Weekly devotional: Last testament (9 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

01 Oct 2018

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.Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith… 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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 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. He has saved us and called us to a holy life… (2 Timothy 1:3–9, abridged)

Paul opens his second letter to Timothy in a more gentle manner than he uses in his first. Many biblical commentators think that by the time he wrote this letter, the crisis with the false teachers had passed, which Paul addressed not only in 1 Timothy but in Titus. He probably wrote this letter four years after he wrote 1 Timothy, dictating his words while in chains during his second imprisonment in Rome, soon before his execution. These are therefore his last words to his beloved friend and one whom he mentored in the faith; one for whom he prays for “night and day” (v.3) and longs to see one last time.

In 1 Timothy Paul emphasizes our part in working out our faith in practice, and in this letter he also highlights the role of God’s transforming power. For instance, Timothy should “fan into flame” the gifts that God has given him. Although Timothy may take the initial action, a power other than he brings about the result (as wind will stoke a fire, so the Lord will blow his Spirit into Timothy). The Spirit’s working will yield the gifts of power, love, and self-discipline as Timothy pursues a holy life.

May the triune God fan into flame our faith.