Christians were a small minority back when this letter was written. The towns where Paul founded Christian communities were like oil lamps that are spread apart against a landscape. Picture Paul traveling from place to place and lighting those lamps.
Despite physical hardships and financial worries, Paul never lost his passion to carry on the work of Christ. Where did he himself get the "fuel" to keep his own lamp of faith burning?
It came from his contact with the living Christ. Not just that dramatic first contact when Paul/Saul was on the road to Damascus - the encounter with the Lord that brought about Saul's conversion.
He was "fueled" by his continuing connection, contact, and experience with the risen Christ. Christ was much more than someone from the past who had done wonderful tings. Christ and Paul were connected. Without the fuel that connection provides, the fire goes out.
How is the "fuel supply" for your lamp of faith?
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw