…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7
 
If you struggle with fear, this is likely one of your go-to verses.

In this context, it is part of an encouragement to Timothy to pursue his calling boldly. David Guzik says, “Going through 1 and 2 Timothy, you will find no less than 25 different places where Paul encourages Timothy to be bold, to not shy away from confrontation, to stand up where he needs to stand up and be strong. This was something that Timothy, being the kind of person he was, needed to hear!”

I don’t know about you, but like Timothy, I could use that kind of encouragement. To be bold and unafraid to do those things God is telling me to do. To fan into flame of the gift of God. The flame is there, but we need to tend to it or will die out. Just because we have a gift or have heard a calling does not mean it will automatically come to pass. We have a part to play. God gives us the pilot light, but we have a role in fanning it; in keeping it going and growing.

Some of us just sit and stare at that little spark of light. We wonder why God isn’t making something happen with it. Perhaps He is waiting for us to make something happen with it.

Fear is not of God. Fear is the work of Satan to keep us far away from that little light. Fear keeps us from fanning the flame. But we have something so much bigger than fear; something that can overcome fear. God has given us a spirit of POWER, LOVE, and SELF CONTROL.  When we step into God’s will, we have God’s power on our side. We have the love of God… love that suffered and died for us. And we have self-control. We don’t have to be ruled by fear and emotions.

Questions: What flames have you been neglecting, either from fear or from waiting it out for God to make the next move? What is one thing you can do today to fan the flame?

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
 
It is important to examine what we believe about the Bible because if we don’t believe it is true and authoritative, we won’t put much stake in what it says. Do you believe it is the word of God? Do you believe it is true and trustworthy?
 
Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, gives final instructions to a young man he has been mentoring as his own life is coming to an end. He shares a very important truth about the Bible…it is breathed out by God.
 
Yes, it was penned by actual men, but it was fully inspired by God. It is the one source we have of complete truth by God. When in doubt, always refer to the Bible as the source for knowledge and truth about God and how to live your life.
 
Though the Bible is full of adventures, heroes, villains, triumphs, and failures, it is not a mythical fiction novel. It is a true story with real people and a real hero who saves the day – Jesus.
 
Paul continues with how the Bible – these inspired words from God – can be used: for teaching, for reproof (pointing out errors in our thinking or living), correction (showing us the right way to live), and training us in righteousness (moral living).
 
The purpose, Paul continues, is so that we may be complete. In other words, so we can be who God created us to be and be fully equipped to do every good work He has in store for us. It is exciting to think that the God who created everything has good works planned for us to do. Our life has incredible purpose. By understanding God’s word and truth, we get to be an active part of God’s perfect plans.
 
Questions: Do you believe the Bible is the word of God? How does this truth impact your view of the Bible?  Do you truly believe your life has a good purpose and God has good plans and works already in store for you?