2 Timothy 1:3-7

I have always known that the prayers of my paternal Grandmother deeply etched in my very young heart a love for God. She passed this on to my Father. Both were faithful Catholics. They raised children who honored God and the salvation that He gave in Jesus. I am very, very thankful.

1 Timothy 1:5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,

God’s love covers ALL  who believe in His Son, Jesus!

John 3:16-17 

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

God's favor is not limited to a banquet or earthly treasures. And it's not reserved for when we are beautiful or appear perfect on the outside. It's not held back until we've proven ourselves worthy of a royal title. In Christ, we live by a new word for "favor"; it's called grace.

The Greek word charis, peppered through the New Testament, points to this reality: "For by grace [charis] you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, emphasis mine). No matter what circumstance we find ourselves placed in, let's praise the King of kings because we can go forward in His sovereign favor and grace! First 5

At home in our own skin, there is freedom to know that life (wonder, savoring, awe, gratitude, connection, gooseflesh) is not what happens only after all is unblemished and picture perfect.

“When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability. To be alive is to be vulnerable.” Madeleine L'Engle SabbathMoments 

Rather than grumble about the people who irritate you, see them for what they are—God’s training tool. He is teaching you to trust him. At some point someone, somewhere is going to boil your blood. He or she may not be a true scoundrel, but even those closest to you will let an insult fly now and again. The temptation is to retaliate. Don’t give in. Don’t fight the scoundrel on scoundrel terms. Respond to the scoundrel with faith in God. Remember, God never gives up on you. Max Lucado

2 Timothy 1:3-7

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 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. The New King James Version (2 Ti 1:3–8). (1982). Thomas Nelson.

Paul begins the main part of the letter with a thanksgiving prayer. He praises God for Timothy’s faithfulness and encourages Timothy to use his gifts well.

Because others have deserted Paul, he appreciates Timothy’s faith even more.  Traditionally, Jewish boys were instructed in the law by their fathers; however, since Timothy’s father was Greek, his Jewish mother and grandmother served as examples of faith. 

The gift of God is the necessary empowerment for ministry and service. 

The Greek word used here, deilia, refers to cowardice that results from a lack of moral strength. Timothy may have been fearful to fulfill his duties because of a timid personality and the intense opposition he faced from false teachers. Paul reminds Timothy that such fear does not come from God’s Spirit. In this context, power refers to courage to fulfill his ministerial duties, namely, the proclamation of the gospel. The greatest of the Christian virtues is LOVE. Faithlife Study Bible

I serve is a priestly phrase often associated with worship. Forefathers were the patriarchs of the faith: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul had a great love for Israel. The reason he connects himself with Israel’s forefathers may be to demonstrate that he is not advocating a new religion but one of which the godly of the past are also a part. 

Although he was most likely held in a cold and damp prison, the aged apostle was still worshiping God and offering prayers on behalf of Timothy. Christian service and worship go hand in hand in ministry. No matter what their circumstances, believers should pray to their heavenly Father, committing everything to His loving hands.

Paul longed to see Timothy, possibly because the apostle realized his life would end soon. The word translated genuine means “unhypocritical.” Paul rejoices when he recalls Timothy’s faithful grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, whose name means “Good Victory.” The prayers, witness, and faith of his godly mother and grandmother were central factors in the spiritual development of Timothy. 

Timothy is urged to rekindle his spiritual gift. The desire to discover, develop, and deploy our specific spiritual gifts should be like a fire blazing within us. The constant struggle of Christians is to be diligent about our work for God and not to slacken our pace in this spiritual race. We need to make a conscious effort to exercise our gift for the common good of the body of Christ. 

The Holy Spirit is the One who gives us spiritual gifts and empowers us to use them. God’s Spirit does not impart fear or cowardice, but power, love, and a sound mind, or “self-control.” The Spirit imparts power for the various circumstances of ministry. The love the Spirit gives to us should be directed toward other individuals. Furthermore, as we use our spiritual gifts to build up the church, we should exercise self-control, using our abilities only at the appropriate times. The NKJV Study Bible

The promise of eternal life to believers in Christ Jesus, is the leading subject of ministers who are employed according to the will of God. The blessings here named, are the best we can ask for our beloved friends, that they may have peace with God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Whatever good we do, God must have the glory. True believers have in every age the same religion as to substance. Their faith is unfeigned; it will stand the trial, and it dwells in them as a living principle. Thus pious women may take encouragement from the success of Lois and Eunice with Timothy, who proved so excellent and useful a minister. Some of the most worthy and valuable ministers the church of Christ has been favoured with, have had to bless God for early religious impressions made upon their minds by the teaching of their mothers or other female relatives. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Acts 16:1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.