IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

A Spirit of Power, Love and Self-control

Date: Jan. 19, 2020

Passage

2 Timothy 1:1-18 (ESV)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 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, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me—18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

Daily Bread

Introduction to 2 Timothy

Key Verse: 1:7

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1. A spirit of power, love and self-discipline (1-7)

Timothy was like a dear son to Paul and a source of joy. Paul entrusted Timothy with the task of caring for God's flock in Ephesus and laid hands on him to commission and equip him. The Holy Spirit whom God gives to all who repent, believe and accept his mission does not make us timid, nor fearful; he gives us the Spirit of power, love and self-discipline to do his gospel work of saving souls.

2. Join with me in the suffering by the power of God (8-18)

Paul invited Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel. He challenged him to testify about Jesus boldly, for Jesus saved us and called us to live a holy life. Paul himself was suffering in chains in a Roman jail for his testimony. But he was not ashamed of his life or situation because he trusted in God. Paul taught Timothy to pattern his life according to sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ. Paul admonished him to do the work entrusted to him with the help of the Holy Spirit. After his arrest some deserted Paul, but Onesiphorus searched for Paul in prison and came to his aid. He had a spirit of power, love and self-control.

Prayer: Prayer: God, give me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline to do your gospel work and join in Christ's sufferings.

One Word: God's Spirit of power, love and self-control

Daily Bread

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Acts 22:30-23:11

Key Verse: 22:23:11

And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,

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Intro Daily