25-0507wc - Detailed Summary

The teacher, Mike, opens the third part of a series titled "If the Lord Stirs You Up," delivered on May 7, 2025. He announces his intention to begin by reading three scripture passages before providing commentary. The selected passages are from 2 Timothy 1:6-11, 2 Peter 1:12-13, and 2 Peter 3:1-5 (or 6). Mike specifies that these readings will form the basis of his discussion, setting a structured approach for the class.

Mike proceeds to read the selected passages, starting with 2 Timothy 1:6-11 from the King James Version, chosen for its use of the phrase "stir up." This passage, written by Paul to Timothy, urges Timothy to rekindle the gift of God imparted through the laying on of Paul’s hands, emphasizing that God grants a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not fear. It encourages boldness in sharing the gospel, acknowledging afflictions, and highlights God’s purpose and grace through Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought immortality through the gospel. Mike then reads 2 Peter 1:12-13, where Peter expresses his commitment to remind believers of known truths to keep them grounded, intending to "stir them up" in remembrance as long as he lives. Finally, he reads 2 Peter 3:1-5 (or 6), where Peter writes to stir the pure minds of believers, reminding them of the prophets’ words and apostles’ commandments, warning of scoffers in the last days who deny Christ’s return and ignore the historical flood that destroyed the world.

Mike begins his commentary by focusing on 2 Timothy 1:6, where Paul reminds Timothy to stir up the gift imparted through the apostles’ hands, likely the Holy Spirit’s power for miraculous works. He notes that all three passages share the theme of "remembrance," as both Paul and Peter emphasize reminding believers of foundational truths. In 2 Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy to overcome fear, embrace the gospel’s afflictions, and remain unashamed, echoing Paul’s own declaration in Romans 1:16 about not being ashamed of the gospel, which holds the power for salvation. Mike underscores the importance of actively rekindling one’s spiritual gifts and staying committed to the gospel’s mission.

Mike shifts to 2 Peter 1:12-13, where Peter commits to continually remind believers of established truths, even as he nears death. He connects this to 2 Peter 1:16-21, where Peter refutes accusations of following fables by affirming his eyewitness experience at the Transfiguration, where God declared Jesus His beloved Son. Mike highlights Peter’s reference to the "more sure word of prophecy," emphasizing that scripture is divinely inspired, not subject to private interpretation, as holy men spoke under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This underscores the reliability and authority of scripture as a guide for believers.

In discussing 2 Peter 3:1-5, Mike explains Peter’s intent to stir believers’ minds by reminding them of prophetic and apostolic teachings, countering scoffers who question Christ’s return by claiming continuity since creation. Peter refutes this by recalling the flood, proving that the world has faced divine judgment before, and warns of a future judgment by fire. Mike contextualizes these scriptures within the early church, noting that the Old Testament was the primary scripture at the time, while New Testament writings, like Paul’s and Peter’s letters, were being composed and circulated to guide believers.

Mike applies the scriptures to modern believers, stressing the need to return to the Word to stir up faith and remembrance, countering teachings that suggest the Holy Spirit operates apart from scripture. He shares a personal testimony about his journey to baptism at age 14, influenced by a gospel meeting near his home. Initially hesitant due to feeling unclean, he was drawn back by concern for his half-brother and later motivated by fears of global conflict (the Cuban Missile Crisis). A preacher’s inquiry about his age prompted Mike to acknowledge his readiness for baptism, which he attributes to the Holy Spirit working through the taught Word. He concludes by affirming that the Holy Spirit, God, and Jesus work through scripture, urging believers to stay rooted in it.

Mike emphasizes the centrality of God’s Word in prompting believers to recall and reinforce what they have learned. He acknowledges that while believers may already know certain teachings, prolonged neglect of scripture can lead to forgetting key portions. By returning to the Word, believers are stirred up spiritually, an effect Mike attributes to the work of God and the Holy Spirit within them. This stirring is presented as the core focus of the lesson, highlighting the need for divine inspiration through scripture to maintain and renew faith.

Mike contrasts the miraculous ways God stirred people in the Old Testament with the spiritual significance of being stirred up in the New Testament context. He explains that the scriptures read during the lesson carry a spiritual value, intended to motivate believers to share the gospel, proclaim God’s love, and testify to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. This call to action underscores the practical outcome of being stirred by the Word, urging believers to evangelize and live out their faith actively.

Mike concludes the lesson with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage with God’s Word and asking that it stir believers to fulfill their responsibilities, particularly in spreading the gospel. He acknowledges potential challenges, such as verbal persecution, but encourages steadfastness and courage, referencing Paul’s advice to Timothy to reject fear. The prayer also includes a petition for the sick and a request for strength as believers depart, with a hope that they will remain faithful and ultimately hear God’s welcoming voice granting eternal reward. The session ends with an “Amen,” marking the close of the lesson.