'Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.'

Like daily prayer, Scripture reading, mortification of sin and good works, the stirring up and enlivening of God-given abilities is a regular duty not only for ministers such as Timothy, but for all believers. Here is the method of Paul.

The apostle Paul names three overwhelming experiences that come to all who seek and find the Lord. These are the chief marks of conversion. Named as power, love and a sound mind, here is the form in which they come to believers in Christ.

Paul, in his final imprisonment, awaiting execution, tells of how Spirit-given power, love and safe-mentality sustains him, and what it means to believers to know Christ, and to commit to him all their earthly and eternal interests, with the ultimate day in view.

Gifts of God - aptitudes and endowments - given to believers for the testimony of Christ must frequently be stirred up; literally Paul says - rekindled. Here is how, and here also are the three great strengths which we have from the Spirit that enable us to do this.

Paul here names three elements of conversion to Christ: 'Power', describing the great change of life; 'love', describing all that Christ has done to secure pardon for us; and 'a sound mind', describing the clear view of God, of life and of eternity that conversion brings.

Sublime concepts illustrated and explained:- 'Saved' (what from and what to?), 'Holy Calling', 'Grace' (and the sense in which this Old Testament concept was more wonderfully revealed through Christ), the full meaning of 'Abolished Death', 'Life' (its glorious features) and 'Immortality'. Here is our highest knowledge.

Whatever Paul suffers or surrenders for Christ, he is certain of spiritual and bodily triumph because he knows Christ. Here are the grounds of his certainty. Here also is what it means to deposit one's life, soul and eternal interests into the safekeeping of Christ the Saviour.

A martial call to keep the Word despite continual pressure to sweep us off course. The superiority of God's Truth over human learning, and the need to defend not only the doctrines but the conduct they teach. Also, the vital practice of faith and love.

Paul's exhortation to be strong in grace is no mere general encouragement. It is the secret of his walk, and a necessity for us all. Here is the practice of constant dependence on Christ in every aspect of the life of churches and individual believers.

Timothy is to pass the Word to truly saved men, separated from the world, for the future. It is not only preachers who are to live as 'soldiers' but all believers, and here are the standards and conditions we accept for the love of Christ.

Paul tells Timothy to ponder deeply on his three illustrations of soldier, athlete and farmer, seeing them as principles of service to Christ. Here are the three vital rules of dedication to Him, obedience to His Word, and soul-participation in Him. Here also - 'The Uncontainable Word'.

Christ gave Himself for His people, and so Paul endured all for those who would be saved. What it means to die to sin, the old life and the world, and to live to represent and please Christ. Also, the meaning of 'rightly dividing the Word'. What is the context…

A passage calling true Christians from all spiritual association with false and worldly teachers, showing why this must be so. How the true church can never be overthrown; its distinguishing marks; also, promises of instrumentality to all who leave worldly culture and ways.

Ministry at the Tabernacle hardly ever refers to the church's own labours, but this message sets out vital aims of the seminary (LRBS) in the preparation of preachers and officers for the eight principal spiritual battles of our day. Here are the issues - so often not addressed in seminaries…

Even Timothy, sanctified, godly and aged 38-42 must 'go on fleeing' the sins of 'youth', here described, along with the method of fleeing them. Here also are the positive virtues to be pursued in order to be instrumental for God in witness and intercession.

Should preachers shout? To be in earnest and larger than life is natural and sincere public communication, but is the bellowing culture not contrary to the words of Paul, and to Christ's example? Here is the ethos of proclamation for all, exemplified by the Lord.

A series of particularly godless seasons are to take place during the last age, the present age, each being worse than the previous one, the last being ended by the return of Christ. Here are the features of such seasons, and the response of true believers.

Paul urges Timothy (and us) to follow his continuous exercise of faith. Here is the necessity of placing faith in God's providence and overruling in our lives, faith in His power to help, and faith in His Word (prescriptions and promises). Here also are many priceless characteristics of faith.

Following the features of 'perilous times', the apostle provides a unique eight-point summary of his standards and aims as a servant of God, referring to his 'manner of life' or ongoing training in service. Here are the objectives for us all.

Timothy witnessed the love that drove Paul on his missionary journeys. Here is the source - God's love of all, even the unredeemed, proved from scriptures. Also the purposes of 'common grace', and Paul's chief love passages, with hindrances and helps to advancing in this highest grace.

The principle that God's Word gives authoritative, detailed instructions for all spiritual matters, including doctrine, worship and methods, is now being denied by evangelicals who want liberty to innovate. Here are the texts that prove the principle, especially Paul's passages about a precise pattern for the church.

The nature of inspiration; the interpreting of Scripture; the anointing or transformed view of Scripture that conversion brings; the nature of attacks on Scripture, and a classic example in the virgin birth prophecy of Isaiah 14, showing the absurdity of the attack and the wonder of the passage.

The New Testament canon, set by the Spirit through the apostles, joins the Old Testament as the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word, unparalleled by any human literature. Here are its unique excellencies, themes and purposes, that deepen and equip believers for their 'good works', also here named.

We are 'present' at Paul's last briefing of Timothy, a key minister, who receives a solemn charge for his life's work. And yet these words apply to all truly committed believers, for all witness, and uphold the ministry. Here are the ten vital commands.

The Scriptures provide comprehensive practical instruction and guidance for the carrying out of all preaching, worship and church activity, and for every instruction there is a divine promise of help and reward. Do we review adequately or often our teaching, or the work of our church? Here are the ‘departments’…

The struggle for the soul, says the Bible, is like an Olympic wrestling match, yet many do not even begin the search for God, and opposing influences win the day. Here is how God enables us to come through all resistance to find His pardon and love. I have fought…

The battle for the soul is the most vital because it determines life and eternity. Here are the earthly battles we prefer to fight to get personal gains, and the fight we put up against God, Who would give us free life and glory if we asked.

Facing execution, Paul from prison cares for infant churches to the end, sending out pastors. An enemy has given devastating false evidence against him, and now he expects deliverance not from death but by death into the Eternal Kingdom. Martyrdom will seal his genuineness for Christ.

Soon to be executed, Paul uses exalted language to describe the privilege and blessings of the Christian life, and the experience of death. Here is what he means by the good (noble) fight, finishing his course, keeping (guarding) the faith, and receiving the crown of righteousness.

In this hostile world, believers cannot live successfully and fruitfully without Christ being with their spirits. Here is why the soul is also called the spirit, and what it means for Christ to be with our spirit. Examples and counsels for securing His nearness.