Week 11: April 17-23
God Has Not Given Us Fear
II Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Last week we looked at II Timothy 1:6, and we discussed “fanning the flame” in our spiritual lives. Verse 7 is a continuation of the same exhortation Paul is giving to Timothy, as he warns Timothy about living in fear. This is a helpful exhortation - but what is the connection to fanning the flame of our spiritual walk? Matthew Henry makes a link for us to the evil servant who buried his talent in Matt. 25:25. Fear may prevent us from stirring up our gifts and fanning the flame of our spiritual walk.
Fear is a topic that every Christian should take time to study. We are so often paralyzed by fear in various aspects of our earthly and spiritual lives. But consider these comforting words, “God gave us a spirit not of fear.” The fear we feel and sense does not come from God; it comes from Satan and our flesh. Through our new life in Christ, we have dominion over death and eternal security with God. There is nothing that we should fear!
Paul’s statement reminds us of what we do have in Christ: Power! Love! Self-Control! What does this trifecta of Spiritual ammo do for us? We can use our spiritual gifts for ministry in the “power” of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) We are often afraid of what we can’t do, but the Spirit empowers us to use our gifts and minister to others. We use “love” in the way we minister. We often worry about how people will receive our spiritual ministry, but love will guide us to carefully deal with others. God has also given us the spirit of “self-control.” This allows us to be disciplined and purposeful in our ministry.
Use this verse to discern the voices in your head. The voice that speaks fear is from your fearful flesh and the devil. The voices that urge you to do amazing things like preach the word and share the gospel – that is the Holy Spirit! The voice that urges you to act or pull back in love of others – that is the Holy Spirit. The voice that tells you to control yourself for the sake of ministry and others – that is the Holy Spirit.
Pro Tip: If you want the Spirit’s voice to be louder – get in the Word and pray!
Pray Together
- Pray that God will help you destroy fear in your life and live in power, love, and self-control.
- Pray that God will create an opportunity for a gospel conversation this week.
- Pray that God will develop in you a heart of prayer and dependence on Him.
Further Reading
- Read the entirety of 1 Timothy 1
- Read Acts 1
- I John 4 – discusses fear and love