Replacing Fear with Boldness (Oct 22)

October 22
Replacing Fear with Boldness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:1-8 | Jeremiah 39:1- 41:18 | 2 Timothy 1:1-18 | Proverbs 26:1-2

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 1:1-18

“Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.” (2 Timothy 1:6 NIV)

Fear keeps many of us from accomplishing the great things God has for us. We feel intimidated by others–sometimes even pushed around and controlled. We back off from doing what we know we should do. It especially affects our attempts to share the good news with others. Paul calls it a “spirit of fear,” and it is. It is one of Satan’s best tools in keeping us from being fruitful and effective in the kingdom.

Standing in the victory of Christ, we can resist the spirit of fear. Empowered by the Spirit we can find boldness in our walk with Christ, and in our witness.

Paul urged Timothy, not be intimidated, but to rely on the Holy Spirit who had given him the spiritual gifts to do the ministry he was called to. He is encouraged to “stir up the gifts given by the laying on of hands.” The key to boldness is the power of the Spirit. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31). As he empowers, anoints and gifts us he enables us to overcome our fears and accomplish the ministry he has given us to do.

God chose to use “timid Timothy” to be a bold witness and leader in the church. He often choses the “foolish things to confound the wise.” Perhaps you think God could never use you and you give in to your fears, remember Paul’s advice to Timothy and find the victory that is yours in Christ to overcome the spirit of fear and to walk in the power of the Spirit.

Remember: “He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of self-discipline.”