We receive the Spirit of Power, Love and Self-Discipline

March 27, 2013 - 2 Timothy 1:6-8

1:6		為 此 我 提 醒 你 、 使 你 將 　 神 藉 我 按 手 所 給 你 的 恩 賜 、 再 如 火 挑 旺 起 來 。
1:7		因 為 　 神 賜 給 我 們 、 不 是 膽 怯 的 心 、 乃 是 剛 強 、 仁 愛 、 謹 守 的 心 。
1:8		你 不 要 以 給 我 們 的 主 作 見 證 為 恥 、 也 不 要 以 我 這 為 主 被 囚 的 為 恥 ． 總 要 按 　 神 的 能 力 、 與 我 為 福 音 同 受 苦 難 ．

 ⁶ 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. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Paul reminds Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God he received from the Lord through the laying on of Paul's hands in him before. Paul further exhorts to Timothy that the Spirit he received from God is also a spirit of power, love and self-discipline though Timothy was now suffering with Paul for the Gospel's sake. Paul considers that the Spirit of God is the source of power and love for us believers, igniting our hearts and giving us the required gifts for serving, and at the same time, even transforming our weakness into power, coldness of heart into spiritual fervor, fear into courage, shame-ness of the Gospel into glory of exalting Jesus, etc. 

My dear Holy Spirit, I also deeply hunger for the manifestation of Your power and love into my life, occupying every part of my mind, will and affection. Ignite the gifts that You have given and shaped in my life before. Fill my heart with "warmth" from the love of Jesus, "courage" from the power of the Spirit, and "zeal" for God's glory.