2 Timothy 1:1-18
Greetings (1-2)
Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You (3-18)
Intro Questions
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Intro Questions
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
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Introduction to 2 Timothy
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Power, Love, & Self-control Part 1
Power, Love, Self-Control
https://www.verseoftheday.com/en/02281998/
For years Cindy Courtney has worn a face mask in public. The 58-year-old woman from Stanley, a town about 30 miles north of Edinburgh in Scotland, suffers from severe allergies. Inhaling particles from paint fumes, car exhaust, weed killer, perfume and dozens of other substances can trigger anaphylactic shock. She can experience severe itches and her whole body can turn beet red. A sudden attack could cause her to quit breathing; danger and death is a daily companion. A mask is not an option, it’s necessary to her survival. And that’s the way it was until a couple of weeks ago.
Her local grocery store has been spectacular in helping her to acquire food that is safe for her. The staff knows her well and they have been assisting her food orders for some time. But suddenly, other customers recoiled as if she were their worst enemy or a nightmare come true. They assumed she carried COVID-19 and was carelessly appearing in public, putting everybody in danger. She was insulted, threatened and harassed by complete strangers who presumed she was infectious. The staff of the grocery store had to intervene to protect her. Now she is practically afraid to venture out of her house for any reason. An attitude of suspicion and fear has turned ordinary people into paranoid bullies. Apprehensive distrust of our neighbors may be a lasting legacy of this pandemic if we choose wariness over welcome.
“For God did not give us a spirit of fearfulness but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7—my translation).
As Paul urged Timothy to use his Divinely bestowed gifts to serve boldly, he chose a word that is often translated as “fearfulness” or “timidity.” The most common use of the word in ancient literature, though, conveyed the meaning, “cowardice.” Paul likely didn’t intend to charge Timothy with cowardice, but the strength of the word carries a shameful punch. It reminds us that God did not call us to safety and comfort, to avoid all hazards and hide ourselves from potential harm. God called us to serve Him in a multitude of ways, including caring for others even in the face of risk. And that is what Christians have always done.
We are living in a time unlike anything we’ve previously seen. We have astounding opportunities to display the love of Jesus as we care for our friends and neighbors. We show our love for others by keeping the Center for Disease Control boundaries, washing our hands, rejecting the harmful practice of hoarding, avoiding unnecessary travel and interaction and by frequently checking on people by telephone and internet. We will not live in fear and suspicion, automatically assuming that every person around us is a potential threat to health and safety. We will not treat others—made in the image of God—as enemies to be shunned. We will continue to see all people as God’s very special children and if they need our help, we will help. We will be as wise as we know how, but we will be Christians and express the love and grace of Jesus Christ as long as He gives us life. He’s given us His Spirit—and in us that means power, and love, and self-control.
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