A Warm Word in a Digital World
In our digital age, the personal touch of a handwritten note or card continues to fade away. I will admit that when I get one, I do sense a warmth in my spirit. As one with poor handwriting, you would probably prefer me to use my keyboard and send you a text or email than receive a handwritten note that you couldn’t read! Electronic or digitally initiated communication can be warm and personal as well.
As I read from 2 Timothy this morning, the first few paragraphs have that warmth and personal touch (even though I am reading them on my iPad!). Part of what makes 2 Timothy sound and feel more personal has to do with when Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. Most scholars believe that this was Paul’s last letter or epistle written before and likely near his death. Knowing that, we can feel the warmth, care, and even emotion that is behind his words to Timothy.
As the apostle opens with gratitude to God as he remembers Timothy and the church he served, he connected his thanksgiving to his own spiritual ancestors. This is a great reminder for us: The saints who came before us are a part of our story. Paul was grateful to God, was grateful for his ancestors, was grateful for Timothy, and was grateful for the faith that Timothy’s mother and grandmother planted in his young disciple.
Based on gratitude for all of these who had gone before, Paul told Timothy not to allow fear to interfere with or delay what God had called him to do and say. Paul knew that fear would come — it always does. However, when we remember that fear doesn’t come from God and that God equips us with Holy Spirit’s power, love, and wisdom, then we have the tools to battle the moments of fear that the enemy stirs around us.
Paul urged Timothy to not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord or to be embarrassed by Paul’s imprisonment. Maybe with echoes of Paul’s letter to the Romans where he reminds us to not be conformed to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:1-2), Paul now encourages Timothy to follow, or be formed by, the pattern of the sound words that came from Paul and were rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Paul’s words are much better than mine:
“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”
So what can we take from Paul’s encouragement to Timothy?
Be thankful.
Use the gifts God gave you in the places God calls you (fan into flame the gift of God).
Remember that fear doesn’t come from God.
Activate the power of God in love and with a sound mind.
Don’t be ashamed of the simplicity of the gospel.
Guard and develop the teachings of scripture that are planted in your heart and mind.
And through faith and love, share the good news of Jesus.
Father, thank you for including this final letter to Timothy. Today we will not fear but rather accept your call in our lives to live boldly and lovingly as we share the good news of Jesus with someone nearby. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
2 Timothy 1:3-14 ESV
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