As an fyi, the word unfeigned is defined as: genuine; sincere. Synonyms include: real, true, honest, authentic, unaffected, un-pretended, unforced, uncontrived, artless, candid, frank, bona-fide, earnest, heartfelt, wholehearted, deep, and from the heart.
Continuing, herein, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus is writing to Timothy." Note that Paul does not say that the promise of life is another, but in the same Jesus who met Paul (as Saul) on the road to Damascus. Therein, Paul asks, "Who art Thou, Lord?" The Lord answers Paul, saying, "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutes; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (Acts 9:1-6)
To his instructional letter to Timothy, Paul continues saying, "Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." (II Timothy 1:1-11)
For clarity, remember the Holy Ghost fathered the holy child Jesus in the womb -- that holy thing -- in that the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. The Holy Ghost being the same God who created the heavens and the earth is confirmed herein. And to wit, this same God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19) Paul opens many of his letters in this way, so that we understand that the Holy Ghost is New Testament, the doctrine of Christ specifically defined. (II John 1:9; I Corinthians 1:1-2; Hebrews 6:1-2)
From I Timothy 1:1-2 -- "Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ -- which is our hope. Unto Timothy, [my] own son in the faith; Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Timothy 1:1-2; Romans 1:7; Luke 1:47; Colossians 1:27; Titus 1:3-4; II Timothy 1:2)
Earlier, Paul has reiterated to Timothy to teach no other doctrine, neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in the faith. (I Timothy 1:3-4; Galatians 1:6-7; I Timothy 6:3; I Timothy 4:7; Titus 1:14)
Note that apostle Paul had continually been faithful to God "whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son," and as noted in other scriptures, his conscience clear. (Acts 23:1; Romans 1:8-9) Paul kept in remembrance the saints in prayers night and day, and in this case, desired to see Timothy that he may be filled with joy. In fact, Paul was in a rush to stir up the gift of God which is in Timothy (given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery" -- by the putting on of his hands. (II Timothy 1:6; I Thessalonians 5:19; I Timothy 4:14)
The gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)
Similarly, in terms of the three generations noted above, Paul reiterates that Timothy "take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (I Timothy 4:16; Romans 11:14; Titus 2:7) The promise being given to you and to your children, and to those who are afar off. (Acts 2:38-39)
Why is this important? For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7) In another place, we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15) As Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
It is for this reason that we should not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, but rather partaker in the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling -- not according to works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. (II Timothy 1:8-9; Mark 8:38; Ephesians 3:1; Romans 16:25; Titus 1:2)
"Now to Him that is of the power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but is now made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever, amen." (Romans 16:25-27; Romans 2:16; Ephesians 1:9; Romans 1:2, 5; Romans 11:36; I Timothy 1:17)
There is so much more here. For now, hold fast the form of sound words -- in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus ... that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. (II Timothy 1:13-14)
Stand in the offering plate.
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