“Life is attitude. It's not what happens to you. It's how you handle it. Think better, feel better.” —www.attitude.com

“There are many types of limitations. A limitation is defined as an attitude, or value, or physical or mental factor that works against success on the job.”

“It may sound impossible. Naturally, no one is perfect! However, if you will try working on one or two of those behaviors, you will notice a change from a negative attitude to a more desirable outlook on life. You will also see that people will start to like you better and you will like them better, too. Attitude is a key to success, both at work and outside of work.”—Professional Personnel Development Center

Timothy’s Job Description20+ items

• “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering…” 1:8

• “Retain the standard of sound words…Guard the treasure…” 1:13-14

• “Be strong…” 2:1

• “Entrust these to faithful men…” 2:2

Timothy’s Job Description20+ items

• “Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus…” 2:3

• “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman…” 2:15

• “Reprove, rebuke, exhort…” 4:2

2 Tm. 1:5-6Faith

• Compliments should serve to motivate us

• Sober reminder of our insignificance: God is greater than I am

• Nothing can be done without faith; everything can be done with faith

2 Tm. 1:5-6Equipped—1 Co. 12:4-10

• word of wisdom• word of knowledge• Faith• Healing• Miracles• Prophecy• Distinguishing of spirits• Interpretations of tongues• Purpose: “for the common good” (cf. Eph. 4:12)

“There is nothing so strong as the power of keeping on keeping on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful individuals with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are

omnipotent.” —Calvin Coolidge

“…attitude is a key to success both at work and outside of work.”—PPPC

What Stopped You?

• Unthoughtfulness?

• Neglect?

• Excuses?

• Laziness?

• Fear?

2 Tm. 1:7Spirit

Paul’s usage: We have the Divine Spirit within us, so our spirit should be like His Spirit.

Pattern / Example / Model

2 Tm. 1:7Spirit = Disposition, Character

• 1 Pe. 3:4, “…but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit…” (submissiveness)

• Phil. 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves…”(humility)

• Mt. 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”

– “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Prov. 16:8)

2 Tm. 1:7…a spirit not of timidity

• “It’s my calling.” —Capt. Timothy Stackpole

• “Every fire is scary. That’s the way it is. You’re a liar if you say your not scared.” —Lincoln Quappe

• “Sometimes in this job, good-bye is really good-bye.” —Ray Downey

• “Guys, be very careful, because firemen are going to die today.” —Capt. Daniel Brethel

2 Tm. 1:7…a spirit not of timidity

“The ferocity of the tiger is due to its incredible audacity and courage. It sees no danger, knows no fear, tolerates no delay, uses no trickery, and abandons no object of attack.”

“Be strong and of good courage…” Dt. 31:6

Don’t Be Timid

• Next time

• Next time

• Next time…

2 Tm. 1:7But of Power

• Psalm 18:6, “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.”

• Psalm 20:2, “May He send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!”

• Psalm 22:19, “But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!”

• Psalm 27:9, “Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help…”

2 Tm. 1:7But of Power

• Psalm 33:20, “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.”

• Psalm 34:17, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

• Psalm 40:13, “Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!”

2 Tm. 1:7…of power and Love

• Sympathetic of Paul’s sufferings (1:8)

• Concern for those who have wandered away from the faith (1:18)

• Devoted to the future of the Kingdom (2:2)

• Guard believers from ruinous teachings (2:14)

• Love of truth (2:15-16)

• Love for “enemies” (2:24-25)

2 Tm. 1:7…power and love and Discipline

• Aaron Ralston, Utah, April 2003

– “The moderating of ones desires in obedience to reason.”—Cicero

– Mt. 18:8; 1 Co. 5:6

• 911 Emergency Response

• 70% knowledge

2 Tm. 1:7…power and love and Discipline

• Thorough

– “Some men give up their designs when they have ALMOST reached the goal; while others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before.”—Herodotus

»Mt. 26; Mk. 14; Lk. 22»2 Pe. 1:12

Lessons:

• Appreciate Reminders

• Do not be ashamed Join others

• Be ready for a tough road Rely on God

• Live in accordance with the power of God

• Have this attitude (Phil. 2:5)