READ 2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:6-7, “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. 7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

It appears Timothy was somewhat discouraged in the ministry with all of its pressures and problems. So, Paul encouraged Timothy to “…stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”

Paul is attempting to again light a fire in Timothy that seems to have waned.  Many things can rob of us of our fire and focus as we do the work of God.  Timothy had been approved by Paul, as one ordained to the gospel ministry.  He needed to be encouraged to put his gifts to use for the glory of God.

Paul reminded Timothy in verse seven, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  It is important to remind yourself as you do God’s work that timidity or fear will keep you from using your gifts for God.  You will not engage others, if you are living with fear.  But God isn’t the author of fear, Satan is the author.  God is the author of power, and love, and of a sound mind.  Each of these are important reminders as we do the work of God.

·       God has given us power – a power that resides in the believer as a gift of the Holy Spirit.

·       God has given us love – this is a gift that causes the believer to be benevolent, doing good for others without any expectation of return.

·       God has given us a sound mind – this is a disciplined or controlled mind. 

Paul is encouraging Timothy to lean on the gifts God had given him.  Timothy had everything he needed to be a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The promise of verse seven is our promise also, as we seek to be faithful in our service for Christ.

 Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Have you allowed anything to take away the fire in your heart for the Lord?  Explain.

2.  What spiritual gifts has God given you?  How are you using your gifts for God’s glory?

3.  How does fear hinder believers from utilizing their spiritual gifts?

4.  Explain what it means to be given power, love, and a sound mind.