II Timothy 1
Dear RTB’ers,
II Timothy – today we begin our last book for 2024, another of Paul’s letters to his “son”, Timothy. It was not difficult for us to see Paul’s motivation in writing to Timothy in his first letter – it was mostly church matters. It’s more difficult to pick that up in this second letter. Why was Paul writing this second letter? We find him in prison; it is just idle time for him, so time well spent writing letters? Does he have ministry details to attend to that he cannot do while in prison? Or is it just a friendly note like our elders might have written to one another years ago when letter writing was more a fashion? Why was Paul writing this second letter? We’ll see; we read on…
Today it’s a few verse snippets that grabbed me. First, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you… (v. 6a) Every one of us has been blessed by God with spiritual gifts that He bestowed on us and which He wants us to use for His glory. Fan those flames! Second, [God]…who saved us and called us to a holy calling… (v. 9a) Yes, not only are we gifted, but we are also called. Called to what? Same question as above – what are your special gifts and to what have you been called? Search out answers to both of those questions.
Finally, one of my all-time favorite verse snippets – for I know whom I have believed… (v. 12b) I have done my own small editing and always recall this verse as I know HIM in Whom I have believed. For me that’s a simple statement that has a mountain of knowledge, experience, and faith behind it. I have recited it to probably thousands of students over the years, whenever a statement of my own faith is called forth. And it’s a powerful statement every time I recite it: I know HIM in Whom I have believed. Say it with me. Pray it. I know HIM in whom I have believed.
Blessings!