The power of words of encouragment
Billy Graham, the most influential evangelist in 20th century, came to Christ through a long chain of conversions that led to his salvation. And it all started with a Sunday school teacher in 1858 who surely couldn’t anticipate the many impactful Christians that were to follow from his ministry. I presume apostle Paul also couldn’t anticipate the impact of Timothy, who he led to Christ and who would go on to be Paul’s replacement in taking up the gospel mantle. This is testament to how powerful words are in encouraging others, like Paul to Timothy.
The second book of Timothy was a letter written in Paul’s last days. While in prison, Paul wanted Timothy to know that he was ever on his mind, day and night, and he wanted to encourage Timothy to accomplish God’s purposes despite his weaknesses. There are three stand out points from Paul’s encouragements to Timothy; we look to them now.
“To fan into flame the gift of God”
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6
To fan the flame means to intensify or to stir up feelings. When you start a fire, you need to constantly fan the flame to feed it fresh oxygen, allowing it to intensify. Based on Paul’s encouragements, we can assume that perhaps Timothy was becoming less than enthusiastic about using his gifts. Timothy might’ve heard discouragement from others and had his own fears about preaching the gospel.
And I’m sure many believers have been in Timothy’s position before. Many Christians struggle with being diligent in the work God has entrusted us with, and keeping up the pace in this spiritual race. We need to come before God and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to bring a fresh breeze or fresh oxygen to fan our gifts into a fire, rather than striving in our own strength.
To remember what the Spirit has given to us
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Paul assures Timothy that being fearful and timid did not come from God because God gives us three divinely ordained attributes:
Spirit of power - this power enables us to perform whatever task that God sees necessary. If we try to do things on our own, we may get fearful, but if we perform in the spirit of power, we can do anything that God has ordained.
Spirit of love - this is a spirit that helps us in times of strife. It is a love that helps us bear the burden with others. It is a love that helps us calm the storms of hatred, gossip, and slandering. This is not mere love, but it is the love that God gives to his children.
Spirit of self-discipline - the Spirit will help us to do what we don’t want to do.
To join in suffering
8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8
Paul is now enlisting Timothy to join him in suffering. What is so encouraging to ask somebody to join them in their suffering? Suffering is not proof of weaknesses, but God’s divine power can even be demonstrated when a person is able to endure suffering. Servants of God (that’s me and you) are not immune to failure and suffering. However, one thing that is certain is the power that God entrusts in us to help us endure hardship. We would surely not find ourselves in trouble without God providing us with the strength to overcome.
Heavenly Father,
I thank you that you are awesome and powerful. I thank you for the beautiful gospel we have received today, that You do not give us the spirit of fear, but to be empowered us by the strength of the Holy Spirit. I ask would you fan the flame again and breath you breathe again in me.
In Jesus name,
Amen.