Do Not Fear

 …for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7

When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy he was in prison in Rome waiting for his execution. In a very short time after writing this letter Paul would lose his life for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel. He is writing to encourage Timothy to stand firm in the faith, not to be ashamed of Christ, and to live a life without fear.

The Greek word translated “fear”, basically means cowardice, fearfulness, embarrassment, shame, weakness, frailty. Paul is saying God did not call us and gift us to be used in the advance of His Kingdom and then give us a spirit of cowardice which would make our gift useless. Instead like Timothy He gave you power, love and self-control in order that you might use your gift. This is such a powerful truth. Any weakness on our part is not believing in the promises that God has given to us to be used by Him.  A lack of boldness and being ashamed to speak for the Lord or live for the Lord or serve the Lord simply indicates that you're not using your spiritual resources. God didn't give you cowardice, God gave you courage.

Paul exhorted Timothy to be ready for the trails and conflicts that would come his way. In chapter 2 Paul gives four analogies for us to serve Him without fear. They are that of a teacher, soldier, athlete, and farmer. As a teacher we should be in the Word so that we can disciple others. As a solider we need to understand that we will suffer hardship. The life of a solider is one of sacrificing oneself for the benefit of others, even to the point of death. As an athlete we must have the same discipline it takes to win a race. That means hard work and sacrifice. As a farmer we are called to hard work. The harder we work the more we will reap.

If we determine to serve God and not be fearful but live a life of power and love and self-control we will have our reward.  The teacher has reward in knowing he has enriched the lives of his students, the soldier has the reward of pleasing his commander in chief, the athlete has the reward of a trophy, and the farmer has the reward of the first and best share of the crops. Determine in your own life not to live a life of fear.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark