II Timothy 1:1-10  This letter is believed to be Paul's last. It is a more personal letter to Timothy.. to encourage him in his walk and ministry. 

Paul considers Timothy his "dear son".  He is thankful for him and longing to see him again.  His prayers for Timothy are offered "night and day".  There is a true fatherly affection expressed in this letter. 

Paul reminds Timothy that he has come from a godly family. His mother and grandmother were women of great faith. What an inheritance!  As a mother and grandmother myself.. I pray that my kids and grandkids will also gain faith from my own and their dad/grandpa's.... It is indeed our daily prayer!

Paul reminds Timothy that he has a spiritual gift. A gift that he needed to "fan into flame".   This reminder may be something we also need to hear.  Have we left our own  spiritual gifts die out.. like a fire that has burned down to a few glowing coals.. Perhaps we also need to "fan into flame"  our own spiritual gifts!

Paul reminds Timothy that the "Spirit of God" has given us "not a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline".   As God's people, who have been given His Spirit, we are not imprisoned by fear any longer.. how we think, feel, and act does not have to be dictated by fearfulness.. for we have been given a "spirit of power"!  It is a supernatural power that comes from our supernatural God.. it a miraculous power; it is a strength that comes from above.. displayed in our weakness.  It is a holy resource.. that is abundant and wonderful. And, not only that.. but it is the power to love.  We have been given a "spirit of love".. brotherly love; affection; good will; benevolence; charity; - whatever you want to call it.. God has given us the ability to love like He loves. Isn't that amazing!  But.. there is more!  He has given us a spirit "of discipline" or "a sound mind".  He has given us the power to control ourselves.. to have sound judgement... something we all need so much!

So, in light of this great truth, Paul tells Timothy, "Therefore do not be ashamed.. "  Don't be ashamed of Jesus. Don't be ashamed of Paul... even as he is in prison. Don't be ashamed of the gospel.. but be willing to suffer for it too.  We will be in good company when we suffer for Jesus!

Jesus has saved us. He has called us.. just like He called Timothy and Paul.. to a "holy life"... for "His own purpose and grace."  The word "purpose" here is very interesting. It is the Greek word "prothesis" and it means " a setting forth" and specifically refers to the show bread that was placed in the Temple.. "exposed before God".  God has revealed.. through the "appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus.." a life of holiness in His Presence.. a life that is immortal.. eternal.. and holy.  This is what we are called to!

Father in heaven, help us to remember the Spirit that You have poured upon us and into us.. and walk by Your Spirit in power.. love.. and self-discipline.. so that we might live out the holy.. eternal life.. that You have called us to!  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.