July 1, 2014
WE ARE NOT SAVED BY SERVICE, BUT SAVED TO SERVE GOD.
2 Timothy 1
Tina Jamison
Central Truth
We all are called to serve God. This call to service is not just for the pastors, nuns, or church staff, but for all Christians. God wants to work through us to make a difference in this world.
Key Verse | 2 Timothy 1:9
[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. (2 Timothy 1:9)
2 Timothy 1
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to 1 1:9 Or with a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 1:9 Greek before times eternal 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. 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. 3 1:12 Or what I have entrusted to him; Greek my deposit 13 Follow the pattern of the sound 4 1:13 Or healthy words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Dive Deeper | 2 Timothy 1
Reading this chapter, I felt so convicted by Paul's words of encouragement to Timothy. Timothy was fearful and timid at times, but Paul encouraged him not to let his weakness keep him from ministering to others.
It has become painfully apparent to me that, as parents, we pass down life lessons to our children, both good and bad. I raised my daughter as a single mother, and now she is following in my footsteps with my precious grandson. It wasn't until my second divorce, when I was totally broken, that I realized that God had a plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11), and it wasn't to follow false gods.
Being fearful and timid myself, I was very uncomfortable and felt out of my league when I started serving in DivorceCare. Motivated by joy and gratitude for God's great mercy, I found the confidence, love, and self-discipline needed to encourage and comfort others.
I still serve in DivorceCare, but I realize that my holy work doesn't end there. When Paul spoke of Timothy's mother and grandmother being models of faith and passing that faith on to Timothy, I realized God's new game plan for me! I am called to pass my faith on to the next generation, and it starts with my daughter and Gavin! I must model a transformed life by obedience to God. The transformation of my heart must be apparent to others, so they, too, will desire transformation. I will lead by example to show Gavin which path he should walk and to help him get back on the path when he strays.
God is asking us to love people. His Word equips us to live life according to His will. God promises to reward our faithfulness in heaven. How cool would it be to one day hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"?
Discussion Questions
1. Are you being a useful servant of God?
2. Are you neglecting the spiritual gifts that are in you? How do you start using the spiritual gifts God gave you?
3. Have you become a spiritual hermit?
4. Can you be counted on by others?