”For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7New International Version (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid
2 Timothy 1:7 reveals that “the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid“. And this is the Spirit that Jesus promised His disciples just before He exited the earth via crucifixion and subsequent ascension (John 14:16-17 and Acts 1:4-5).
Therefore, Paul described the impact of God’s Spirit in the lives of His followers/disciples in 2 Timothy 1:7. He thus informed Timothy that God’s Spirit made His followers fearless, and gave them power, love, and self-discipline.
Paul encouraged Timothy
Moreover, Paul wrote 2 Timothy to encourage Timothy to face the difficult road of ministry ahead of him. He encouraged Timothy to follow his example of fearlessness in suffering and faithfulness in ministry (2 Timothy 1:1-2:7). Because Paul’s ministry attracted persecution in the form of being abandoned by his friends, being assaulted by his enemies, and finding himself alone in the Roman prison. And it was all because of the making of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, Paul mentored Timothy to expect persecution as he executed his ministry mandate. But Paul didn’t want him to give up by taking the less difficult/challenging road.
Paul encouraged Timothy not to neglect his gift
Paul, therefore, encouraged Timothy to continue with his faith in God and not neglect his gift (2 Timothy 1:6). He needed to exercise his gift because God had empowered him through his Spirit to do the same. And this would be his way of fanning it.
Consequently, you too need to put your God-given gift into use. Because God has already empowered you to use your gift for Him through His Spirit – salvation includes the incoming of the Holy Spirit into your life. You only need to receive the resources that God has availed to you (Acts 2:38-41).
The advancement of the kingdom of God
Furthermore, God gave you His Spirit so that you can advance His kingdom (Acts 1:8). And Zechariah 4:6 emphasizes that it is only by the Spirit of God that you will do God’s work.
The gifts of the Spirit of God
Specifically, Paul informed Timothy that the Spirit of God had not made him timid (fearful/cowardly), but had given him power, love, and self-discipline. And this is what God’s Spirit will make you be, and give you.
Boldness
Firstly, Paul informed Timothy that God’s Spirit had made him bold. And indeed, reading about the acts of the apostles after they had received the Spirit of God testifies to their boldness as they advanced God’s kingdom (Acts 4:8-13, 29).
Additionally, fear will immobilize you and you will not be able to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). But God’s Spirit will embolden you and you will be able to overcome the challenges that come with ministry.
Power
Secondly, Paul informed Timothy that God’s Spirit had given him power. And this was in agreement with Jesus’ promise to His disciples that God’s Spirit would give them power (Acts 1:8).
Furthermore, the power that God’s Spirit gives is what will enable you to advance the kingdom of God. And, again, Zechariah 4:6 states this fact.
Love
Thirdly, Paul informed Timothy that God’s Spirit had given him love. And love is one of the dominant characteristics of Jesus’ disciples (John 13:34-35). Because love is what will make you compassionate towards your neighbors (Mark 12:30-31).
Self-discipline
Finally, Paul informed Timothy that God’s Spirit had given him self-discipline. Therefore, he would be able to operate within divine limits.
Similarly, God’s Spirit would enable you not to misuse the freedom that Christ has given you (Galatians 5:13). Therefore, you will be able to avoid the things that do not build you up into the image of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Prayer/Blessing
Lord God, Your Word in Luke chapter 11 verse 13 states that “If evil men know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will You Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask You?” And Matthew chapter 7 verse 7 says that “when I ask, it will be given to me”.
Additionally, Romans 8:32 says that “You who gave up Your Son for all men, will with Him give us all things”. And 2 Corinthians 1:20 confirms that “Your promises, God, are Yes and Amen in Christ”.
Therefore, I ask You Lord to fill me with Your Spirit. And this is my humble prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 1-4 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
