The One Year Bible Club with Teaching
Commentary by Nick Boork
Commentary by Nick Boork
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October 22 – 2 Timothy 1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 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.
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, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
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. 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
This is the apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy his spiritual son in the faith. He was in the city of Rome under house arrest awaiting trial for preaching the gospel. Paul knew that his days were numbered so he writes by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to impart to Timothy all of the wisdom and encouragement that can flow through him to help prepare him to fulfill his ministry. He tells Timothy to stir up the gift of God that was imparted to him when the apostle Paul laid hands on him at his ordination. Timothy had received a powerful spiritual gift to preach the word of God. However spiritual gifts are like fire that can burn brightly and hot or they can burn down to mere coals. Another reassuring thing about spiritual gifts is that once God gives them to us he never changes his mind and takes them away they are always with us but we need to do our part and activate them.
Romans 11:29 says “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].” Paul knew that Timothy had a powerful spiritual gift within him but he discern that he was allowing it to become dormant or in active and that’s why and he encouraged him to stir it up! Vines Expository Dictionary of Greek words gives this definition to the meaning of stir up: denotes "to kindle afresh," or "keep in full flame"…and is used metaphorically in 2 Timothy 1:6 where "the gift of God" is regarded as a fire capable of dying out through neglect.
We can all go through dry times and seasons in life when we feel like we’re not that active serving the Lord with our spiritual gifts. However it does not mean that God has changed his mind about us or that he is taking the gifts away but rather that we need to stir up the spiritual gifts within us and activate them again by beginning to use them. How do you do this practically? Well obviously the first place to start is by prayer so it’s a good idea to spend some time in the presence of God dedicating yourself to the Lord afresh. Prayerfully think about what caused your spiritual gifts to burn low in first place. Some reasons our gifts can be neglected are:
Whatever the reason, ask God to help you to get back on your feet and begin using your spiritual gift again. He never changes his mind but sometimes we as sheep just make some stupid decisions but Jesus is our good Shepherd and he will restore our souls! Ask God to help you stir up the spiritual gifts within you and show you where the opportunities are to use them again. Next begin to use your spiritual gifts and you’ll see them stirred up as they begin to flow through you again. It’s like Paul wrote in his letter to the Roman believers saying in 12:6-8 Amplified Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.
The key word here is USE THEM not sit on them. Remember that God gives us spiritual gifts but it is up to us to use them and sometimes we just need to stir them up like a fire that has burned down to coal. When we stand before the judgement seat of Christ to receive the rewards remember that some people are going to hear well done good and faithful servant you were faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many things enter into the joy of the Lord but others are going to hear depart from me because they never got serious about serving God and they buried their spiritual gifts represented in Jesus parable as a talent. God gives us all spiritual gifts to use and to become productive and fruitful in the kingdom of God by blessing and serving others.
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him to finish his ministry strong.
2) God gives a spiritual gifts and he never changes his mind or takes them away.
3) Sometimes our spiritual gifts are burning brightly but if neglected they can almost go out.
4) If you need to stir up your spiritual gift begin by prayer.
5) Ask God to specifically open doors of opportunity is for you to use your spiritual gifts.
6) Others need the gift that is in you so you’re an important member of the Body of Christ.
7) Determine to stir up your spiritual gifts and stay on fire for the Lord!
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association.
Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute.
Enroll free today! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 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.
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, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
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. 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
This is the apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy his spiritual son in the faith. He was in the city of Rome under house arrest awaiting trial for preaching the gospel. Paul knew that his days were numbered so he writes by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to impart to Timothy all of the wisdom and encouragement that can flow through him to help prepare him to fulfill his ministry. He tells Timothy to stir up the gift of God that was imparted to him when the apostle Paul laid hands on him at his ordination. Timothy had received a powerful spiritual gift to preach the word of God. However spiritual gifts are like fire that can burn brightly and hot or they can burn down to mere coals. Another reassuring thing about spiritual gifts is that once God gives them to us he never changes his mind and takes them away they are always with us but we need to do our part and activate them.
Romans 11:29 says “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].” Paul knew that Timothy had a powerful spiritual gift within him but he discern that he was allowing it to become dormant or in active and that’s why and he encouraged him to stir it up! Vines Expository Dictionary of Greek words gives this definition to the meaning of stir up: denotes "to kindle afresh," or "keep in full flame"…and is used metaphorically in 2 Timothy 1:6 where "the gift of God" is regarded as a fire capable of dying out through neglect.
We can all go through dry times and seasons in life when we feel like we’re not that active serving the Lord with our spiritual gifts. However it does not mean that God has changed his mind about us or that he is taking the gifts away but rather that we need to stir up the spiritual gifts within us and activate them again by beginning to use them. How do you do this practically? Well obviously the first place to start is by prayer so it’s a good idea to spend some time in the presence of God dedicating yourself to the Lord afresh. Prayerfully think about what caused your spiritual gifts to burn low in first place. Some reasons our gifts can be neglected are:
- We get discouraged by the negative feedback and criticism of others.
- The pursuit of money causes us to take on more work and we get burned out.
- You have to move to a new location and lose fellowship with a local church.
- Transitions from being single to married with kids can be overwhelming.
- Temptation and sin can paralyze you from obeying the Lord.
- Fear of man and fear of failure control you to play it safe.
Whatever the reason, ask God to help you to get back on your feet and begin using your spiritual gift again. He never changes his mind but sometimes we as sheep just make some stupid decisions but Jesus is our good Shepherd and he will restore our souls! Ask God to help you stir up the spiritual gifts within you and show you where the opportunities are to use them again. Next begin to use your spiritual gifts and you’ll see them stirred up as they begin to flow through you again. It’s like Paul wrote in his letter to the Roman believers saying in 12:6-8 Amplified Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.
The key word here is USE THEM not sit on them. Remember that God gives us spiritual gifts but it is up to us to use them and sometimes we just need to stir them up like a fire that has burned down to coal. When we stand before the judgement seat of Christ to receive the rewards remember that some people are going to hear well done good and faithful servant you were faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many things enter into the joy of the Lord but others are going to hear depart from me because they never got serious about serving God and they buried their spiritual gifts represented in Jesus parable as a talent. God gives us all spiritual gifts to use and to become productive and fruitful in the kingdom of God by blessing and serving others.
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him to finish his ministry strong.
2) God gives a spiritual gifts and he never changes his mind or takes them away.
3) Sometimes our spiritual gifts are burning brightly but if neglected they can almost go out.
4) If you need to stir up your spiritual gift begin by prayer.
5) Ask God to specifically open doors of opportunity is for you to use your spiritual gifts.
6) Others need the gift that is in you so you’re an important member of the Body of Christ.
7) Determine to stir up your spiritual gifts and stay on fire for the Lord!
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association.
Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute.
Enroll free today! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll