"HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY FAITH IS REAL?"
Notes
Transcript
How do you know if your “faith” is real?
I am ecstatic this morning as I get to share with you some of the things that I have been learning as I have been studying God’s Word!!
Read Our Text - 2 Timothy 1:1-7
2 Timothy 1:1–7 (NASB95)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.
5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Proposition - As we look to the Word of God this morning we will see 5 reason’s that ensure our faith is real.
Interrogative question - is my faith sincere?
6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
“Reason” - (aitia) - noun, accusative, singular, feminine - prepositional object - cause; reason; charge
Sense: grounds - a justification for something existing or happening; especially as a justification for the execution of punishment.
One use of aitia is causal, indicating the general reason, motivation, or grounds for doing something (Lk. 8:47; Acts 10:21; 28:20; 2 Tim. 1:6, 12; Tit. 1:13; Heb. 2:11).
1. Sincerity of faith leads to a continual commitment to Christ - vs. 6a
1. Sincerity of faith leads to a continual commitment to Christ - vs. 6a
“Remind” - (anamimnesko) - verb, present, active, indicative, first person, singular - finite verb - be reminded; remember
Sense: to remind - to put in the mind of someone
Mark 11:21 (NASB95)
21 Being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.”
1 Corinthians 4:17 (NASB95)
17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
2 Timothy 1:6 (NASB95)
6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
3. anamimnesko (ἀναμιμνήσκω, 363), ana, “back,” and No. 1, signifies in the active voice “to remind, call to one’s mind,” 1 Cor. 4:17, “put (KJV, bring) … into remembrance”; so 2 Tim. 1:6; in the passive voice, “to remember, call to (one’s own) mind,” Mark 11:21, “calling to remembrance”; 14:72, “called to mind”; 2 Cor. 7:15, “remembereth”; Heb. 10:32, “call to remembrance.”¶ Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 2, pp. 521–522). T. Nelson.
“to kindle afresh” - (anazopyreo) - verb, present, active, infinitive - complementary infinitive - rekindle
The Lexham Syntactic Greek New Testament Glossary complementary infinitive
complementary infinitive: Use of the infinitive to complete the meaning or force of the verb to which it is related. (References: BDF §392; Wallace p. 598-599; Smyth §1988-2024.)
Sense: to revitalize - rekindle - to revitalize, conceived of as kindling a fire anew.
[351] ἀναζωπυρέω anazōpyreō 1× pr. to kindle up a dormant fire; met. to revive, excite; to stir up, quicken one’s powers, 2 Tim. 1:6* Mounce, W. D. (2006). In Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (p. 1081). Zondervan.
I want to show you how this “word” is used in the OT -
Genesis 45:27 (NASB95)
27 When they told him all the words of Joseph that he had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.
The question that we need to address is why does Paul tell Timothy to “kindle afresh” the gift - what is the gift?
“Gift” - (charisma) - noun, accusative, singular, neuter - direct object - gift
Sense: present - grace - a present given as a sign of beneficent favor
Noun: χάρισμα (charisma), GK 5922 (S 5486), 17×. charisma means “gift, spiritual endowment.” It refers to that which is freely and graciously given by God regardless of its kind, physical or spiritual. Paul views deliverance from mortal danger a charisma in 2 Cor. 1:11. In Rom 1:11, Paul hopes to share words of hope and comfort with the Romans. charisma is equated with eternal life or redemption in 5:15–16; 6:23. God’s “gifts” can never be revoked (11:29).
All but one occurrence of charisma appear in Paul’s letters, 1 Pet. 4:10 being the only non-Pauline reference. But that verse matches thematically with Paul’s use of the word in Rom 12 and 1 Cor. 12—namely, spiritual gifts provided by God’s generosity on certain individuals, intended to benefit others. A sample list of such gifts is given in Rom 12:5–8 and 1 Cor. 12:7–11, 28–31. Timothy received a charisma by the laying on of hands and is exhorted to fulfill zealously his God-given duties (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). Paul even attributes his ability to maintain a celibate life as a charismatic endowment (1 Cor. 7:7). See Mounce, W. D. (2006). In Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (pp. 283–284). Zondervan.
Throughout this week I have been trying to figure out exactly what the word “gift” is referring to - is it -
Salvation?
Spiritual gifts?
Holy Spirit that Indwells believers?
2. Sincerity of faith leads to a continual exercising of your spiritual gifts - vs. 6a
2. Sincerity of faith leads to a continual exercising of your spiritual gifts - vs. 6a
All but one occurrence of charisma appear in Paul’s letters, 1 Pet. 4:10 being the only non-Pauline reference. But that verse matches thematically with Paul’s use of the word in Rom 12 and 1 Cor. 12—namely, spiritual gifts provided by God’s generosity on certain individuals, intended to benefit others. A sample list of such gifts is given in Rom 12:5–8 and 1 Cor. 12:7–11, 28–31. Timothy received a charisma by the laying on of hands and is exhorted to fulfill zealously his God-given duties (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). Paul even attributes his ability to maintain a celibate life as a charismatic endowment (1 Cor. 7:7). See Mounce, W. D. (2006). In Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (pp. 283–284). Zondervan.
Romans 12 - spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12 - spiritual gifts
1 Peter 4:10 - the only non Pauline reference
3. Sincerity of faith is confirmed by fellow Believers - vs. 6b
3. Sincerity of faith is confirmed by fellow Believers - vs. 6b
“laying on” - (epithesis) - noun, genitive, singular, feminine - prepositional object - laying on
Sense: laying on hands (endowing) - the act of endowing or imparting a sate, condition, or authority by, or as if by, transferring it through bodily touch
What is the phrase “laying on of my hands” reference?
what about 1 timothy 4:14 - Ordination
Reference to one or another of the various abilities or equipment for ministry provide by God.
The giving of the Holy Spirit
4. Sincerity of faith does not shine through and attitude cowardice - vs. 7a
4. Sincerity of faith does not shine through and attitude cowardice - vs. 7a
“has given” - (didomi) - verb, aorist, active, indicative, third person, singular - finite verb - give; grant
Sense: to grant a request - to allow someone to have what the person has requested.
Notice how this Greek word is used throughout the book of 2 Timothy -
“has given” - to grant a request - to allow someone to have what the person has requested
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB95)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:16 (NASB95)
16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;
2 Timothy 1:18 (NASB95)
18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
2 Timothy 2:7 (NASB95)
7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 2:25 (NASB95)
25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
“has given” - to be granted - to be or become in one’s possession, whether physically or abstractly
2 Timothy 1:9 (NASB95)
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
“A Spirit” - (pneuma) - noun, accusative, singular, neuter - direct object - spirit; Sprit
Sense: inclination - soul - a person’s emotional dispositions considered collectively and understood by the seat of emotional faculties, the soul; especially as postively or negatively disposed toward God.
The Greek word “spirit” is used 3 times in the book of 2 Timothy - It is used in the following ways -
“inclination - soul” - a person’s emotional dispositions considered collectively and understood by the seat of emotional faculties, the soul; especially as positively or negatively disposed toward God.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB95)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
“soul - spirit” - the soul understood especially according to its composition: being made of a transcendental, immaterial existence known as spirit.
2 Timothy 4:22 (NASB95)
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
“of timidity” - (deilia) - noun, genitive, singular, feminine - qualitative genitive - cowardice
The Lexham Syntactic Greek New Testament Glossary qualitative genitive
qualitative genitive: Use of the genitive to express a quality or internal characteristic of the main substantive.
Sense: cowardice - the trait of lacking the quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without sowing fear.
Take note of how this word is used in the Septuagint - (that is the OT in Greek)
Psalm 55:4 (NASB95)
4 My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Psalm 89:40 (NASB95)
40 You have broken down all his walls; You have brought his strongholds to ruin.
Proverbs 19:15 (NASB95)
15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger.
5. Sincerity of faith is exemplified through the Holy Spirit working through you - vs. 7b
5. Sincerity of faith is exemplified through the Holy Spirit working through you - vs. 7b
The Holy Spirit does not produce “timidity” or cowardice. A spirit of cowardice would falter under the load of responsibilities that Paul was placing on Timothy. Instead, the Holy Spirit produces power, a reference to a forcefulness of character that can use authority boldly.4 The Holy Spirit also produces a love that endures even the most cantankerous opposition and a self-discipline that can use restraint and oppose indulgence. Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 189). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
a. Power
“of power” - (dynamis) - noun, genitive, singular, feminine - qualitative genitive - power
Sense: power - possession of controlling influence; often understood as manifesting influence over reality in a supernatural manner.
Dunamis (power) denotes great force, or energy, and is the term from which we get dynamic and dynamite. It also carries the connotation of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. God provides us with His power in order for us to be effective in His service. Paul did not pray that believers in Ephesus might be given divine power but that they might be aware of the divine power they already possessed. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (pp. 17–18). Moody Press.
“power” - refer to the sense -
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB95)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:8 (NASB95)
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
2 Timothy 3:5 (NASB95)
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
b. Love
“love” - (agape) - noun, genitive, singular, feminine - qualitative genitive - love
Sense: love (affection) - a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
The love we have from God is agapē, the volitional and selfless love that desires and works for the best interests of the one loved. It is not emotional and conditional, as philos love often is, and has nothing in common with erōs love, which is sensual and selfish. The love we have from God is constant. It does not share the ebb and flow or the unpredictability of those other loves. It is a self-denying grace that says to others, in effect, “I will give myself away on your behalf.” Directed back to God, from whom it came, it says, “I will give my life and everything I have to serve you.” MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 18). Moody Press.
The Greek word is used 10 throughout the Pastoral Epistles -
5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,
2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
c. Discipline
“discipline” - (sophronismos) - noun, genitive, singular, masculine - qualitative genitive - self-discipline
Sense: making wise - the causing of someone to become wise
This is the only time that this Greek word is used in Scripture.
Sōphronismos (discipline) has the literal meaning of a secure and sound mind, but it also carries the additional idea of a self-controlled, disciplined, and properly prioritized mind. God-given discipline allows believers to control every element of their lives, whether positive or negative. It allows them to experience success without becoming proud and to suffer failure without becoming bitter or hopeless. The disciplined life is the divinely ordered life, in which godly wisdom is applied to every situation. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 19). Moody Press.
SO WHAT??
The resources we have from our heavenly Father are power and love and discipline. When we are vacillating and apprehensive, we can be sure it is because our focus is on ourselves and our own human resources rather than on the Lord and His available divine resources. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 17). Moody Press.
But all believers possess these marvelous, God-given endowments: power, to be effective in His service; love, to have the right attitude toward Him and others; and discipline, to focus and apply every part of our lives according to His will. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 19). Moody Press.
As Believers we must make the effort to follow Christ!!
10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—
Colossians 3:12–15 (NASB95)
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
2 Peter 1:5–8 (NASB95)
5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,
7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We “kindle afresh” the gift by using the gifts -
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
We keep the gift ablaze by not letting ourselves grow cold -
15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
We keep the gift ablaze by walking in the Spirit -
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
We “kindle afresh” the gift by not
19 Do not quench the Spirit;
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.
