Because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day

 2 Timothy 1:1-18

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 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.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Deep thankfulness fills Paul's heart as he thinks of Timothy. And he longs for this man of many fears, as well as real faith, to share his own confidence. he urges Timothy to hold to the truth he has taught him, and not be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul. The secret of Paul's confidence is knowing Christ. God's grace is sufficient; he will give the needed strength to endure in the face of opposition and suffering.

Why?

The sincere faith is seen in Timothy's mother and grandmother. Paul is glad that he has this faithful son, Timothy.

We have to fan into flame the gift of God, let us have power, love, and self-discipline, for there are may trick and desires on the world to attract us.

Do not shame the gospel, the Gospel is the grace of the Lord, suffering as Paul did is not shame but it is an honor. for the mission of God is come upon Paul, so Paul brave to go forward for his mission from the Lord.

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1.問安：自稱蒙召做使徒，根據永恆生命的確應許，本身是祝福，不是重擔。勉勵提摩太，寫信給兒子提摩太。後書直接說兒子，心中早已認定了。

2.勉勵：不要忘記恩典，主早賜下剛強、仁愛、謹守的心。所有的事都在神手中。

這恩典是萬古之先，在基督耶穌裡賜給我們的，不要因為目前教會的難處而氣餒，這些都是主要我們經歷的。

善道，你要靠著那住在我們裡面的聖靈牢牢的守著，雖然艱難，因為有愛而甘之如甘飴。也有人因為保羅受的苦而離開了，但是也有阿尼色弗一家人積極的找尋，幫助保羅，不怕被牽連。這些生活上的幫助與讀聖經、學問、職位、工作都沒有關係、不是使徒、沒有建立教會。這樣的人值得保羅寫在聖經當中。整個教會發展好像沒有顯赫的人，卻有效許多像阿尼色弗這樣的人。求主常提醒我們，牢牢守住善道。

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How?

Be strong, for the Lord gives us confidence and faith and Jesus Christ has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light to us.