2 Timothy 1:7 - Holy Spirit Power, Love and Self-Control.
2 Timothy 1:7 - Holy Spirit Power, Love and Self-Control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us
timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (CEV) God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us.
The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (ERV) The Spirit God gave us does not make us
afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.
God does not give a spirit of fear, that is, timidity or
cowardice; rather God provides:
* Power -- We do not need to have naturally powerful
personalities. God gives strength of character and confidence that wins us
respect when we face opposition as we speak, preach, and live the truth.
God supernaturally replaces any timidity on the servant's part with
boldness.
* Love -- Accompanying the power to speak the truth must be
love for the listeners, believers and nonbelievers alike. Love
separates Christians from the heathen world around them. Jesus promised,
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love
for one another" (John 13:35 NKJV).
* Self-discipline -- This can also be translated
"self-control" or "sound mind." In order to lead others, the true minister must
have control over himself. To put it another way, a good leader must
have a cool head. Self-discipline and self-control sound like
self-effort. But Paul explained them as divinely bestowed on his servants,
resulting in soundness of mind.
All of these qualities (boldness, power, love, and
self-control) are gifts of the Spirit, not just natural tendencies. They
function best in harmony. Boldness and power are tempered by love and
self-control. Under the pressures of leadership, people tend to gravitate
toward a desire for power and boldness as the most effective tools for
success. But used alone, these qualities are self-defeating. The
inclusion of love and self-control clearly indicates that a leader's
effectiveness comes from God's Spirit. We may be impressed by a leader who
exhibits boldness and power, but without love or self-control, such a
leader is little more than a bully....
The expression a spirit of timidity is probably another way
of saying "a timid disposition," which Timothy probably had by
nature. But the Holy Spirit has given believers power (Acts 1:8), love
(Rom 5:5), and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Thus, to have a spirit
with these qualities is to have a human spirit that has been
regenerated by the the Holy Spirit. (Life Application Commentary)
Are You Afraid or Fearful the Christian Life Is Too Hard?
There is a very common excuse, that it is a very hard thing
to be a Christian.... Is it true that the Lord is a hard master,
and the devil an easy one?.... Go and ask that child of God, who
has been serving Christ twenty or thirty years, whether He is a hard
master. He will tell you that His yoke is easy and His burden light....
And all the men who are serving the devil faithfully will say
that they find the way hard....
Don't go off with that delusion that it is a hard thing to
serve God. I will tell you where you have made a mistake. You have
tried to serve God in the flesh, before you have been born of the
Spirit, and you have failed... It is not only a hard thing, but it is
impossible for any one to serve God in the flesh.... But when the Lord Jesus
comes into the heart, and we have been born of the Spirit, and have
passed from death into life and become heirs of eternal life... I
testify to it that the yoke is easy and the burden is light. D. L.
Moody; The Gospel Awakening; [Spirit Filled Life Devotional SB]
Do You Have Other Fears Or Worries?
Imagine how many hours we waste each year worrying about
things that never happen, things that are out of our control. Worry is
not an emotion, but a mental obsession. It causes lack of sleep,
irritability, strain on relationships, and the feeling that life is floating
out there just beyond reach. I am learning that worry is the direct
opposite of faith - and fear in disguise.
I want to live smarter, understanding what I can and cannot
control. I can't control the lives of others or the circumstances I will
have to face. But I can control how I respond to them. Will I allow
myself to become obsessed? Will I allow my fear to create enormous
monsters in my mind, monsters intent on pulling me down and away from my
faith in God?
With God's help, I won't let that happen. Instead, I will
seek God daily, saturate my mind with God's Word - the Bible - and
immerse myself in prayer. I will turn my worries over to God before they
can become obsessions. Then I'm going to record it in my journal.
Finally, I'm going to reach out to the people God has placed in my life.
I will invite them to tell me if they see something in my life
that I need to deal with. I'm going to live the next year free of
mental obsessions by seeing that God is in control of my life.
Dear Lord, you are the only one who controls the affairs of
this life. Help me as I work to castoff mental obsessions and take on
your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily
Devotional by John & Johnny Baker]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
It is good that you recognize your weakness. That keeps you
looking to Me, your Strength. Abundant life is not necessarily health
and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me. Instead of
trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the
lookout for what I am doing. This mind-set will free you to enjoy Me and
to find what I have planned for you to do. This is far better than
trying to make things go according to your own plan.
Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with
Me. You have Me on your side, so what are you worried about? I can
equip you to do absolutely anything, as long as it is My will. The
more difficult your day, the more I yearn to help you. Anxiety wraps
you up in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts. When you look
to Me and whisper My Name, you break free and receive My help.
Focus on Me, and you will find Peace in My Presence. (Phi. 4:13; Pro.
17:22) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
CLOSING SPIRITUAL PEARL
God's gift of faith is like a flame, and when the embers of the
fire have cooled you must fan them again and keep them ablaze. [The
Voice re 2Tim. 1:8-10]
GREAT PRAISE MUSIC VIDEO:
In Moments Like These:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAhlIHCZw5A
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20101022-1309.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20061023-0828.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Music Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS:
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
