2 Timothy 1:6-10
6 ¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
We are going through a period where we see fear on all sides. People are fearful of the virus, of the financial consequences that will ensue from the shutdown that has taken place to combat the illness. They are afraid because of the uncertainty they feel. However for the Christian none of these things should move us. Let’s think about the truths found in these few verses. Consider:
I. The PROBLEM of fear – fear has several bad influences in our lives such as:
A. It’s PERSONAL – it make one put himself.before the Lord. I certainly don’t promote that we take foolish chances but we must always remember that …ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20
B. PARALYZING – Fear can cause us to become indecisive and inactive We must always follow the Word of God and simply obey The way to be ready for a crisis is to live in obedience/. It will become the default reaction to any situation When soldiers are trained, it is not only to teach them how and what to do, but also to instill the reaction in such a way that it becomes ‘automatic’ If we train ourselves to concentrate on obeying the Word of God, we won’t have time to concentrate on the fear. Uncontrolled fear comes from a lack of faith I do not know what the future holds, but I do know the one who holds the future Paul says it best: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
C. PROVOKES us to Error – Think of the Apostle Peter. He was a man of action and of great courage We often hear of him sinking in the sea when he tried to walk to Jesus on the water. It’s true that he sank when he saw the storm instead of Jesus, but he was the only one who left the boat! Also he was quick to take up the sword at the arrest of Jesus. His failures all came when he looked at the dangers and difficulties, taking his eyes off of the Lord The advice that a coach gives his players is applicable here “keep your eye on the ball”. We need to decide before the crisis that we will simply obey
II. Our PROVISION We have the spirit of power, love and a sound mind.
A. The DEFINITION of spirit – the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of anyone In other words what it is that motivates us to do what we do. Why do people act as they do? maybe for money or adulation or fame or love. What moves a Christian should be a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Let’s look at:
B. POWER – the word power can have different meanings, among those that are applicable to our study are:
1. Power or Strength – There is physical strength. As I get older I have to cope with the reality that I’m not strong enough to do many of the things I did in my youth. I may have the knowledge to perform many of the tasks that were once so simple and easy, but not the strength needed. There is also the power of wealth or the influence that money can bring to bear This is a constant reality in our nation There is the power of fame, many who have little to offer, but have fame can wield great power. But the power that we have is the power of God or it could be called moral power. God’s will and plan will be done in the end Our problem is that we often don’t see the whole view. We are limited by time and our physical senses. We must learn to see with the eyes of faith and not with our earthly eyes. 2 Kings 6:15-17 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. We have all the power or strength that we need. We need to learn how it is to be used
2. Moral strength Dr. James W. Crumpton often said that a lie can run around the world before the truth can put its shoes on, but the truth will have its boots on and will come marching in. Again we make the mistake of seeing only the physical and only regarding the apparent present situation/ As someone once said “It’ll be okay, I read the last chapter!” How many victories in history would have been forfeited if the warriors on the battle field had given in to the “obvious” defeat they faced. Romans 8:35-38 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
C. LOVE – love is a very much over-used and misunderstood term today; Without going into a lengthy explanation, I will give you my short definition. Love is an act of one’s will where by one decides to do the best for another regardless of the cost or reward he receives from his actions. Love is not an emotion that is beyond our control. Love certainly produces emotion, but emotion is the result and not the cause. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He that is born again is a new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Our logical response to such great love should be to seek to express our wonder and gratitude in every way possible Jesus tells us how in John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Love makes sacrifice not be a burden but a privilege and a pleasure. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. There are many other Scriptures that teach us that whatever God choses for us is the best we could seek.
D. SOUND MIND – We are to guard our minds from the attacks of the enemyPhilippians 4:4-8 4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. When we consider what it is that God has done for us it is only reasonable, logical, to be expected that we serve Him with all that we have. Many think that a Christian is ignorant and has a blind faith that refuses education. The truth is that belief in God and His creation is supported by much more evidence and logic than the so-called theory of evolution. All Christians should study. If your faith is so fragile that the things of the world can destroy it, it is far too weak to hold up in the storms of life. There are so many examples that we could cite to support the truth of creation, but just the human eye should be sufficient. How could all of the different parts of the body necessary for sight have evolved? If any one of the elements is missing then there is no advantage to having all the rest. No God made our marvelous bodies in all their intricate detail.
III. The PROMISE
A. LIFE ETERNAL John 3:16 John 3:16 [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. How long is eternity? How do we even measure it when time is no more?
B. LIBERTY from sin’s:
1. Penalty- Jesus paid my debt for sin I can say with Paul: 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. I know one thing for sure my sins are gone
2. Power – I, like all sinners, was a slave to sin But Jesus came to save His people from their sins. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
3. Presence – Ephesians 5:25-27 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
IV. The PROVIDER We sing a hymn that says Jesus Christ is made to me all I need. I hope that is reality in your life. We find this truth expressed in John 15:1-8 [1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. The battle is not ours, it is the Lord’s. Psalm 20:7 [7] Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Faith Baptist Church of Newborn GA 