2 Timothy 1:3-18; Psalm 116:3-19

2 Timothy 1:3-18
Paul has commented on Timothy's genuine faith and his spiritual gifts. However, he warns him of some of the pitfalls he is facing or may face in the future. These are areas we need to be aware of as well. God can give us victory over these just as he did Timothy.

• Fear: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity; but of power, love, and self-discipline." v. 7 When we find ourselves paralyzed with fear, we know this doesn't come from God.
• Shame: "So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either,..." v. 8, 12
• Weakness: "With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News." v. 8
• Carelessness:  "Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me...Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you." vv. 13-14

As we trust God to work in our lives to conquer these negatives, we must always remember the many positives God, through His grace, gives us. Paul lists some here.

• Salvation. God has saved us, showing us His grace through the Lord Jesus Christ! v. 9
• Eternal Life. Jesus broke the power of death and illuminated the way to eternal life through the Good News. v. 10
• Security. "...for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return." v. 12
• The Holy Spirit who lives within us. v. 14  He gives us the power to accomplish all of God's plan for our lives.
• Christian friends. vv. 16-18  Though some people will let us down, v. 15, others will not. Paul was thankful for faithful friends.

Psalm 116:3-19
The psalmist is praising the Lord for saving him from certain death. vv. 3-8

Some of these words of praise are good for us to remember. Sometimes when we pray, we neglect the praise God deserves.
"How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!" v. 5
"The Lord protects those of childlike faith;" v. 6
"The Lord has been good to me." v. 7
"He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling." v. 8
"The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die." v. 15

Along with praise, we should offer thanksgiving.  "I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord." v. 17