us A Spirit Of Timidity: Evidently Timothy was naturally a timid person. If Timothy relied on who he was by nature, he would never function boldly in his spiritual gift. So, Paul urges him not to rely on and trust in himself, but instead in the Holy Spirit. The word “timidity” actually means cowardice. Timothy was, no doubt, being tempted to be a coward in the midst of persecution, and not preach the gospel boldly. Paul is telling Timothy that if he is becoming timid about preaching the gospel, this is not the work of the Holy Spirit!
But Of Power and Love and Discipline: I believe Paul is speaking here of the Holy Spirit. He is telling Timothy that the Holy Spirit that God gave him does not produce timidity in those whom He indwells and empowers, but rather power, love, and discipline. Timothy should not be afraid to exercise this gift that God had given him. Yes, there may be suffering and persecution for him if he kindles afresh his gift. But, he can trust the Holy Spirit to grant him power, love and discipline as he preaches the Word.
Power: Timothy can know that if he preaches the gospel, in spite of the fact that he is scared silly, the Holy Spirit will grant supernatural power to it! What an encouragement to us who are often timid and afraid to speak the gospel to others.
Love: The fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal.5:22). The Holy Spirit gives us a love for God and people. If we cowardly back down from proclaiming the only truth that can save men from eternal destruction, we know that we are not walking in the Spirit. The Spirit of Christ will give us a burning love for the salvation of the lost.
Discipline: The fruit of the Holy Spirit is also self-control (Gal.5:23). This word means to have self-control, or sound judgment. It is the ability to control yourself to make sound decisions, rather than to indulge your fears. Timothy needed self-control, so that he would choose to kindle afresh his gift, rather than let it smolder and die.
Life Application
Why does Paul tell Timothy what he must remember? What’s at stake? Look back at verse 1. Paul says that he is an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus. That’s what’s at stake! The promise of life in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ had called and set Paul apart to publish this promise. You see, people everywhere are spiritually dead and are headed toward eternal death in the lake of fire. God told Adam, “in the day you eat of that tree you will surely die.” Well, Adam ate of the tree and plunged the entire human race into condemnation and death. “For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ” (Rom.5:17). Everyone in the world will die physically, and if they don’t find a remedy for sin, will die eternally. But in the midst of all this ruin and wreckage, God has given a promise of LIFE in Christ Jesus. And he has sent out people to proclaim this promise of life. The only place life can be found is in Jesus Christ. “He who has the Son has the life, and he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life” (1Jn.5:12). Timothy needed to kindle afresh his gift because that is the only way hell-bound sinners are ever going to know that God has given a promise of life in Christ Jesus!
What about you? What gift has God given you? Are you using it to its fullest extent? A lot of people don’t have a clue as to what their spiritual gifts are. Basically there are 2 kinds of gifts: speaking gifts and serving gifts. 1Pet.4:10-11, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” So, maybe you don’t know exactly what your spiritual gift is, but can you boil it down to either a speaking gift or serving gift? If God has called you to serve, do it by God’s strength. If God has called you to preach or teach, speak His utterances.
My charge to you this morning is live your life to the full for Jesus Christ! Cup your hands around your spiritual gift, and blow until the embers turn red hot. Don’t trust in your own natural abilities or personality. Trust in the mighty power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to do what you are afraid to do in yourself. Every single believer should be serving the Lord. All of us should be doing something to advance Christ’s kingdom. D.A. Carson has eloquently written, “People do not drift toward Holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated.”
All of us should be involved in making disciples. We won’t all do it the same way. We are all different. But no one is exempt. No one is a passive spectator. No one should think they have done their duty by just showing up for church. That’s just the beginning! God has called us to be an army which will go to war to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. I see your faith and love. Now show your faith and love by using the gifts God has given you to storm the gates of hell and rescue the perishing. Get involved in street witnessing. Be a part of an investigative bible study. Begin meeting with someone one-on-one to either lead him to Christ, or help him mature in his faith. Folks, we’ve only got 1 shot at this thing. Our lives will be over before we know it. This brief life God has given us is the only opportunity we have to lay our lives down for the sake of the kingdom and labor to advance it. May God help us to do so for Christ’s sake!
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