[For] God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. —2 Timothy 1:7
This week’s Fighter Verse, a statement of what God has given believers, follows a powerful reminder of Timothy’s godly heritage and training from his mother and grandmother. His mentor, the apostle Paul, wanted to encourage Timothy to remember what God has given him, namely the Holy Spirit and His gifts. Paul exhorted him to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6) like stirring embers in a fire to bring out the heat and light more fully. This is done by using God's gifts, exercising them, stepping out in faith, and fulfilling the ministry and calling that God gives.
Too often fear hinders people from using the gifts God has given or doing what God has commanded. That is not what He intends. We are fearful of dangers and difficulties, fearful of the reactions and opinions of others, fearful of all but Him—the One we are called to fear (Deuteronomy 6:2, 13, 24-25; 10:12-13; 17:19; 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 103:17, 18; 112:1; 34:11; 86:11).
God gives us all we need to live the lives He calls us to (Psalm 34:9; 84:11). He didn’t give us a fearful spirit, but a powerful one, filling us with courage as we walk in step with the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit was instrumental not only in the creation of the world (Genesis 1:2), but in filling believers on Pentecost resulting in thousands hearing the gospel and responding in faith (Acts 2). Think of it. This is the Spirit indwells all believers (1 Timothy 1:14; John 14:16-17).
We’re given a spirit of love—love for God and love for others that encourages us to be bold in sharing the gospel out of compassion for their souls. We’re also given a spirit of self-control (or sound mind as in some Bible versions). When we fill our minds with biblical truth, we can rein in our thoughts to not be fearful but rather to stand firmly on the truth. We can focus on Jesus as our example (Hebrews 12:1-2) and trust Him to build such love, boldness, and discipline in our lives.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)
After Paul reminds Timothy of this gift of God—a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control—he talks about the power of God in the gospel and how he himself was suffering for its sake. This gift of God is hugely evident in the life and ministry of Paul. Timothy benefited from his example as well as his encouraging words (2 Timothy 1:13). We can take this same encouragement and challenge to live lives of power, love, and self-control, filled with the purpose of the gospel. We can pass it along to the next generations as Timothy’s mother and grandmother did. As we do, we can join Paul in being unashamed of the gospel "for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
For Reflection
What hinders you from talking about our great Savior and what He offers the world?
Where is your focus—on Christ, His mission and calling, or on your difficulties and fears?
Ask yourself, how can I walk more in step with the Holy Spirit? Is there sin to confess or Scripture to claim?
Lori Myers is a customer care specialist at Truth78 and loves serving in her local church. She has been using the Fighter Verses memory program since 2004, growing deeper in God's Word through daily practice. She is blessed to have two amazing daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, and five adorable grandchildren.