2 Timothy 1:1-6
Today's Passage: 2 Timothy 1:1–6
As we introduce a new book of the Bible, we’d love for you to check out this introduction from the Bible Project.
https://youtu.be/urlvnxCaL00?si=gJWnqJ3iN5uUbWHS
Paul knew the letter we call “2nd Timothy” was his last in a long line of written correspondence. We must remember that fact. Read this book the way it was written—with emotion. Paul probably assumed this was the last thing he would ever tell his beloved disciple. He asked Timothy to come to him in chapter 4, but in all probability what Timothy found was a grave.
The opening verses are extremely personal. Paul cared for Timothy, he prayed for him, he respected and admired his young disciple’s faith just as he respected the faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Paul then began his first admonition, “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…”
To me, that phrase, “fan into flame” (which is actually a single word in the original) is such a beautiful reminder. Literally, the word means to “cause to blaze again,” but its usage appears to be less about forest fires and more about the disposition of the human heart. It’s primarily used metaphorically, such as in the Greek version of the Old Testament in Genesis 45:27 when Jacob “revived” learning that Joseph lived. Although the idea contains a “rekindling,” assuming that the fire has dwindled, I love the ESV translation because it makes no assumption about the past. Wherever you are, whatever the condition of your heart, fan the flame.
Verse 7 is so good it’s on coffee mugs, motivational posters, and people even write “2 Tim 1:7” on their eye-black Tim Tebow style. Through God’s indwelling Spirit, we need not fear because he’s granted the precious gifts of “power, love, & self control.”
As powerful as verse 7 is, let us remind ourselves that Paul says this facing execution—not a board meeting, not a mid-term exam, and not a rival sports team, as intimidating as those things may be. Timothy is facing leading in the midst of loss, suffering, and the shame associated with his mentor’s chains.
When you watch the wilderness survival shows and see them make fire from scraps, they work hard to get an ember. They place that ember into kindling. Then, gently, they blow knowing that too much air or even a drop of moisture can spoil all their effort. With gentleness and patience, the ember grows to a flame, and with continued care, that flame becomes a fire.
Maybe that’s where you’re at today. Your faith is an ember on the verge of snuffing out for any number of reasons. Maybe today you need the reminder to fan the flame—to surrender to the conviction and work of God’s Spirit in your life and to rediscover the “power, love, & self control” of a heart set ablaze.
Written By: Tyler Short
As we introduce a new book of the Bible, we’d love for you to check out this introduction from the Bible Project.
https://youtu.be/urlvnxCaL00?si=gJWnqJ3iN5uUbWHS
Paul knew the letter we call “2nd Timothy” was his last in a long line of written correspondence. We must remember that fact. Read this book the way it was written—with emotion. Paul probably assumed this was the last thing he would ever tell his beloved disciple. He asked Timothy to come to him in chapter 4, but in all probability what Timothy found was a grave.
The opening verses are extremely personal. Paul cared for Timothy, he prayed for him, he respected and admired his young disciple’s faith just as he respected the faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Paul then began his first admonition, “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…”
To me, that phrase, “fan into flame” (which is actually a single word in the original) is such a beautiful reminder. Literally, the word means to “cause to blaze again,” but its usage appears to be less about forest fires and more about the disposition of the human heart. It’s primarily used metaphorically, such as in the Greek version of the Old Testament in Genesis 45:27 when Jacob “revived” learning that Joseph lived. Although the idea contains a “rekindling,” assuming that the fire has dwindled, I love the ESV translation because it makes no assumption about the past. Wherever you are, whatever the condition of your heart, fan the flame.
Verse 7 is so good it’s on coffee mugs, motivational posters, and people even write “2 Tim 1:7” on their eye-black Tim Tebow style. Through God’s indwelling Spirit, we need not fear because he’s granted the precious gifts of “power, love, & self control.”
As powerful as verse 7 is, let us remind ourselves that Paul says this facing execution—not a board meeting, not a mid-term exam, and not a rival sports team, as intimidating as those things may be. Timothy is facing leading in the midst of loss, suffering, and the shame associated with his mentor’s chains.
When you watch the wilderness survival shows and see them make fire from scraps, they work hard to get an ember. They place that ember into kindling. Then, gently, they blow knowing that too much air or even a drop of moisture can spoil all their effort. With gentleness and patience, the ember grows to a flame, and with continued care, that flame becomes a fire.
Maybe that’s where you’re at today. Your faith is an ember on the verge of snuffing out for any number of reasons. Maybe today you need the reminder to fan the flame—to surrender to the conviction and work of God’s Spirit in your life and to rediscover the “power, love, & self control” of a heart set ablaze.
Written By: Tyler Short
No Comments