Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-8
I. You carry on Christ’s mission by using God’s gifts.
A. The first urgent command Paul has for Timothy is in vs. 6: “Fan into flame the gift of God.” What gift had God given to Timothy? 1 Timothy 4:13, 14: “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.” Timothy’s gift was teaching. He was a gifted teacher of the Gospel and the Bible.
B. How many Christians have been given a spiritual gift by God the Holy Spirit? Every single one of you. See 1 Corinthians 12:7. Paul’s message to Timothy is, “Don’t let your gift die out. Don’t let your gift become ashes. Fan it into flame! Use that gift for the good of Christ’s body here.” Our church covenant states that we want every member of Hope to serve faithfully in some type of ministry. So, find a ministry, use your gift, and then fan that gift into flame.
II. You carry on Christ’s mission by not being ashamed.
A. Paul knew a lot about shame and guilt. He had persecuted Christians before he himself had believed in Jesus. And he knew the guilt that came with falling short of God’s standards. But Paul had a clear conscience (vs. 3). And so can you. Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Are you in Christ? Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of all your sins? Then, God is not condemning you today. He is not judging you.
B. Some of you, however, might not have a problem with God judging you. You have a problem with the people of the world judging you for being a Christian. But Paul gives an urgent command to Timothy in vs. 8: “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner.” What gives you the power not to be ashamed of Jesus and of other Christians? God gives you that power to be unashamed (vs. 7).”
III. You carry on Christ’s mission by sharing in suffering with Jesus.
A. Paul’s last urgent command for Timothy in vs. 8 is that he would “share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.” This command of Paul to share in suffering is terrifying. But in many countries of the world today, Christians are suffering because of their love for Jesus. What is the promise of Jesus when you suffer in vs. 8? You can share in that suffering by the power of God. God will give you the power to endure. You don’t have to have an emotional meltdown. You don’t need to be overwhelmed. You can keep calm and carry on.
Application:
Keep calm and carry on. Persevere. God will give us the power we need.
Sources:
The Bible
Commentaries by Andreas Köstenberger, R. Kent Hughes, and Phillip Jensen
Sermon Discussion Questions
1) Why do Christians need to keep fanning into flame their spiritual gifts? What will happen to the church if Christians don’t use those spiritual gifts?
2) Do you attend to be more ashamed before God or people? What is that leads us to be unashamed?
3) Should Christians expect to suffer with Jesus? How can you help the persecuted church around the world? What helps you keep calm and carry on in Christ’s mission for His people?