2 Timothy 1:3–7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.- 2 Timothy 1:7
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The apostle Paul, in his letter, called Timothy his true son (1 Timothy 1:2), showing the deep spiritual bond between them. This precious bond was filled with intercession and remembrance.
Paul wrote, “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as did my ancestors, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day” (v. 3). He expressed his gratitude to God, serving Him with a pure conscience, aligning his life with God’s standards and the principles of the Christian faith. At the same time, he constantly prayed for Timothy, whom he held in his heart. Though Paul was an apostle personally called by the Lord Jesus and lived with heaven’s perspective even on earth (Phil. 1:20–24), in his loneliness, he still longed for spiritual companionship. Seeing Timothy filled him with joy (v. 4).
Brothers and sisters, what touches you about the bond between Paul and Timothy? Pastor Boon Hwa shares this experience she had. Many years ago, while serving in England away from her family, she would use her annual leave to return to Singapore to spend time with family and come back to church. She remembered attending the Thursday Foochow-Mandarin joint prayer meeting once. Sister Xiujie, who is now with the Lord and deeply respected by many, said to her, “Wenhua, I pray for you every day.” She was overwhelmed with gratitude. What a grace and blessing! “Three times a day—morning, noon, and night,” she continued. Her heart was moved beyond words, and she prayed that the Lord Himself would repay her. Paul interceding for Timothy, and Sister Xiujie interceding for her, both became examples for her prayer life. Thanks be to God! This is how faith is passed on. In Foochow Methodist Church’s 128 years of history, God has given us elders who love Him, love the church, and love the body of Christ. Praise be to God!
Paul wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (v. 5). This “sincere faith” is a saving faith that comes from God; it does not come from human intellect, emotion, or will. Timothy’s mother and grandmother passed on their faith to him. Their home was fertile soil for the gospel seed, nurturing Timothy to grow in the Lord.
When Timothy faced huge challenges in Ephesus, Paul reminded him to fan into flame the gift of God that was in him (v. 6). God, who calls His workers, also equips them with gifts to face every difficulty. Yet just as fire needs to be stirred up to keep burning, so the gifts of God need to be exercised and practiced to be effective. Moreover, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (v. 7), so that we may continue to press on in the Lord!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the spiritual bond between Paul and Timothy, expressed through prayer and love. I thank You for the legacy of faith in Timothy’s family, and for the elders in Foochow Methodist Church who have loved You, loved the church, and nurtured the next generation, passing on the faith. Lord, continue to help this spiritual family to hand down a heart that loves and serves You from generation to generation. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Click to read
The apostle Paul, in his letter, called Timothy his true son (1 Timothy 1:2), showing the deep spiritual bond between them. This precious bond was filled with intercession and remembrance.
Paul wrote, “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as did my ancestors, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day” (v. 3). He expressed his gratitude to God, serving Him with a pure conscience, aligning his life with God’s standards and the principles of the Christian faith. At the same time, he constantly prayed for Timothy, whom he held in his heart. Though Paul was an apostle personally called by the Lord Jesus and lived with heaven’s perspective even on earth (Phil. 1:20–24), in his loneliness, he still longed for spiritual companionship. Seeing Timothy filled him with joy (v. 4).
Brothers and sisters, what touches you about the bond between Paul and Timothy? Pastor Boon Hwa shares this experience she had. Many years ago, while serving in England away from her family, she would use her annual leave to return to Singapore to spend time with family and come back to church. She remembered attending the Thursday Foochow-Mandarin joint prayer meeting once. Sister Xiujie, who is now with the Lord and deeply respected by many, said to her, “Wenhua, I pray for you every day.” She was overwhelmed with gratitude. What a grace and blessing! “Three times a day—morning, noon, and night,” she continued. Her heart was moved beyond words, and she prayed that the Lord Himself would repay her. Paul interceding for Timothy, and Sister Xiujie interceding for her, both became examples for her prayer life. Thanks be to God! This is how faith is passed on. In Foochow Methodist Church’s 128 years of history, God has given us elders who love Him, love the church, and love the body of Christ. Praise be to God!
Paul wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (v. 5). This “sincere faith” is a saving faith that comes from God; it does not come from human intellect, emotion, or will. Timothy’s mother and grandmother passed on their faith to him. Their home was fertile soil for the gospel seed, nurturing Timothy to grow in the Lord.
When Timothy faced huge challenges in Ephesus, Paul reminded him to fan into flame the gift of God that was in him (v. 6). God, who calls His workers, also equips them with gifts to face every difficulty. Yet just as fire needs to be stirred up to keep burning, so the gifts of God need to be exercised and practiced to be effective. Moreover, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (v. 7), so that we may continue to press on in the Lord!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the spiritual bond between Paul and Timothy, expressed through prayer and love. I thank You for the legacy of faith in Timothy’s family, and for the elders in Foochow Methodist Church who have loved You, loved the church, and nurtured the next generation, passing on the faith. Lord, continue to help this spiritual family to hand down a heart that loves and serves You from generation to generation. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.