YOU ARE FAMILY
Opening Prayer
Think about all the people who were involved in teaching you about Jesus. Pray and give thanks for each of these people now.
Read 2 Timothy 1:1–7
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dear son:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thanksgiving
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel
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. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who has had a positive impact on your life?How many different relationships are listed in these seven verses? At the start of this very personal letter, Paul is reminding Timothy of the rich history that has brought them to this point: Timothy’s history in hearing the Gospel (5) and Paul and Timothy’s history together (2–4). At the start of this letter aimed at strengthening Timothy for his leadership role, Paul takes time to anchor Timothy’s story.
This is all-important because in verses 6 and 7 we get the overarching command of the letter, that Timothy is to “fan into flame the gift of God.” In other words, Timothy is to lead the Ephesian church with everything he has, not smoldering away or petering out but giving his all, fanning his ministry into flame. Paul reminds Timothy that he is not alone—God, by his indwelling Spirit, strengthens him for the task at hand.
Apply
Thinking about your own life and walk with Jesus, how can you share your faith with others? Do it today!
Closing prayer
Ask God that with the Spirit’s help, you might grow in love and service for the Lord Jesus.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.