2 Timothy 1:3-7

< Back to 2 Timothy Index


TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul’s Appreciation, Care and Concern for Timothy

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Spiritual gifts are given, but they must be stirred up.

  2. Spiritual character is given, but it must be developed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. You can always pray.

  2. It’s OK for you to cry.

QUESTIONS

  1. How did Paul feel about Timothy?

  2. Briefly describe the circumstances of Timothy’s conversion.

  3. What does it mean to stir up a spiritual gift?

  4. What does it mean that spiritual character is given?

  5. How is spiritual character developed?

  6. What did Paul do when his Christian service activity was suddenly cut short?

ANSWERS

  1. Paul was thankful for Timothy, praying for him continually. He longed to see him so they might experience the joy of Christian fellowship together.

  2. Lois and Eunice were godly Jewish women, exercising faith in the God of Israel even before they heard the gospel. They taught Timothy the Scriptures when he was a child (2 Timothy 3:15). Most likely, when Paul came to their area preaching Christ, they received this further revelation from God, as did Timothy.

  3. It means to fan the flame or kindle it afresh to keep it burning brightly. When you become a Christian you receive not only forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but you receive at least one spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10). The gift is given, but you must stir it up to be effective.

  4. God gives courage, power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). These spiritual traits are available. Whatever spiritual character trait you need, for whatever situation, you will find that it is available.

  5. Character traits that are given by God must be developed by use. You need to work with diligence (2 Peter 1:5-7).

  6. When Paul was thrown into prison and his usual Christian service activity was suddenly cut short, he continued to do what he could. He wrote letters and he prayed (2 Timothy 1:3).

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Have you discovered your spiritual gift? How are you using it to edify the body of Christ?

  2. Are you developing your Christian character traits? See 2 Timothy 1:7 and 2 Peter 1:5-8.

CHALLENGE

  1. Whatever your circumstances and your age, you can pray. Are you praying as Paul did, night and day? Note that Paul’s prayers are very specific, directed to the needs of those for whom he prayed. Is this your pattern of prayer?

KEY VERSES

  • “…without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day.” 2 Timothy 1:3

  • “…stir up the gift of God which is in you…God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7



2 Timothy, Talks, New TestamentDeb Harms2 Timothy 1:3-7