The dearness of Timothy to Paul was an indicator of the dearness with which we should have for each other. See Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:1-5; I Peter 1:22. Though Timothy is a special servant of Christ, He represents the model for all believers to be diligent servants of Christ. See I Timothy 4:12-16. Let's look at the things which Paul chose to remember about Timothy and the things which Paul wanted to remind Timothy. May God help us to apply the same things in our relationships with our fellow believers.

II Timothy 1:1-4 - Remembrance of his tears led Paul to continual prayer and a desire to personally encourage him. See Philippians 1:3-8; Romans 15:30; Hebrews 10:23-25; 13:3.

II Timothy 1:5 - Remembrance of his faith which was handed down from a faithful grandma and mother. You may not have a believing and faithful member of your earthly family like Timothy, but if you have genuine faith, it is because someone handed it down to our generation and eventually to you. See Romans 1:13-17; 10:11-15 cp. Jude 1:3.

II Timothy 1:6 - Reminding him of the need to keep his spiritual gifts developing and active. "Stir up / Kindle / Fan into a flame" that which God has given you, so that it is productive and useful in God's work. See Romans 12:1-13; Ephesians 5:14-21

II Timothy 1:7-8 - Reminding him to overcome fear with the mind of Christ. Fear leads to timidness, reticence / hesitation, and shame. We need to embrace the spiritual war that is before us. Conflict and resistance to the Gospel is an opportunity to see the power of God work in our lives. Don't expect a war without any resistance! See II Timothy 2:1-7; Romans 12:21; I Corinthians 2:1-16; 16:8-9,13; Ephesians 6:10-20. II Timothy 1:9-14 - Reminding Him of our Holy calling.

• God's eternal purpose
• Salvation by God's grace - not man's works
• The victory of Christ over death
• The Gospel's infusion of eternal life, immortality, and glory

These are the reasons that we have power and authority over all things in this world. We must not think like losers. We are not winning. We've already won!

See John 1:4-5; 11:25-26; Matthew 28:18-20; I Corinthians 15:51-58; II Corinthians 4:14-18; 5:1-4; Romans 1:16; 8:14-18,28-39; 16:20; II Timothy 4:1-18.

II Timothy 1:12; 2:8-10 - Reminding him of the person Jesus Christ - crucified, risen, and working with power through His Word today. See I Corinthians 2:1-5; Galatians 2:20; Romans 1:16 cp. John 5:24-25; 6:63.

Note the ministry of reminding - we need to teach people things that they may already know but can easily forget. Such forgetting is perilous! See II Timothy 2:14; Philippians 3:1-3; Titus 3:1-9; II Peter 1:1-15; 3:1-14.