The Two Spirits, part 1

I want to take a look for a few minutes at the last letter that Paul wrote… or at least the last one we have.

It is a fascinating, intensely personal letter, because Paul is awaiting death. He’s in prison in Rome, apparently awaiting execution.

As he’s facing his mortality, he decides that one thing he must do with the time that he has left is to write to Timothy.

Timothy was a pastor who had accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys and assisted him in church-planting. At one point, Paul told the Philippians, “I have no one else like him.” Paul was Timothy’s mentor and a good friend.

Paul is basically alone; many have deserted him or are off doing other work. He longs to see Timothy one more time.

He pens some excellent advice for his younger friend.

Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. - 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Historically, Timothy has been considered to be reserved and timid. That was his personality. God calls all sorts of people. God can use anyone.

I’d like to look at this instruction for just a moment.

Paul lists two “spirits,” in this case referring to dispositions or attitudes.

Verse 7:

“For God has NOT given us a spirit of fearfulness.”

Timothy was timid. A little fearful. He was frequently hesitant to step out and take risks.

Paul is thinking about all he wants to tell his beloved “son” Timothy. And the first thing he says to him is this: “Don’t you dare live your life characterized by fear. Don’t you do it. Because that is not the spirit God gave you.”

He’d say the same thing to you.

You don’t have to live in fear. In fear of what? In fear of anything. You don’t have to fear God, because your sins are forgiven. You’re covered. You’re righteous in His sight. You don’t have to fear losing His love or His favor. You don’t have to fear making him angry or making Him turn His back on you.

You don’t have to fear the devil. He’s evil, and he’s powerful. But he’s been defeated. He’s been defeated for over 2,000 years ago. He’s prowling around as a roaring lion, for sure, but he has no teeth. Jesus defeated him. You have the power to overcome every temptation he throws at you. You don’t have to fear him. He can’t touch you.

You don’t have to fear what non-Christians say or do. It’s going to happen. Someone’s going to make fun of you or criticize your worldview or maybe even some day do something to harm you physically. You don’t have to fear them. You don’t have to, because Jesus said it would happen. He said it would happen. He also promised that, even though you’ll face tribulation, He’s overcome the world. You don’t have to fear them, because you’re on the winning side.

You don’t have to fear. Plain and simple. Jesus even said not to worry about what you’ll eat, drink, or wear. Don’t worry about them. God’s got those things taken care of. As His child, He’s going to take care of you.

Paul said, “That’s not the spirit God gave you.” Yet, if we’re not careful, it’s the spirit that will control us. It’s the spirit that we will give the most attention to.

You don’t have to fear, God says. Exchange that spirit for the one God gives you.

Join us next week as we look at how God instills in us a spirit of "power."

By His Grace,

Adam