As we read in 2 Timothy, I want you to imagine the aged Paul who had faced much suffering in sharing the gospel with the world. He is now in a prison cell in Rome. This is his last letter in the Scriptures. He knows his end is coming and writes about it to Timothy. The Apostle has the right mentality. He is not desiring control or to be the greatest. He desires to serve the next generation, so that the gospel and his influence will outlive His life. He had met the young man Timothy on one of his missionary journey’s. Timothy had been saved at some point under Paul’s preaching and was known as a faithful disciple of the Lord. The Apostle poured into young Timothy’s life. Perhaps, Timothy was in his mid 30s and Paul by this point was in his 60s. We do not know the reasons, but Timothy had become timid and fearful in the ministry. His former courage and zeal was waning. The Apostle continues to serve God in a dark prison cell by encouraging a younger disciple to be bold, courageous, and unashamed of Jesus, the gospel, and his faithful followers. With pen in hand, Paul remembers Timothy and exhorts him to overcome the spirit of fear. This will be our title today, “Fanning Into Flame: Overcoming a Spirit of Fear.” God wants to raise up Daniel’s like he did in Babylon. He wants us to see His power over the storm and His power to walk on water. He knows everything we go through and he wants us to be faithful and courageous. Let’s consider the following from our text 1) Timothy’s Timidity 2) Paul’s Prayer 3) Paul’s Passion For God and the Next Generation |
