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"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" (II Tim. 3: 5).
Dunatos, "powerful", occurs once, "I am persuaded that He is able" (II Tim. 1: 12).
Endunamoo, "to empower", occurs twice, "Thou therefore be strong in the grace
that is in Christ Jesus" (II Tim. 2: 1); "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me"
(II Tim. 4: 17).
The power which is introduced into these different parts of the epistle, had received a
very full exposition in the ministry of the apostle Paul. Timothy would be fully
acquainted with the teaching of Eph. 1: 19; 3: 7; and 3: 20. He would know that
the Apostle himself placed the knowledge of the power of His resurrection before the
experience of fellowship with His sufferings or conformity to His death. Timothy would
not look within, to the gift that was within him, he would not look around, not even to
Paul himself, his father in the faith, but to that place above where Christ sitteth at the
right hand of God, the Source of all spiritual power for His believing children. The use
of dunatos in II Tim. 1: 12, would be a confirmation of Timothy's faith. Paul was
persuaded that the Lord was powerful enough to keep that which had been entrusted, and
the Apostle's own experience of this mighty power, to which he refers in II Tim. 4: 17,
would be further confirmation.
If the ministry of the gospel entailed suffering, it was also guaranteed unlimited
power, for this is the power that overcomes death and the grace. Therefore both Timothy,
and we ourselves, may receive abounding encouragement to endure and maintain our
witness, in spite of all that man may say, threaten, or do, and moreover, in spite of our
own conscious weakness, error and waywardness. If the gospel be the power of God
unto salvation, it certainly brings with it the mighty power of God for subsequent service.
#7.
Before the "age times", and now (1: 9, 10).
pp. 65 - 69
In verses 9 and 10 of II Tim. 1: we read:
"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."
How much there is in these few words if we can only take them to heart.
Am I fearful? Then let me remember that He has saved me. Before my wondering
eyes passes the story of love so vast and deep that fear departs, and in the salvation that
encompasses past, present and future (II Cor. 1: 10) I am strong.