Onesiphorus 2 Timothy 1:16

As Paul the apostle continued his final instructions to Timothy, he wrote, “all they which are in Asia are turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes”. The timing of this was when Paul was arrested for sharing the gospel and waiting for his death sentence to be carried out by the Romans, and not even two of his closest followers, “Phygellus and Hermogenes”, stayed by his side. However, in chapter one and verse sixteen of his letter to Timothy, Paul mentions “Onesiphorus” who “often refreshed” him where we read:

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus;

for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

The verse begins, “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus;” Paul began with this blessing, “The Lord” or “master, possessor, controller. supreme in authority and the title given to the Messiah” “give mercy” which is “to grant or bestow kindness, compassion, clemency and good will” “unto the house” or “to the household, family, home, dwelling place and descendants” “of Onesiphorus” whose name means “bringing profit”. This man, “bringing profit” or “Onesiphorus” is also mentioned in the final benediction of this letter in chapter four and verse nineteen as Paul directs Timothy to “salute” him.

The verse goes on to say, “for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:” Paul went on to declare why “Onesiphorus” received this blessing as he wrote, “for” which means “because, since and on account of” “he often refreshed me” which is the Greek phrase “anapsychō pollikis anapsychō” and shows a continual “cooling, recovering from heat and reviving” of Paul. Rather than abandon Paul, “Onesiphorus” demonstrated commitment and desire to help Paul in his troubles. But not only did “Onesiphorus” “often refresh” him, Paul added, “and was not ashamed” which is the Greek phrase “epaischynomai ou epaischynomai” which means “to feel shame, disgrace, ignominy or embarrassment” “of my chain” or “binding of hands and feet, bonds or fetters”. In other words, though Paul was chained, in prison and lacking freedom from the Roman guard, this did not alter nor modify “Onesiphorus'” constant resolve to come to his aid.

While we meditate upon these words of Paul, let us allow ourselves to imagine what it was like to be Paul in prison where everyone abandoned him. Then imagine the refreshment that came to him through “Onesiphorus” and the joy that came to Paul's soul when he visited. Now let us imagine that we are “Onesiphorus” who has been so moved by the ministry of Paul that he has no barrier against helping him in his time of need. Only the Lord Jesus can put a “refreshing” ministry within us, and as we think through “Onesiphorus'” continual and unimpeded service to Paul, even though he might be embarrassed or even penalized for his association with him, may the Lord Jesus put within us a desire to continually “refresh” others in their time of need and “give mercy unto” our “house” when we do.

Next time Paul tells Timothy more about “Onesiphorus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

All In Asia Turned Away from Paul 2 Timothy 1:15

Before he was beheaded by the Romans under Emperor Nero, Paul the apostle gave Timothy his “dearly beloved son” final instructions concerning his personal life and the church in Ephesus. The final words of a person's life are some of the most important, and as we have been studying Paul's words to Timothy, we have observed his determination that Timothy “Hold fast the form of sound words, which” he “had heard of” him, “in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus”, and he was to “keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us” “that good thing which was committed unto” him. In chapter one and verse fifteen of his final letter to Timothy, Paul wrote concerning people in “Asia” who were “turned away” from him where we read:

This you know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me;

of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

The verse begins, “This you know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me;” It is interesting that Paul begins this verse with the phrase, “This you know” or “the thing I am referencing you have perceived, regarded, noticed, discovered and ascertained” “that all” which means “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone” “they which are in” or “with, by and within” “Asia” which means “orient” and refers to “Asia proper or proconsular Asia embracing Mysia, Lydia, Phrygia, and Caria, corresponding closely to Turkey today” “be turned away from” which is the Greek word “apostrephō” which means “to turn back, return or desert” “from me” which is a reference to Paul. More than likely these were fellow believers of Jesus Christ who followed after Paul until he was arrested in Rome. Desertion, withdrawal, abandonment and escape are often the action of people who cannot press forward when difficulties arise.

The verse goes on to say, “of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” Paul went on to name two of these who abandoned him. He wrote, “of who are Phygellus” whose name means “a little fugitive” “and Hermogenes” which means “lucky born or born of Mercury". These two were more than likely named because Paul was amazed they would retract from him. These two men who were once faithful allies of Paul left him when the Romans arrested him and pronounced his fate of death.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, perhaps we are thinking about difficult times in our own lives when we have been abandoned by others. Maybe these troubles were not as challenging as Paul's, but they affected us adversely and we remember those who remained with us, and who withdrew. Possibly we are thinking about others who have had difficulties come into their lives, and many abandoned them in their plight. As we think this through, let us allow ourselves to imagine what Paul felt like when he watched person after person forsake him in his time of need, and as we do, let us be grateful for Jesus who promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. No matter how many people abandon us in our lives, Jesus never will, and we can fully rely upon Him at all times.

Next time Paul asks the Lord to “give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Keep that Which was Committed to You 2 Timothy 1:14

According to Paul the apostle, Timothy was to “Hold fast the form of sound words, which” he had “heard of” him, “in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus”. This meant that Timothy was not only to cling to Paul's words, but to live according to them as an example to others concerning a relationship with Jesus Christ. In chapter one and verse fourteen of this final letter to Timothy, Paul exhorted Timothy to “keep” “that which was committed to” him where we read:

That good thing which was committed unto you keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us.

The verse begins, “That good thing which was committed unto you...” Paul began with, “That good thing” which is all one Greek word “kalos” which means that “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable thing”, which refers to the truth and word of God, “which was committed unto you”, which is another single Greek word “parakatathēkē” that means “a deposit, a trust or thing consigned to one's faithful keeping”. In other words, in this verse Paul referred to the truth of the word of God he consigned and deposited within Timothy.

The verse goes on to say, “...keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us.” Paul's direction concerning this “good thing” was to “keep” or “guard, watch over, protect, have an eye upon and observe” “by the Holy Ghost” which means “through the Most Holy and Sacred third Person in the Trinity” “which dwells” or “lives, abides and resides and thereby influences” “in us” or “with, by and within us”. It was by the power of the “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit” of God that Timothy would be able to “keep” “that good thing which was committed” unto him, and Timothy was to rely fully upon the Holy Spirit to “guard, watch over and protect” the truth of the word of God he received.

As we think about Paul's words, it is interesting to note Paul's need to exhort Timothy in this area. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul wrote these words, and the Lord saw it necessary to remind Timothy to “keep” that “which was committed unto” him. Perhaps we too should be reminded that we have the word of God “committed” to us as well. In what manner do we “keep” it? Are we “protecting and watching over” the truth of God's word by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, or do we simply give it a glance every once in a while? As we read the Bible we can understand the exhortation of those within it to keep some particular way or rule, and never apply that same way unto ourselves. Let us imagine we are Timothy for a moment, and Paul has just written the exhortation to us to “keep that good thing which was committed unto you”, and may the Lord Jesus help us through the power of His Holy Spirit within us to keep it as He desires.

Next time Paul tells Timothy about those who have “turned away” from him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Sound Words 2 Timothy 1:13

As Paul the apostle continued to give final instructions to Timothy his “dearly beloved son”, he declared he was “not ashamed” of his suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul proclaimed, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”, and therefore he wasn't overly concerned with the consequences from declaring salvation through Jesus Christ. In chapter one and verse thirteen of his final letter to Timothy, Paul gave instructions concerning “sound words” where we read:

Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me,

in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

As Paul the apostle continued to give final instructions to Timothy his “dearly beloved son”, he declared he was “not ashamed” of his suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul proclaimed, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”, and therefore he wasn't overly concerned with the consequences from declaring salvation through Jesus Christ. In chapter one and verse thirteen of his final letter to Timothy, Paul gave instructions concerning “sound words” where we read:

Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me,

in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

The verse begins, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me,...” Paul began with the phrase, “Hold fast” which means “have, own, possess and cling to” “the form” or “outline, sketch, brief and summary exposition, example and pattern” “of sound words” which means “safe, free from error, healthy and whole speech and discourse”. Paul continued, “which you have heard” or “perceived, attended to and considered” “of me” which means “from, beside, at and near Paul”. Paul the apostle gave instructions to Timothy as he grew in his relationship with the Lord and with the church in Ephesus, and Paul's exhortation was to “have, own, possess, cling to and be an example” of the words and ideas which he conveyed.

The verse continues, “... in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” Not only was Timothy to “hold fast” to these “sound words”, but he was to do so “in faith” or “in conviction of the truth that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ and a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God” “and love” which is the Greek word “agapē” and means “affection, good will, benevolence, brotherly and unconditional love” “which is in” or “that is by, with, among and through” “Christ” who is “the anointed one and Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation”. Timothy was to demonstrate and live out the “sound words” which Paul gave him with a belief and trust that is found in “Christ Jesus”.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, let us examine ourselves and determine whether we follow and demonstrate “sound words” or not? From where do we get our ideas and instructions for living? Is it from philosophy, good books, conversations with others, television programs, movies or interactive dialogue with teachers? Is it from the Bible where God Almighty conveys His ideas about how we should be and live? Perhaps it is time to scrutinize our “words” and ideas and decide if they align with God's, and if we are in doubt about any of them, maybe it is time to turn back to the scriptures and discover the Lord's way of managing ourselves. May the Lord Jesus help us to know and be examples of His “sound words”, and may others know that we live our lives according to our faith, trust and love of the ways of God and not just the ways of other venues.

Next time Paul tells Timothy what to do with that which was “committed unto” him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Suffering, Not Ashamed and Persuaded 2 Timothy 1:12

Paul the apostle told Timothy he was “appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles” that they might know the “purpose and grace” of God to make “manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”. Because of this Paul wrote that Timothy should not be “ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”. In chapter one and verse twelve of this second and final letter to Timothy, Paul wrote concerning his “suffering”, not being “ashamed”, and his personal “persuasion”. We read:

For the which cause 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 that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The verse begins, “For the which cause I also suffer these things:” Paul began this verse with the word “For” which means “since, because or on account of” “the which cause” or “that reason for which one is worthy of punishment, charge of crime and accusation” “I also suffer” which is the Greek phrase “paschō kai paschō” and means “to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo and suffer a bad plight” “these things” which is a reference to previously stated difficulties and troubles. Paul was in prison and knew a death threat was over his head, and it was because he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ that he underwent “these things”.

The verse goes on to say, “nevertheless I am not ashamed:” Even though Paul suffered as he did for the sake of the gospel, he declared, “nevertheless” or “but, notwithstanding, nay, rather, moreover and an exception or restriction” “I am not ashamed” which is the Greek phrase “epaischynomai ou epaischynomai” and means was “not with shame, embarrassment or troubled emotional state”. Paul endured great suffering and hardship, but it did little to move him from his steadfastness with the Lord Jesus and His gospel.

The verse continues, “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Paul gave the reason he was not “ashamed”, “for I know” or “perceive with the eyes and senses, notice, discern and discover” “whom I have believed” which refers to “the one in whom he thinks to be true, places credit in, entrusts and puts confidence within” “and am persuaded” which means “am induced with by words to believe, have faith in, and trust” “that he is able” or “capable, mighty, powerful and strong enough” “to keep” or “guard, watch, protect, care for and observe” “that which I” or “me, myself and I” “have committed unto him” which is “a deposit, trust or thing consigned to one's faithful keeping like a bank deposit” “against that day” or “towards, unto, to and into the day” when Paul's final confrontation with persecution would occur.

As we ponder these words of Paul, let us observe that it was not “what” Paul believed, but “whom” he believed. Paul committed, entrusted and deposited his future and fate to the person of Jesus Christ and not in a “belief system, religion or doctrinal position”. For this reason Paul was “not ashamed” of the gospel of Jesus Christ and had full confidence that what he was sharing was the truth of God. Though Paul suffered because of his dissemination of the gospel, he was not impeded by the threats and enactments of those who were against him. Do we have this sort of resolve, and are we depositing our confidence and trust within Jesus Christ? Do we really believe that “he is able to keep that which” we “have committed unto Him against that day?” Let us examine ourselves and ask the Lord to reveal any areas where we are amiss, and may we commit unto Him all “things” we encounter in our lives.

Next time Paul tells Timothy to “hold fast sound words”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Appointed a Preacher, Apostle and Teacher 2 Timothy 1:11

Paul the apostle exhorted Timothy to not be “ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” nor of Paul “his prisoner”. Timothy was to be a “partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” who “saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace”. This “purpose and grace” was “given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” and was “now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”. In chapter one and verse eleven, Paul concluded this phrase with him being “appointed a preacher, apostle and teacher” where we read:

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

The verse begins, “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle,...” Paul began with the word, “Whereunto” which means “into, unto, towards, for and among” “I was appointed” or “set, put, fixed, established or placed” “a preacher” which means “a herald or messenger vested with public authority, who conveyed the official messages of kings, magistrates, princes, military commanders, or who gave a public summons or demand, and performed various other duties.” Paul added, “and an apostle” or “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders”. Because Jesus “has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”, Paul was a “called out one” who was “God's ambassador, and the herald or proclaimer of the divine word.”

The verse goes on to say, “...and a teacher of the Gentiles.” In addition to being a “preacher” and “an apostle”, Paul continued, “and a teacher” which means “one who is a master, doctor or instructor concerning the things of God, and the duties of man” “of the Gentiles” who were “pagan tribes, nations or people groups not worshipping the true God” and was “used by Paul as a description of Gentile Christians”. Paul the apostle received the three offices of “preacher, apostle and teacher” so the “Gentile” people would know the “purpose and grace” of God to “save and call” them into a relationship with Him for all of eternity.

While we meditate upon Paul's words, we may find it interesting that Paul had to declare his three commissions of duty. However, if we take the time to think it through, we will discover the care and concern of Almighty God for the “Gentile” people and nations as He gave these offices to Paul. Most people who read these words are Gentiles, and because Paul the apostle was commissioned by the Lord Jesus, we are able to participate in them today. What office or offices has the Lord Jesus “saved and called” us into? Are we fulfilling this “holy calling” as Paul fulfilled his? May the Lord help us by His Holy Spirit to know to what duty we have been called, and then may He energize us with His power to carry out all He has commissioned us to do.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how he suffered, was “not ashamed”, and was “persuaded”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ 2 Timothy 1:10

Paul the apostle exhorted Timothy his “dearly beloved son” not to be “ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” nor of Paul “his prisoner”. He was rather to be “partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” who “saved” us and “called” us “according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”. In chapter one and verse ten of his final letter to Timothy, Paul wrote concerning “the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ” where we read:

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death,

and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

The verse begins, “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ,...” Paul began this verse with the disassociation conjunction “But” which means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously written and in this case “is now made manifest” which in the Greek is “phaneroō nyn phaneroō” and means “revealed, made known, exposing what was invisible and hidden” “by the appearing” which refers to the “glorious manifestation” “of our Savior Jesus Christ” or “deliverer and preserver whose name means Jehovah is Salvation,the anointed one and Messiah of God”. In other words the “purpose and grace” of God which was initiated and hidden from mankind “before the world began” was now revealed by the glorious manifestation of Jesus Christ the Messiah.

The verse goes on to say, “...who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” Paul continued with a description of Jesus' revelation, “who has abolished” which is the Greek word “katargeō” from which we derive our English word “cauterize” and means “rendered idle, unemployed, inactive, inoperative, caused to cease, put an end to, did away with, and annulled” “death” or “separation of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended”. Because of Jesus' appearing, spiritual death or separation from God has been abolished, rendered idle and put to an end. Paul added, “and has brought life and immortality to light” which is the Greek phrase “phōtizō zōē kai aphtharsia phōtizō” which means “gives light and illumination to the state of vitality and incorruption, perpetuity, purity and sincerity” “through the gospel” or “with, by way and means of the good tidings or good news”. When Jesus Christ came and revealed who He was, he not only “abolished” the “death” sentence and separation from God that was upon us, but he also illuminated the idea that we could live in a perpetual state of “incorruption, purity and sincerity”.

While we meditate upon Paul's words, let us allow the idea of Jesus' revelation to sink within our souls. Because Jesus came to the earth, revealed Himself as the Messiah, died for our sins and rose again, He not only defeated death and separation from God, but He also demonstrated “resurrection” to eternal and everlasting life which is the “gospel” or “good news” from God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. This manifestation of God's premeditated “purpose and grace” showed us the desire of the Heavenly Father not only to forgive our sins, but to provide an access to be able to live in a relationship with Him for time without end. Oh the glorious “gospel” of Jesus Christ, and Oh the wonder of His deep love for us! May we never take His great sacrifice for granted, and may we never underestimate what the birth of Jesus Christ meant for all of mankind on Christmas Day.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how he has been appointed “a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Saved with a Holy Calling 2 Timothy 1:9

Paul the apostle's desire for Timothy his “dearly beloved son” was not to be “ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” nor of Paul who was Jesus' “prisoner”. He rather wanted him to “be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”. This would mean sacrifice on Timothy's part, and in chapter one and verse nine Paul began to give him the reason why he should do so. We read:

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 us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

The verse begins, “Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling,...” Paul began by declaring, “Who” speaking of God, “has saved us” or “rescued us from danger and destruction” “and called” which means “invited with a loud voice by name” “us with a holy” or “sacred, pure and morally blameless” “calling” or “divine invitation”. Jesus not only saved us, but gave us a sacred and pure invitation to be in a relationship with Him.

The verse goes on to say, “not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,” Paul went on to add, “not according to” or “down from, through out, toward or along” “our works” which are “our business, employment, occupation, that we undertake to do, enterprise, undertaking, product, or any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind, an act or deed”. Paul continued, “but” which is the disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just stated, “according to” or “down from, through out, toward or along” “his own purpose” or “a setting forth of a thing or plan, placing of it in view like unto the showbread” “and grace” which is “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, loving kindness, goodwill and unmerited favor”. It was not by our own merit that Jesus “saved” and “called” us, but rather by His own demonstration of His unmerited favor.

Finally the verse says, “which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” Paul went on to declare when our salvation and “calling” were originated, “which was given us” or “granted, supplied, furnished and delivered to us” “in Christ Jesus” who is “the anointed one and Messiah whose name means Jehovah is Salvation” “before” or “in front of and prior to” “the world began” which in the Greek is “chronos aiōnios” and means “time without beginning or end, eternity, for ever and everlasting”. In other words, our salvation and calling by the purpose and plan of God was given to us before the world was even created.

As we think through these words of Paul, our minds cannot conceive of such blessings from God the Father, and yet, He is God. He is able to give and extend salvation and callings from everlasting to everlasting because He lives outside of the time continuum. We must remember that our salvation and calling did not happen because of our own goodness, kindness or works, but it was solely because the Heavenly Father desired to “show” or demonstrate His great “purpose and grace” to anyone who would observe it. In other words, we should be greatly humbled that this Almighty and Most Powerful God would even think to save us, never mind call us to be a part of His kingdom. Let us bow our heads and lift our hand in praise to God for the awesome “purpose and grace” that was given to us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how God's “purpose and grace” were “made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Do Not be Ashamed but Partakers 2 Timothy 1:8

As Paul the apostle continued to give his final instructions to Timothy, he told him to “stir up the gift of God” which was in him because “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind”. In chapter one and verse eight of this second and final letter to Timothy, Paul tells him not to be “ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” but to “be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel” where we read:

Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

The verse begins, “Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner:” Because God has given to us “power, love and a sound mind” rather than “the spirit of fear”, Paul exhorted Timothy, “Be not therefore ashamed” which in the Greek is “epaischynomai oun epaischynomai” and concludes that Timothy was not to “feel shame for, be embarrassed about, have disgrace over, be with ignominy over, dishonor or have misfortune concerning” “the testimony” or “evidence and witness” “of our Lord” which refers to “the Messiah Jesus Christ”. Paul added, “nor of me” writing concerning himself, “his prisoner” which means “one who is bound, in bonds and a captive”. Paul the apostle was in a prison in Rome when these words were written, and not only was he captive there, but he was also captured by the love of Jesus Christ.

The verse continues, “but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” Rather than be “ashamed of the testimony of our Lord”, Paul encouraged Timothy, “but” which is the disassociation conjunction which tells us what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just written, “be partaker of the afflictions” which is all one Greek word “sygkakopatheō” and means “to suffer hardship together with one” “of the gospel” or “good tidings or news of the kingdom of God soon to be set up and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom” “according to” or “down from, throughout, toward and along” “the power of God” which is “the strength and ability of the Godhead, trinity which consists of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Timothy was to “suffer hardship” for the gospel of Jesus Christ if he encountered it rather than being timid, afraid and embarrassed about the message of the Kingdom of God.

While we think upon these words from Paul, perhaps we have been challenged to examine our own lives. Are we more inclined to be “fearful and afraid” when we have opportunity to “be partakers of the afflictions of the gospel”, or are we bold to speak or live “according to the power of God”? Paul's challenge to Timothy came because there was a tendency for Timothy to be afraid, and rather than use his “gift of God” which might cause “afflictions” such as Paul's imprisonment, Timothy would hide or conceal it rather than use it. Paul's desire for Timothy is the same for us today. Let us take the time to meditate upon the “gifts” that God has given us, and determine whether or not we are inclined to flee “afflictions” rather than use them for His Kingdom. Our question is, “Are we are willing to be emboldened to share the gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of the consequences and “afflictions” we suffer for doing so?”

Next time Paul tells Timothy the reason Jesus “saved” and “called” us, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Not Fear, but Power, Love and a Sound Mind 2 Timothy 1:7

As Paul the apostle continued his final encouragement and challenge to Timothy his “dearly beloved son”, he told him to “stir up the gift of God” which was in him “by the laying on” of Paul's “hands”. This seems to indicate a reluctance on Timothy's part to use the gift that God had given him, so in chapter one and verse seven of his second letter to Timothy, Paul told him that God has not given “us the spirit of fear”, but “power, love and a sound mind” where we read:

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The verse begins, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear;” Paul began with the word, “For” which means, “because, since or on account of” “God” which refers to “the one and only true God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” “has not given” or “didōmi ou didōmi” in Greek and means “grant, let have, furnish or supply” “us” which refers to “those who place their faith and trust in God Almighty and Jesus Christ His Son” “the Spirit” or “the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one and the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion and desire”“of fear” which means “timidity and cowardice”. There was a tendency for Timothy to be “timid” about his gift since he was younger than many of his church members and elders, so Paul addressed the “spirit of fear” which was in him by reminding him that this “timidity and fearfulness” did not come from God.

The verse goes on to say, “but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” By using the disassociation conjunction, “But”, Paul wrote the contrast to the “spirit of fear” which had a natural tendency to reveal itself within Timothy. Paul declared God's given spirit to be “of power” which is the Greek word “dynamis” from which we get our English word “dynamite”, however our English word “dynamo” is derived from this word as well and is closer to the meaning which is “strength power, ability, inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth”. Paul continued with, “and of love” which is “agape” or “affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly and unconditional love”. This is a love that can only be obtained by the Holy Spirit of God. Finally Paul added, “and of a sound mind” which is the Greek word, “sōphronismos” which means “self-control and moderation”. All three of these traits - “power, love and a sound mind” are super-natural traits and are given to believers in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit of God.

While we meditate upon Paul's words, perhaps there are areas within our live in which we are “afraid”. Perhaps we have a “gift of God” which we are too timid to use, and maybe there are areas of “callings” which we have resisted answering for years. Satan himself would like to keep us in a “spirit of fear”, and he would have us to be ignorant that God Almighty has given to us “power, love and a sound mind” if we will simply accept and believe it. We will never be or do all the Lord intends if we are constantly in “fear” over what may or may not happen if we take a venture. Let us ask the Lord for wisdom and boldness to receive His great gifts and use them in a manner that demonstrates his “power, love and sound mind” to others as we share His “good news” the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Next time Paul tells Timothy not to be “ashamed” of him or “the testimony of the Lord”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.