Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
2 Timothy 1:6-12 (NIV)
Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
In this passage, Paul is giving advice to a younger pastor. This advice is good for all of us! “Fan into flame the gift of God (v. 6)” refers to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We tend to quench the Spirit (we say we want religion ‘in moderation.’ – God wants us to let the Spirit take over management, and have God’s power in abundance, overflowing! Then Paul has a long explanation of how his suffering (he is writing from prison) doesn’t trouble him, because he knows that God is able to make sure his purposes get accomplished (here Paul is referring to how the Gospel is getting preached and the church is growing, even though Paul is being persecuted). As long as God’s Kingdom is advancing, Paul is content. Pray that you find you contentment not in your personal successes, but that you find your joy from the successes of God’s kingdom, as it advances anywhere in the world.