For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 NABRE
Paul is writing to encourage Timothy his beloved disciple and closest friend. Timothy has worked with Paul and is now the leader of a community. Paul is writing from prison in Rome, he has little hope of gaining freedom or saving his life. In many ways this letter is Paul’s last will and testament, a farewell message given to a close friend. Paul hopes Timothy will visit before winter but in the meantime provides practical directives. Timothy should stir into flames the gift of God he received when Paul laid hands on him. This gift from God is the spirit who provides much when called upon. Paul reminds Timothy that he has the gift of the Holy Spirit and with it comes not an attitude of cowering but in fact power, love and self-control. The Spirit is power, the Spirit is strength. The gift of the Spirit is given for a specific reason and Timothy has this gift to be a minister of the community, a leader who will stand strong and be a witness, preach and endure in the community. The gift of love allows Timothy to love the community and love Christ, it is the love of the Shepherd and of the flock. The gift of self-control means to have prudence, wisdom and decency. Having self-control over passion sets a good example and provides a witness to life in Christ. Paul goes on to tell Timothy never be ashamed of testimony for the Lord or of him a prisoner for Christ.
We too are called to be minsters, to show that we have the Spirit in us, a gift given so that we may be witnesses to the message of the gospel, and to demonstrate leadership through power, love and self-control.
Do you recognize the Spirit within you? Do you show power, love and self-control?
We too are called to be minsters, to show that we have the Spirit in us, a gift given so that we may be witnesses to the message of the gospel, and to demonstrate leadership through power, love and self-control. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #power #love #Paul#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways