Sermon Notes:  2 Timothy 1   -  Fanning the Flame in Hard Times

Scripture References

2 Timothy 1 ↗ ; Acts 1:8 ↗ ; Acts 2:38-39 ↗ ; Acts 5:32 ↗ ; Proverbs 28:1 ↗ ; Romans 8:26 ↗ ; 1 Timothy 4:13 ↗ ; 1 Thessalonians 1:5 ↗ ; 1 John 4:7 ↗ 

Introduction

• Background: Between 1 Timothy ↗  and 2 Timothy ↗  Rome burned, Nero blamed Christians, and persecution intensified.
• Paul writes 2 Timothy ↗  from the Mamertine prison, fully aware that execution (beheading as a Roman citizen) is imminent.
• Timothy: Born in Lystra to a Jewish mother (Eunice) and Greek father; discipled early by his mother and grandmother (Lois), later by Paul—“I have no one else like him.”
• Aim of the session: Understand Paul’s final counsel in 2 Timothy 1   and how to “fan  into flame” the gift of the Holy Spirit amid opposition.

Key Points

1.Historical setting explains the urgency: political hostility and Paul’s approaching death.

2.Timothy’s spiritual heritage shows the power of Scripture-saturated parenting and mentoring.

3.Paul’s opening titles (“apostle… by the will of God… according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus”) remind believers of their own missionary calling.

4.Three main exhortations in 2 Timothy 1 ↗ :

1. Fan into flame the gift of God (v. 6).
2. Do not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord (v. 8).
3. Guard the good deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit (v. 14).

5.The Spirit given to us is not one of timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline (v. 7).

Theological / Exegetical Points

• “Apostle” - general: delegate; specific: ambassador of the gospel; official: Christ-commissioned messenger.
• “Promise of life” (v. 1) - present, eternal, and victorious over death.
• Conscience (v. 3) - “with-knowledge”; must remain tender, else becomes seared.
• “Fan into flame” (v. 6) - imperative: rekindle what is already present (the indwelling Spirit).
• Spirit-produced boldness (v. 7) mirrors Proverbs 28:1 ↗ ; Christian courage flows from indwelling power, not personality.
• Salvation and holy calling (v. 9) - grace purposed “before time began,” now revealed in Christ who “abolished death” and “brought life and immortality to light.”
• Paul’s confession (v. 12) - “I know whom I have believed…” grounds endurance in the character of God, not circumstances.

Interaction & Group Responses

Question posed: “How do we fan into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit?”

• Kim: active obedience—Spirit is “given to those who obey” (Acts 5:32).
• Carmen: persistent prayer; Andrew Murray’s teaching on abiding in prayer recalled.
• Rick: refuse timidity; openly own Christ’s testimony (vv. 7-8).
• Charlie: daily surrender of the will—Spirit fills yielded vessels.
• Jose: allow the Spirit to shape intercession when “we do not know what to pray” (Rom 8:26).
• Others: immerse in Scripture (1 Tim 4:13); practice God’s presence morning and evening.

Practical Applications

1.Schedule daily “morning and evening” time with God to keep conscience clear.

2.Parents & grandparents: plant Scripture early; small children absorb truth deeper than nursery rhymes.

3.Older believers: intentionally mentor younger Christians—make it “as common as breathing.”

4.Cultivate Holy-Spirit boldness: speak the gospel despite cultural push-back; remember the Spirit’s power, love, and self-control.

5.Examine whether you have replaced former “gold” (joy, purity) with “bronze substitutes”; if so, repent and restore wholehearted devotion.

Prayer / Intercession Items

• Renewed courage for believers facing ridicule or legal pressure.
• Tender consciences and quick repentance where hearts have grown dull.
• More cross-generational mentoring within the fellowship.
• Empowered gospel witness in workplaces, schools, and community outreaches.
• Comfort and provision for persecuted Christians worldwide.

Next Meeting / Future Arrangements

Continue in 2 Timothy 2 ↗  next session; emphasis on “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”