Reminder of the Call

February 12, 2023 Background Scripture: 2 Timothy 1 :3 -14 Lesson Passage: 2 Timothy 1:3 - 14 Last week's lesson discussed the resume of the "called". In today's lesson, we look at a reminder of the call. It is not a small thing to be called of God to do the work of ministry. It is also possible to be called to a ministry and not be aware of the calling. Initially, God may choose to make others aware but not the one He has called. With encouragement and prayer, a calling of God gains clarity. This appears to be the case with Timothy. Timothy was a young biracial Christian who was mentored by Paul. Timothy's mother was a Jewish Christian, and his father was Grecian. Paul met Timothy at Lystra during his second missionary journey. Apparently, Timothy's upbringing was not in the Jewish faith because he had not been circumcised at the time Paul met him. (Normally, circumcision would have taken place for a Jewish boy when he was eight days old.) Paul knew about the religious faith of Timothy's mother and his grandmother. At some point, Paul prayed for Timothy and laid hands on him to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminded Timothy of this in this second letter Paul addressed to him. Paul challenged Timothy to not forget the calling God had on his life. He was called by God before time began and was not called based on anything Timothy had done. This is a reminder for all who are called of God. God called us before time began. Because of this, we can't celebrate a specific date when we were called, but instead we celebrate the date when we became aware that we were called. God does all things well. God's calling was according to His own purpose for Timothy. This happened an eternity before Timothy was even born. Therefore, Timothy's calling was not about him but God working His divine purpose through Timothy. It was imperative for Timothy to understand that and not neglect his assignment. Paul encouraged him to fully embrace his calling and to not be ashamed of it. Paul considered himself to be an example for Timothy to follow in his minist1Y for Jesus Christ. There's no doubt that this was also to Paul's benefit. Paul would remain strong and encouraged because he knew that his life and ministry were on display for a young man like Timothy to emulate. Even Paul's oral presentation of the gospel was subject to scrutiny. Paul's speech had to serve as an example for Timothy. Consequently, Paul used sound words when he taught and preached. Paul's many testimonies reveal that he had a robust prayer life. Paul depended on the aid and guidance of the Holy Spirit as he ministered to others. Timothy's calling was a good thing and Paul challenged him to lean on the Holy Spirit to help him stay faithful to his minist1Y. Paul's advice and his example would have meant nothing if Timothy had failed to embrace his calling of God. Ministry is difficult at times. All opposition to the ministry is not external. Our flesh fights against the things of God—including our own calling. Life sometimes feels easier when our flesh leads the way. But that is not profitable for us. Having a mentor to encourage and challenge us can be essential to living up to the calling of God on our lives. This what Timothy had in Paul. Many believe that this letter was the last one Paul wrote. How appropriate that Paul focused on encouraging his protégé and reminding him of his divine calling. Robert C. Hudson January 23, 2023