Jesus wants you

2 Timothy 1:6
{6} For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

“Uncle Sam wants you …,” These are the famous words of the military recruiting poster. In America we view it as a call to arms for the individual, a call to personal responsibility to join the effort, participate in the fight, to do your part. In the last few generations the church has become far too spectator oriented instead of participant oriented. God never intended for us to sit and watch, it is the intent of God that every Christian be utilized in the service of the kingdom. Paul’s call to Timothy to guard the gospel is not just an educational lecture in which Timothy learns facts – It is a call of personal responsibility to get on the front line of the battle.

Jesus wants you – There is a cause for which to fight.
{6} For this reason …
The reason Timothy must be personal responsible for guarding the gospel could be singular or multifaceted. In looking at the context of the passage “reason” could refer to his heritage, his relationship with Paul, his family tradition, or even to the experience of his personal salvation. I believe that the best interpretation of this is the overall theme of the book. Paul calls him to remember the awesome responsibility of guarding the gospel. Personal ministry is not a hobby to be done for enjoyment or pastime. We are at war. There are forces in this world that strive to destroy truth. We must stand up for them with all the boldness we can muster.

Jesus wants you – God has specifically put a weapon in your hands
{6} … I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you …
God does not leave us without a weapon in the struggle for truth. The gift mentioned in this text could be referred to as a “grace gift.” It is a gift of some type of service which God bestows in the life of every believer. Timothy’s gift was to be a pastor. Not every Christian is called to an office of leadership within the church, but every child of God is given a gift from God to be utilized in his service. Not all soldiers carry the same weapon. Some weapons are more sophisticated than others and some are different in their function and purpose. Regardless of which weapon God has placed in your hand it is your responsibility to use the weapon God has designed for you to guard the gospel. Personal responsibility is seriously pointed out in the phrase “kindle afresh.” It is the idea of fanning or blowing on a glowing coal until it springs up into a working flame. God puts his weapon of choice in your hands but he demands that you practice it and care for it so that you can use it to the best of your ability.

Jesus wants you – Serve him in the ranks of the church
{6} … through the laying on of my hands.
The laying on of hands does not imply some magical bequeathing of spiritual power. It is a sign of church recognition and authority. Ephesians 4 clearly teaches us that the spiritual gifts were given to the church. Paul reminds Timothy that he was set aside in a solemn ceremony, he was sworn into the army of God. He must remember his oath of office and guard the gospel accordingly.

Does Jesus really want me? YES.