Read 2 Timothy 1
Encourage yourself through your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. Paul encouraged Timothy by reminding him of his relationship with Jesus. Paul suffered and faced death because Jesus appointed him. Paul wasn’t ashamed because he knew whom he believed. Paul had head knowledge of the Father; he likewise knew and trusted Jesus Christ, the son. Paul also had a personal relationship with Christ. He had faith Christ was a faith of experience. Salvation begins with a step of faith – repenting and believing the message of Christ, the cross, the empty tomb, and the second coming. Paul got to know Jesus better by walking through the sunshine and rain of walking with Jesus. Paul got to know Jesus better after Lystra, stoned by unbelievers, and left to die. Jesus raised Paul. Paul knew Jesus better after the outpouring of signs and wonders in Ephesus. Paul learned to know Jesus one step at a time, one trial, and one provision. A the end of his life, as he faces death, he can state with assurance, “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”
Encourage yourself through your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Paul contrasts a human spirit or an attitude (spirit of timidity) with a Spirit of power (the Holy Spirit). In 2 Timothy 1:6-8, Paul uses “for” to connect 2 Timothy 1:6 and 1:7. As Paul laid hands on Timothy, the gift of God came to Timothy through the Holy Spirit. Paul often connects the words power and love to the Holy Spirit. Through the His Spirit, God gives us everything we need to be strong, steadfast, and fruitful. The Holy Spirit will do His part when we do our part. We MUST study, meditate on God’s Word, pray, obey and live in the Spirit. We must overcome the hindrances of hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, pride, and lust. We depend on the Spirit, submit to the Spirit, and respond to the Spirit who helps us. He is God in us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that we will find the encouragement in our lives to continue in our walk with you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
