Introduction:

After being told in I Timothy to remain in Ephesus, as pastor, in order to confront those teaching "another gospel," Timothy, once again, hears from Paul.

Timothy now is given quite another reason to remain at his post. He is to be an example of genuine faith and what it means to honor a "holy calling."

Remember, Timothy had appealed to Paul-who was in chains and in a Roman prison — to give him direction. Membership was thinning in his church as persecution mounted against the flock. This accounts for the tears bathing young Timothy's face. Perhaps this was why Paul opened with a word of encouragement.

Yes, pastors need to know there are seasoned saints who are praying for them intensely and joyfully. Paul supplied that element of fellowship for Timothy. But Paul went beyond that realm and reminded Timothy that he had a generational obligation to maintain. Two generations had given him a heritage of genuine faith. (Is there such a thing as a feigned faith?)

Genuine faith is like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, who endured to the end of their lives.

Paul lauded Timothy for his "overcoming faith," the kind that would be necessary against the foreboding future. Paul was saying, "I long to be visiting with you, for you are 'somebody important in the kingdom.'"

(Maybe it is time we hear that same note struck for ourselves. The cares of this world may have begun to wage spiritual warfare with your inner being, so it is important to return to foundational faith and lay aside those things that impede your spiritual walk.)

Paul had a remedy for Timothy that Christendom should inculcate.

Ooh! This is the word of faith which must be immediate. Instead of the whining multitudes under spiritual depression —we must hear a holy stirring taking place. Look, Paul points out to Timothy the gift of God was IN him. Grace, mercy and peace was in him. What people need to grasp is the gift in them needs stirring up. Paul reminded Timothy when he was ordained, it was Paul who shared his anointings with him. Think of the power of such an investment. Giftings have been laid aside by many —it is time to pick them up, stir them up and shore up one's spiritual being. Laodicea lies ahead for those who don't.

Laying on of hands is an important element within the body; it is not to be done furtively or quickly. In the Old Testament one sees Jacob laying his hands on the next generation, while remembering Isaac's hands. In the New Testament, the book of James talks of the healing ministry by laying on of hands.

Paul's hands conveyed a spiritual force which could be called up and stirred up. With it was a confidence in young Timothy's faith-walk that conveyed an undeniable trust in his ability to carry out Paul's edict. (That kind of investment must once again surface among us.)

Paul met Timothy's fear head-on, with one of the most quoted passages in the Bible.

The tenderness found in this verse is also overwhelming. Paul reiterates there is a "spirit" connected to fear and it doesn't come from God. God has given three powerful deterrents to fear (emphasis must focus on the word, "Given."). Power, Love and a Sound mind cooperate in tandem, not as separate entities. However, the learned Paul might well have had in mind an Old Testament promise.

Believers must saturate their minds with this truth, while looking at the huge number of "Fear Not" passages in the Bible. (Remember the first instance of fear in the Bible was in Genesis, when Adam said he was afraid after his fall. Satan often uses fear as a demoralizing tactic for he knows it is against God. During these terrifying times worldwide, one note must be heard above the fray, "Fear Not.")

God, who is love, freely gives Himself in behalf of those battling fear.

Paul wrote numerable passages about God's love becoming solace to the oppressed believer. Paul had all those scriptures incapsulated in his second deterrent.

Next, Paul links these first two ingredients of power and love with possessing a sound mind. (Today, the reprobate mind opens the door to fear. The populace is bombarded with examples of dementia, depression, Alzheimer's, autism and ADHD.)

Alas, across the whole of society there manifests what Paul terms: "deceitful lusts."

Notice who it is that must apply these attributes. When the believer embraces the renewed mind, it becomes a force against fear and is a repository of what Paul terms: "a sound mind." The Amplified Bible says it like this:

Nothing defeats fear more than a "guarded" mind.

Having the strength provided by the triumvirate of power, love and a sound mind, Paul reaches into the spiritual root of Timothy's concerns in these next verses.

Knowing how easy it would be to "throw in the towel" and in desperation leave the ministry, Paul challenges this young pastor to enter into covenant with him; hence, the reference to "suffering with him." He tells Timothy not to be ashamed of Jesus or him. Paul beckons him to "share with me." (Notice, there is no hierarchy, rank or strata in this appeal, only a tender invitation to join him in suffering for the Gospel.)

Is this not a great invitation for today? Sharing creates a brotherhood of mutuality — a camaraderie in prayer and in holding each other up. The crowd of witnesses know the efficacy of such companionship!

Working together, like a team, has its advantages, but imagine the appeal of being linked to Paul, the apostle. Suffering together for the gospel, according to the POWER OF GOD, is a level of commitment beyond the ordinary.

Paul quickly attaches the work of that Power to the things they are experiencing. Jesus's power not only saved them, but called them. This, also, is not just any kind of calling; it is a holy calling.

Just a cursory reading of Leviticus, reviewing the elements of the first tabernacle, reveals the importance of holiness in the judgement of God. Carry this over into today's Christianity, and it becomes evident that our base is not holiness and that needs to change. Pulpits are silent in the face of true holiness — this ought not to be.

Returning to the text, look now at this translation.

Paul quickly acknowledges the fact God's divine plan, which included them, was formulated before the world began and was not based on their worthiness or works.

Hallelujah, this makes me want to shout! Many times, the Scriptures affirm the eternality of things. These are just a few: "A lamb slain before the world began." Jesus saying, "This fulfills a certain prophet's words." "Known before you were in your mother's womb."

There is an eternal element operating in us to the glory of God; we should be aware of its propensity and fear not! That person is at perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Him.

Until Next Month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.