I am amazed at the goodness of God – how the God of all creation chose us to be witnesses of Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to exalt Jesus in our lives. Let’s look at 2 Timothy chapter 1…
The Apostle Paul is in prison awaiting execution, and he
is writing to Timothy (his son in the faith). He is touched by Timothy’s concern for him. In verse 7, he writes, “God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
How many understand what “a spirit of fear” is? Here, “fear” is translated “timidity.” It is not merely a human disposition and it can give place to bondage. It is not from God.
Possibly because of his youth or natural temperament, Timothy, it appears, was prone to timidity (fear) and had been reluctant to face heavy responsibilities. But to have verse 7 operational in our life, we must know verse 6. In it, the Apostle Paul reminds Timothy to “stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands.” Paul suggests that a distinct manifestation was bestowed upon Timothy through the prayers of the apostles. (1 Timothy 4:14).
In verse 7, Paul reminds Timothy that God also gave us a spirit of “power, love and a sound mind.”
POWER – God gave us the anointing and enabling power of His Holy Spirit to fulfill our calling and he could rely on the power of God.
LOVE – Are you functioning in love? We have the perfect love of God poured out in our lives through Jesus Christ and His abiding presence (Romans 5:5).
SOUND MIND – We have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), which is proper and right thinking, and good judgement in decision-making.
The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy of the advantage he had in growing up in a spiritual family atmosphere and of the faith “which dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother
Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you, too.” (verse 5)
He encouraged Timothy that He was called! Paul knew that Timothy was not a coward and reminds him to stir up the gift within him through the laying on of hands. He is saying, “Believe the Word. The gift of God is in you right now! Get on board! You have to get rid of that timidity.”
Pastor Jerry
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