God Has Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
Introduction:
1. One of the points in our bulletin article is based on 2 Timothy 1:7. 2. As we concentrate on this passage in our lesson, we will: a. examine it in its context b. look at several Bible characters who lived by its teaching.
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 IN ITS CONTEXT
A. This letter was written to Timothy by the apostle Paul (1:1-2a). B. There was a close relationship between Paul and Timothy (1:2b-5). C. In vs.6, Paul encouraged Timothy to "stir up the gift of God" he had received. D. In vs.8a, Paul told Timothy not to be "ashamed of the testimony of our Lord." E. Paul went on to say in vs.8b that Timothy was to be a "partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." F. Paul was encouraging Timothy to fulfill his responsibilities as an evangelist, even though he might face some challenges. G. To fulfill his responsibilities, Timothy would need to remember that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
II. LET US EXAMINE 3 BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO LIVED BY THE TEACHING PRESENTED IN 2 TIMOTHY 1:7
A. In 1 Samuel 17, David overcame the challenge issued by Goliath. 1. While David visited his brothers he heard Goliath's challenge (vs.23, 8-10). 2. Notice how the Israelites reacted (vs.11, 24). 3. David: a. decided to accept Goliath's challenge (vs.32) b. took on the giant with his staff, 5 smooth stones, and his sling (vs.40) c. had something to say to the giant (vs.45-47). 4. Notice how the Israelites reacted after David killed Goliath (vs.52a). 5. About 1000 BC David believed what 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches with all his heart. B. In Daniel 6, Daniel overcame the challenge of being cast into the den of lions. 1. Daniel was given a high position in the Persian government (vs.1-3). 2. The other officials looked for something to use against Daniel (vs.4-5). 3. A law was enacted that was designed to entrap Daniel (vs.6-9). 4. Notice how Daniel reacted, even though he knew about this law (vs.10). 5. Daniel's rescue made quite an impression on the king (vs.25-27). 6. About 500 BC Daniel believed what 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches with all his heart. C. In Esther 4, Esther overcame the challenge of approaching the king. 1. Through God's providence, Esther became queen of Persia. 2. Haman convinced the king to make a law to kill all the Jews at a certain time. 3. Mordecai urged Esther to approach the king on behalf of her people (vs.8b). 4. There was a problem (vs.11). 5. Esther finally sent a message to Mordecai (vs.15-16). 6. (5:1-3) Esther approached the king, and he received her. 7. Another law was put into effect that allowed the Jews to defend themselves. 8. Notice how the Jews responded after they destroyed their enemies (9:17). 9. About 500 BC Esther believed what 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches with all her heart.
III. APPLICATION
A. David, Daniel, and Esther faced some serious challenges, but they overcame their challenges because they believed the teaching presented in 2 Timothy 1:7. B. To help us overcome fear, let us: 1. trust God, especially concerning things that are unknown (Psalm 56:3) 2. live one day at a time (Matthew 6:34) 3. fill our hearts with love (1 John 4:16-18).
Conclusion:
1. We are living in challenging times. 2. However, we must not become victims of fear. 3. Let us commit 2 Timothy 1:7 to memory and hide it in our hearts.