2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)
At the beginning of this letter from Paul to Timothy (vv. 1-7) we see that the apostle is likely in his last days. With all that Paul went through, and was still suffering, for the Gospel he continued working to the end ensuring its message would continue to spread. In doing so, Paul was both warning and encouraging Timothy that while he would experience trouble he should not be deterred from boldly and unashamedly proclaiming the Good News to all he could reach.
Wow! Wouldn’t you be afraid of being handed a mantel like that? “Yeah, I love the Lord, but can I live up to THIS challenge? Do I even want to?” Paul is a tough act to follow. Can you imagine what was going through Timothy’s mind? For me, it would be fear. Get me outta here! Why does he think I can do this, I’m just a kid. Timothy was a young man, still optimistic, filled with the Spirit and given a special gift, through Paul. God saw to that. Aren’t gifts meant to be opened?
Timothy’s faith was strong; seeds planted by his mother and grandmother. He was in the prime of his life, fit and faithful. Paul encouraged Timothy by letting him know that he was loved and prayed for day and night. That Timothy’s love for Paul was known by the tears he shed when they last parted, and that he was deeply loved by Paul.
In love, Paul challenged Timothy to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave him. That means Paul knew Timothy had much more to do and that he had the tools to succeed. Are there embers in your heart just waiting to be stirred? Let the Spirit fan them into flames and see what happens.
As believers, because we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us so we have nothing to fear, BUT sometimes we forget that. Fear takes over and we begin to doubt ourselves. That’s exactly what the enemy wants. I think fear may be his most effective tool.
Well, in our power we will fail, but when we operate in the power of the Holy Spirit all fear subsides. He is always there, we have only to believe. In that power, we can accomplish all God has planned for us and His glory. We are able because our God is able (Ephes 3:20). There is no reason to fear. God promises over and over again to be with us where ever we go and, like Timothy, we are being asked to spread the Good News. We’ve all be given a job to do.
Matthew 28: 18-20 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Being fearful won’t get it done. Relying on the power of the Spirit within you will douse that fear with confidence allowing your fire to burn brightly in bold obedience.
Prayer- Dear Lord, help us to walk boldly and confidently in the gifts and abilities you’ve given us, in the power of Your Spirit, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Help us to be fearless today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reference: Matthey Henry’s Commentary at https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/2Ti/2Ti_000.cfm?a=1126007
This is Day 4 of the Write 28 Days Blogging Challenge . Participants choose a category, in which to concentrate throughout the challenge and the host provides a daily writing prompt. The prompt for today is ACCEPT.
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