There Is Nothing To Fear

Chronologically, II Timothy precedes I Timothy, because it was written before Timothy became a pastor, to teach him how to develop his spiritual life in preparation for the ministry.  It gives some valuable instructions into living a daily spiritual life.  Paul starts of by reminding us that if we are Christ’s, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, in II Timothy 1:6-7.  “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 

We have no reason to be afraid of what is going on around us or the temptations and false teachers who try to mislead us.  The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome those temptations and take control of our minds, overcoming addictions and emotional instability.  The various attitudes forming the fruit of the Spirit are all closely related to loving people, and the Holy Spirit has given us a new mind, the mind of Christ.   As a result, we can move confidently through life.  We will no longer be constantly seeking some special sign as to what we need to be doing, knowing the Holy Spirit will guide our logical minds to make valid decisions about everyday affairs.   We can understand that the problems people face are not always their fault for not following the Lord, but in fact may be something God has caused to accomplish his purpose.   Instead of fearing the problems, we can embrace them. 

II Timothy 1:8-12 commands, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

When we understand God is accomplishing his purpose in us through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than through our efforts, we no longer panic when things don’t turn out the way we expect.  That Paul had been arrested or persecuted did not mean Paul was doing wrong or that Timothy should be embarrassed about being associated with him.   I Peter 4:12-14 reminds us, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”  God is keeping track of how we have served him, and will reward us accordingly at the proper time.  In the meantime, the sufferings and persecution we experience for obeying God only accentuate the wickedness of those who reject God and accuse his followers of evil.   We demonstrate our faith in Him by obeying him and thus glorify God, testifying that he is faithful. 

With that in mind, II Timothy 1:13-2:2 commands, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”  We need to remember the things we have been taught, not in a fleshly determination and effort, but through the faith and love which comes through Christ.  We will be able to accomplish the job God has given us by the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every Christian.  Everything we have was given to us as a gift from God, and he has given us the responsibility of sharing them with others who can then pass it on to people we may never meet.   It is critical that we teach those we win thoroughly so that they can train those they win.