2 Timothy 1:1-14 (NRSV)
Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, Verse 2To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Verse 3I am grateful to God-whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did-when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Verse 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. Verse 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.
Verse 6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; Verse 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Verse 8Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, Verse 9who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, Verse 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Verse 11For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, Verse 12and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Verse 13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Verse 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
Devotion
In a culture that has so distorted the Christian faith in order to accommodate its values of wealth, power and prestige, preaching the truth of the Kingdom of God can be risky and dangerous business. Not unlike Paul, we might find that preaching a theology of the cross brings us into dangerous conflicts that can result in rejection and alienation. Indeed, the fear of alienation and rejection may tempt us to quiet our voice and choose peace and quiet over the truth of the cross.
Thank God that we do not have to find the strength within ourselves to endure these difficult moments. Even in prison, Paul endures because he knows that the Spirit of God – the Spirit that he and all the faithful have been given – is not a spirit of timidity or cowardice. It is a Spirit of power, love and self-control. Indeed, it is a Spirit that cannot be overcome by fear!
Prayer
God of Grace and God of Glory, on your people pour your power.
Crown your ancient Church’s story, bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour.
Lo, the hosts of evil round us, scorn the Christ, assail his ways.
From the fears that long have bound us, free our hearts to faith and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days.
Cure your children’s warring madness; bend our pride to your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and pour in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore;
Let the gift of your salvation be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage serving you whom we adore. Amen.
Prayer is LBW #415, "God of Grace and God of Glory," text by Harry E. Fosdick. Public Domain.