Power, Love, and a Sound Mind (2 Tim 1:7)

The End of Cowardice and Fear:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (vs7)

God has given us things, and we're to use them. We are able to do His will, be loving to others, and we know the time, that it is best to live God's way.

We are not cowards. We have the flesh and fear, but it is to be conquered by the gifts that we've received.

First, we're able to do God's will by the power of Jesus Christ unto us - “but be you partaker of the afflictions according to the power of God” (vs7-12). Weak and helpless as we are, He earned the healing, and He has power to give it. We are not slaves to lusts and fears, but we can obey God by free grace through faith. The Spirit's power will come to those who believe - “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded [by God] that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day” (vs12).

Christianity is a gift from God working through the obedience of the church. He gives us eternal life, and we strive for it, putting into practice what is preached. He says, “stir up”, “hold fast”,and “keep” (vs6, 13-14).We have wars aplenty, but we also have sure hope, a God who cannot lie, and strength to help the vilest of men. As we are – tempted, weak, and depraved in the flesh – we grab hold of who He is – able to save to the uttermost those that come to God by Him (1 Sam 30:6-8). Having this inheritance, we use it. We don't put it on the shelf and live in fear.

Secondly, we are loving (vs4-5, 7). Paul and Timothy wept, prayed for, and rejoiced in each other. We are not bold and yet unloving, but God's boldness makes us give because we've freely received give (Matt 10:8). Being conscience of our nothingness, even victory leads us to glorify the Lord by humility before men, because we know it was the grace of God and not the superiority of the flesh. Faith removes all boasting. It is a door for impotent sinners, so having obtained mercy, we give, as ordered by God. His POWER manifests itself in causing men to love each other, forgive, and bring each other to Christ for healing and grace.

Thirdly, we are sound minded (vs7). We know the time. We know Judgment Day is coming, and we know it is right to live temperately in this world, doing God's will. We know, having this mind, that godliness isn't optional but wise and important. We know that living God's way has the promise of the life that now is and heaven to come.

Finally, we are not without help from God. Use it. We are not left to ourselves, so SUPERNATURALLY be what God makes you, rather than deny it to live in fear.