It Starts Small

³ I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. ⁴ Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.

⁶ Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

2 Timothy 1:3-7

I thank God

When I grew up, my piano teacher, Mrs. Clare, fervently instilled in me the power of gratitude whenever a wave of kindness swept into my life. Astoundingly, this profound principle flows in both directions! It is essential for parents to jubilantly celebrate and express their heartfelt appreciation when their children shine brightly. They ought to passionately thank God for the radiant gifts illuminating their children’s lives. Equally important, they must envelop their kids in a cascade of genuine gratitude. How does this resonate with or diverge from the ways parents honor their children in your culture?

Sometimes, parents gather to vent their frustrations about their children. It’s disheartening to see how much pressure is heaped upon these young souls. They are pushed to conform to rigid expectations. The cycle of comparing, blaming, and pressing down is all too prevalent. It’s time to break free from this toxic culture that surrounds us in parenting! You have the power to lead with authority and instill discipline, all while showering your children with kindness and grace. They deserve a nurturing environment that uplifts rather than diminishes their spirit!

Do you express heartfelt gratitude when your children shine? Do you kindly utter “please” in their presence, teaching them the power of respect? Do you celebrate their victories, affirming their worth with every achievement? Do you lift your voice in thankfulness to God for the blessings that your children bring into your life? Or do you let negativity seep in, casting blame, voicing complaints, and allowing frustration to control your heart?

We must embody politeness, grace, and gratitude in every aspect of our lives! This principle extends beyond our physical children to encompass our spiritual children and disciples. Let us embrace an uplifting mindset. We should wholeheartedly “believe all things” and strive to see the best in everyone. It’s better than dwelling on the negative.

I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day

Discipleship, much like the profound journey of raising children, is a relentless and rewarding endeavor. It demands unwavering commitment and relentless effort. So, what truly goes into the beauty of discipleship? At the heart of it lies the sacred power of prayer. This unsung hero works tirelessly behind the scenes. It is often unseen by the disciples or the children themselves. Yet, it stands as the cornerstone of their spiritual development. Prayer is, without a doubt, the most crucial element of this journey. No matter how expertly you educate your children, you cannot force them to embrace Christ with their hearts. Likewise, despite exemplifying a Christ-centered life, you cannot compel them to fully become disciples of Him. And even with rigorous discipline to guide their outward behavior, controlling their hearts remains beyond your grasp.

Discipleship is no different! You can’t simply compel your Bible study students to cherish God’s word. You can’t force them to pray fervently. You can’t make them share the gospel with enthusiasm. You can’t drive them to initiate fellowships. You can’t enforce their obedience to the Word. You can’t even impose homework upon them! Truly, the heart cannot be changed by mere external pressure.

But God has the power to transform! He is in the magnificent business of altering hearts. If you long to see a heart changed, then pray fervently for them! Don’t settle for a fleeting prayer here and there. Follow Paul’s relentless devotion. Lift that person up in prayer day and night!

I Long to See You

Paul had an incredibly close bond with Timothy; his absence was deeply felt, and he longed for their time together. There was something magical about being in each other’s presence, savoring every moment. Discipleship is a profound journey, requiring significant time and dedication—it’s a slow burn, not a quick fix. We mustn’t see this commitment as a burden but rather as a beautiful opportunity. Some of us may naturally lean toward introversion. We find solace in solitude. However, we must embrace the call to connect with others. When we hear, “I am not a people person,” let’s challenge that notion! God desires for each of us to be a “people person.” Our hearts should overflow with love for others, driving us to invest our time in their lives. Let’s not waste these precious moments. When we gather with others, let’s seize the opportunity to nurture their spirits. We can also grow together in faith.

Paul understood Timothy’s spiritual situation and history

If we truly desire to disciple others, we must first delve deep into their spiritual backgrounds. This journey will often lead us to ask profound questions and truly learn about one another. Simultaneously, we should eagerly share our own testimonies with those who seek them out. It’s essential to grasp an individual’s spiritual environment. Only then can we effectively guide them in their very real lives.

A godly heritage is a great blessing

Timothy was profoundly blessed with a mother and grandmother who fervently believed in God. Many of you, too, might carry the incredible gift of a godly heritage! People have lit the path ahead of you, teaching you the gospel and lifting you up in prayer. Cherish this blessing! Let it ignite a fierce desire within you to nurture your own children in the same righteous way.

I am convinced, is in you also.

His mother and grandmother’s unwavering faith served as a powerful blessing. However, Timothy had to forge his own path of belief. It was simply not sufficient to be raised in a household that ardently believed in God. As the timeless adage goes, “God has no grandchildren.” Each individual stands accountable before God, owning their life and choices. A child raised in a Christian family must not lean on that legacy. It is utterly impossible to be “born a Christian.” Each soul must passionately seek their own relationship with the Divine.

I remind you to rekindle the gift of God

Complacency can be an insidious trap for believers, especially those who have grown up in Christian families. New believers radiate with excitement and zeal for Christ, their hearts ablaze with passion. Yet, as time passes, that fervor can dim. Too often, their relationship with God or their ministry succumbs to stagnation. Paul evidently sensed that Timothy needed a revival of spirit. Perhaps he had started to merely go through the motions. The weight of challenges, difficulties, and demanding individuals might have siphoned away his energy and enthusiasm. It is a call to reignite that fire and reclaim the joy of serving!

---

Cross References on Spiritual Gifts

• Romans 12:4-8
• 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
• Romans 12:11
• Isaiah 59:17
• Philippians 1:27
• Hebrews 6:12

Discussion Questions

• What do we learn in these verses about Paul’s relationship with Timothy?
• Can we learn any “secret ingredients” of discipleship?
• How would you describe Paul’s emotions toward Timothy?
• What did Paul’s feelings of affection toward Timothy cause him to do?
• How does Paul affirm Timothy starting in verse 5
• What do we learn about how Timothy came to faith?
• What does he mean to “kindle afresh the gift of God?”
• What does the term “kindle afresh” imply about the dangers of complacency?
• Do you think believers are more excited about their faith in the first year or tenth year after believing in Christ?
• Why do new believers have that excitement and passion? Why do older believers sometimes lack that?
• How can we avoid becoming complacent in our Christian walks?
• In what ways might a timid spirit show itself? How can we demonstrate “power, love, and discipline?”

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.