Gifts of God - aptitudes and endowments - given to believers for the testimony of Christ must frequently be stirred up; literally Paul says - rekindled. Here is how, and here also are the three great strengths which we have from the Spirit that enable us to do this.

Sublime concepts illustrated and explained:- 'Saved' (what from and what to?), 'Holy Calling', 'Grace' (and the sense in which this Old Testament concept was more wonderfully revealed through Christ), the full meaning of 'Abolished Death', 'Life' (its glorious features) and 'Immortality'. Here is our highest knowledge.

Whatever Paul suffers or surrenders for Christ, he is certain of spiritual and bodily triumph because he knows Christ. Here are the grounds of his certainty. Here also is what it means to deposit one's life, soul and eternal interests into the safekeeping of Christ the Saviour.

A martial call to keep the Word despite continual pressure to sweep us off course. The superiority of God's Truth over human learning, and the need to defend not only the doctrines but the conduct they teach. Also, the vital practice of faith and love.

Paul's exhortation to be strong in grace is no mere general encouragement. It is the secret of his walk, and a necessity for us all. Here is the practice of constant dependence on Christ in every aspect of the life of churches and individual believers.

Timothy is to pass the Word to truly saved men, separated from the world, for the future. It is not only preachers who are to live as 'soldiers' but all believers, and here are the standards and conditions we accept for the love of Christ.