Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 18-21
     New Testament Reading: 2 Timothy 1

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment (2 Timothy 1:7).

Paul gave hope and encouragement to Timothy. He spoke of finding comfort and strength in God’s grace through Jesus. Facing martyrdom himself, Paul takes time out to remind Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear or cowardice. There is no time for fearfulness or timidity.

Fear focuses our attention on ourselves and on things we do not need to consider. It fills our minds with hypothetical situations that all end in defeat. Eventually, it consumes us. This is why we cannot shrink back in obeying God and using the gifts He has given us because He is ultimately in control of our futures, and we are never victims of our circumstances.

Rather than a spirit of fear, God has given us a spirit of power. Unlimited strength is at our disposal. Through the enabling of the Holy Spirit, the believer can serve courageously, endure patiently, suffer triumphantly, and, if need be, die gloriously.

God has also given us a spirit of love. It is our love for God that casts out fear and makes us willing to give ourselves for Christ, whatever the cost may be. It is our love for our fellow men that makes us willing to endure all kinds of persecutions and repay them with kindness.

Finally, God has given us a spirit of sound judgment. God enables us to exercise self-control and discipline. We are to use discretion and not act rashly, hastily, or foolishly. No matter how adverse our circumstances are, we should maintain balanced judgment and act thoughtfully.

Paul’s words instilled in Timothy (and us today) hope, courage, faith, and confidence! While we may never face physical persecution, we live in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christ. To stand firm under cultural pressure, we must put into practice God’s power and love and exercise sound judgment.