A. Paul showed a legacy of those who had been loyal to the Lord.

Years before Paul wrote 2 Timothy, God had laid hold of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. God told Saul that he was to be an Apostle to the gentiles, the kings as well as the children of Israel (Act9:15). Paul had a heritage for being thankful (2 Tim 1:3). He learned about God from his ancestors, and he served God as a believer after a personal relationship with Christ. It was a blessing for Paul to have grown up a Jew with knowledge of Jehovah rather than as a pagan who served false God. After Paul became a Christian, he continued to serve God with the kind of wholehearted dedication that enabled him to say that he served God with a pure conscience (2 Tim1:3). Paul left us a commendable example of serving God faithfully, as well as a legacy of praying. He prayed for Timothy without ceasing

B. Paul and Timothy, together in gospel.

Paul recalled Timothy`s spiritual heritage and wanted the young minister to remember it too. Timothy`s sincere faith had been nurtured in the fertile ground of a godly home. His grandmother, Lois and his mother Eunice were women of faith. Paul described their faith as an “unfeigned faith”. Paul's word, 'unfeigned' could be translated `un-hypocritical`. It was sincere and genuine. Paul called Timothy, “my dearly beloved son” (2 Tim.1:2). We know that he nurtured him as a spiritual son. When he writes to others, he often tells what Timothy means to him (1 Cor. 4:17). When Timothy left his friend/mentor to go to Ephesus, he wept openly (2 Tim. 1:4) and, while apart, Paul longed for each other's company. Paul readily expressed confidence in his younger colleague's loyalty, usefulness and his concern for the churches. Timothy accompanied Paul during periods of his missionary journeys. Timothy had such a good reputation in Lystra that Paul recruited him to join the team (Acts 16:1-3). Sometimes Timothy travelled with Paul, while at other times Paul moved on from a city, leaving Timothy behind to build up the believers (1 Tim. 1:3). Paul also would send Timothy to a church as personal messenger (1 Cor. 4:17, 1 Thess. 3:1-2), or summon Timothy to join him (2 Tim. 4:21). Timothy with others accompanied Paul on his way to Jerusalem after the third missionary journey. Timothy was with Paul in Rome during the latter's house arrest, when he (Paul) wrote to Philemon. Timothy and Paul were also uniquely likeminded regarding their concern for the ministry and for the Churches (Phil. 2:19-23). They formed an effective and faithful ministry team.

C. Stir up the gift (2 Tim. 1:6)

Paul the elder warrior, knew the suffering and secret of faithfulness. The young Timothy needed encouragement in this precious character quality. So, Paul put Timothy in remembrance to stir up the gift that was in him by the laying of his hands (2 Tim.1:6). The gift that Timothy possessed is not identified in scripture, so we cannot be sure what it was. Paul urged Timothy to stir up his gift as the one would make a fire burn brightly by stirring it. This likely didn`t mean Paul thought Timothy was neglecting or was in danger of forsaking the call by God. Rather Paul was challenging Timothy to take the kind of action that would prevent such things from happening. The imagery is that of constantly stirring the embers and replenishing fire in a fireplace to keep the fire blazing. ` Christian servants need to keep stirring up their memory of God`s grace and calling, so that the challenge of ministry will not dampen their devotion. Paul had told Timothy in an earlier letter not to neglect the gift that was given to him by prophecy (1 Tim. 4:4). Paul also knew Timothy's personality and tendencies. His inner sprit needed encouragement, and Paul encouraged him not to be afraid. Fear should not keep us from exercising our abilities and fulfilling our ministry for Christ. In contrast to a spirit of fear, the Christian has been provided power, love and a sound Mind (2 Tim. 1:7).

In verse 7, Paul was concerned that under the pressure of opposition Timothy might become afraid, hesitant, and ashamed of the gospel, causing his gift not to be properly exercised (1 Tim. 4:14). Varied influence could have contributed to a dry period for Timothy.

• • He had some physical ailments (1 Tim. 5:23)
• • He could surrender to fear (1 Cor.16:10; 2 Tim.1:7) even as Paul once did (Acts 18:9-10)
• • Timothy's youth could lead to intimidation/pressing situation (1 Tim. 4:12, 2 Tim. 2:22)
• • False teachers' strife-oriented souls in Ephesus could break his spirit and push the young man into the world (1 Tim. 1:3,7,19,20; 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:14-19,23).
• • Brethren were in some peril from the government, and a courageous stand for Christ would not be easy. Therefore, Timothy's gift from God needed to be burnished so the flame would burn brightly.

We must learn from this that a talent given from God can be either stiffed or stimulated by the response of the human will (Rom.12:1). Timothy needed to be aware that what God give to his children is the key to steadfastness. Paul reminded him that God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and discipline. Paul urged Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel by relying on the power of God. The family and parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth (Acts 6:2, 6-7, Eph6:1-4)