FRESH FIRE
15th Aug 2018
It’s easy to be disappointed by people. You can invest countless hours of time and love into lives and see no lasting fruit. That’s where you have to take a firm grip on faith and remember that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
I think Paul was struggling with this when he wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith. In 2 Timothy 1:15 he speaks of those who had deserted him; in 1 Timothy 5:15 he tells of widows who have turned from the faith, and others who have shipwrecked their lives or rejected their faith.
Disappointments happen, but Paul in writing to Timothy both warns and encourages him to keep pressing on with what he has been called to do by God. When Paul introduces himself in his letters he usually makes mention of his own calling - a servant of Jesus, an apostle, a teacher, a herald, a man set apart by God. He is very aware of being given an assignment by God and knowing it has to be accomplished.
So he reminds Timothy not to neglect the gifts given to him when hands were laid on him and prophetic words were spoken over his life. He is to preach the word, to correct, rebuke and instruct patiently and in an encouraging manner, and to keep the fire of God burning in his heart.
As I have been recently reading the two letters to Timothy, I am asking myself whether I am fulfilling my own calling. Am I still conscious of both the privilege and responsibility of knowing I have been saved by grace and have good news to tell to others? Am I teaching the word and using it to train others? (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
We are all called to live lives that bear fruit and testify to the fact that we are ruled by a different King and live in a different Kingdom and culture. We need to stir up the gifts of the Holy Spirit and be alert and ready to obey His promptings.
Paul’s fatherly concern for Timothy is clear. He knows discouragements will come, but urges him to remember his calling by Almighty God, his empowering by the Holy Spirit, and the grace available to accomplish the work, stay strong and keep going.
Read the letters to Timothy as if they were addressed to you - it will put fresh fire in you!
by Joyce Sibthorpe
