Facing Challenges
Notes
Transcript
Scriptural Text: 2 Timothy 1:7
Scriptural Text: 2 Timothy 1:7
Compare Bible Versions
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) 7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 7For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (The Message) 7God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
However,
7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. (AMP)
7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. (AMP)
Faith Is the Victory
A nationwide poll was taken in the United States on religious questions. When asked whether they believed in God, 95 percent of those polled answered “yes.” When asked whether religion in any way affected their politics and their business, 54 percent said “no.” They had a belief, but they did not have a directing faith. Faith is action. Faith encompasses the entire spectrum of life’s encounters and experiences.
We must have a strong faith so that we can stand firm against the subversive pull of the world. A conquering faith to face the challenges.
Conquering Faith is needed to face challenges. (Romans 8:35-39)
Conquering Faith is needed to face challenges. (Romans 8:35-39)
Timothy was call by Jesus Christ for His purpose, endowed with the Spirit of God to live a consecrated life and service. He is encouraged to minister from the gift entrusted to him. We see the nature of his calling:
The Nature of the Calling (1:3–18)
The Nature of the Calling (1:3–18)
A Heritage (1:3–5) if we note Acts 16:1-3 (Timothy Joins Paul and Silas (2nd missionary journey)
This second letter to Timothy was written during Paul’s final imprisonment. He looks back over his own life with a sense of deep satisfaction. He has kept the faith and he looks forward to the rewards he is sure to claim.
But Paul also has final words of exhortation and warning for Timothy. He must remain totally committed. And he must be ready for mounting difficulties, as new challenges to the faith develop from within.
A Gift (1:6–7) Stir it up, fan the flame
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. (1 Tim. 4:14)
God did not give you a Spirit of fear, You don’t need to be afraid,
1 John 4:18 (ESV) 18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Psalm 56:3 (ESV) 3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 34:4 (ESV) 4I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) 10fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV) 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) 6Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Psalm 118:6 (ESV) 6The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Romans 8:31 (ESV) 31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
John 14:27 (ESV) 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
The Holy Spirit is powerful (Lk 4:14, See also Mic 3:8; Ac 1:8; Ro 15:13; Ro 15:19; 2 Ti 1:7)
The Holy Spirit is powerful (Lk 4:14, See also Mic 3:8; Ac 1:8; Ro 15:13; Ro 15:19; 2 Ti 1:7)
Micah 3:8 (ESV) — 8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.
Acts 1:8 (ESV) — 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers so that the reign and reality of God is revealed through them in the world.
The Holy Spirit’s power builds Christian character (Romans 15:13)
The Holy Spirit’s power builds Christian character (Romans 15:13)
Romans 15:13 (ESV) — 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
The work of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to lead holy lives, dedicated to the service of God and conformed to his likeness.
The Holy Spirit produces sanctification (Ga 5:22–23, See also Ro 14:17; 2 Ti 1:7)
The Holy Spirit produces sanctification (Ga 5:22–23, See also Ro 14:17; 2 Ti 1:7)
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) — 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Romans 14:17 (ESV) — 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) — 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
A Responsibility (1:8–14) Your have a responsibility
Conquering Faith is needed to face life challenges in ministry and live a consecrated in this world. By faith in Jesus Christ we are endowed with His Spirit that makes us more than a conquerors.