Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
1. Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
The Apostle Paul mentions three remedies for fear. Even in our own time, fear is a major issue. We all experienced what it is like when the whole world is affected in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought everyday life to a standstill. Governments struggled to find the right measures to protect their people.
2. Fear Is Human<7div>
3. God's Help
1. Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
The Apostle Paul mentions three remedies for fear. Even in our own time, fear is a major issue. We all experienced what it is like when the whole world is affected in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought everyday life to a standstill. Governments struggled to find the right measures to protect their people.
2. Fear Is Human<7div>
As Christians, we know that all life is in God's hands. One day we will leave this earth because He has determined the number of our days. Yet people are afraid—and Christians are no exception. In several places in the Gospels, we read that Jesus' disciples were afraid. The same was true in the early churches, as we see here in the example of Timothy.
3. God's Help
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Our love for God also includes trusting in His promises. In Romans 8:31 we read:
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NIV)
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1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Our love for God also includes trusting in His promises. In Romans 8:31 we read:
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NIV)
| Item | Text |
|---|---|
| a | The spirit of power is the first weapon against fear that the Apostle Paul gives to his disciple Timothy. The Greek word for power, *dynamis*, suggests that the Spirit of God can transform our everyday lives like a charge of dynamite. What could hinder the Spirit of God, if not we ourselves and our lack of faith? |
| b | The second remedy for fear is love. John writes in his first letter: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 (NIV) |
| c | The third remedy mentioned here is self-Discipline. Keep a cool head. Do not let yourself be unsettled. Reflect and pray. This is how wise decisions are made. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 (NIV) |
4. Prayer
Lord, fill us anew with the power of the Holy Spirit. Fill us today with Your *dynamis*, the power that is able to break every resistance. With You, Lord, we can look to the future with love, confidence, and sound judgment, because we know that You are with us. In this way, we can become a blessing both for ourselves and for others.
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