2 Timothy 1:3-7

Paul’s Love And Concern For Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3-7 ).

Paul tells Timothy that he has prayed for him and longed to see him, and as a result has been reminded of his unfeigned faith, and he wants him to know that that is why he now seeks to quicken the Spirit and life which is within him, so that positive and brave action might result. He writes in the confidence that he will respond. If we prayed so personally for people (not just reciting their names from a prayer list) we too might begin to recognise their unfeigned faith, and seek the expansion of their gifts. For it is important for us all to stir up the gift of God which is within us, whatever it may be, remembering that He gives different gifts to each one (Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

Note the emphasis on remembrance here. He remembers Timothy, he remembers his farewell tears, he remembers his unfeigned faith, and that is why he puts him in remembrance of his need to stir up the gift of God within him, for he knows how genuine he is. So he is saying to Timothy, remember your first genuine faith, remember your godly upbringing, remember the spiritual gift that you have received from God, the gift given by a Spirit Who is the Spirit of power, of love, and of firm self-control, and stand firm.

Analysis.

a I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of you in my supplications, night and day (2 Timothy 1:3).

b Longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy (2 Timothy 1:4).

c Having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am fully persuaded, in you as well (2 Timothy 1:5).

b For which reason I put you in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6).

a For God did not give us a spirit of fearfulness, but of power and love and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

Note how in ‘a’ he thanks God Who has enabled him to serve and declares how he continues to pray for Timothy, and in the parallel declares that it is because God has consequently given them the Spirit of power, love and sound judgment. In ‘b’ he remembers Timothy’s love as revealed to him and longs to see him, and in the parallel he puts him in remembrance of the gift of God that in His love He has given to him. Central in ‘c’ is Timothy’s unfeigned faith and that of his mother and grandmother. Thus the activities in ‘a’ and ‘b’ result in the gifts of ‘b’ and ‘a’, and all arising from his true faith in God.