Scripture Text
2 Tim. 1:7
Intro: Since the mind is mentioned 95
times in the bible, it must be very important in our walk with God.
Our mind, as well as our whole being, is to be used for the glory of
God. Bringing glory to God is the reason for our being and why we
exist!
I. God has not given us a
spirit of fear. [2
Tim. 1:7] [Rom. 8:15]
a. Too often believers fear using
their gifts and standing for Christ in a lost and dying world. They
fear speaking up for Christ and the gospel—they fear ridicule,
criticism, abuse, embarrassment, and opposition.
Being very honest, we have all
experienced these fears at one time or another. We failed to
witness—to use our gift in speaking up for Christ and in
proclaiming the gospel lest we suffer persecution. But note the
charge; it is clear and forceful: we are not to fear because God
didn't give us that spirit. We are not to
fear man. We are not to fear the trials
that may come our way because we are serving and living for Christ.
We are not to fear the ridicule and
persecution that may be launched against us because we are witnessing
and ministering for Christ. We shouldn't fear any trial or
tribulation the world has to offer. Why? Because:
II. God has given us the spirit of
enormous power. [v:7]
same Spirit raised Jesus!
a. God's equipment does not include
fear. The fact is clearly stated: God does not give us the spirit of
fear; God gives us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. The
word spirit means the believer's spirit: the Holy Spirit of
God actually injects power into the spirit of the believer. Power to
encounter foes and dangers; power to bear up under trials; power to
triumph in persecutions. As we read the gospel, the Holy Spirit will
inspire the mind with holy courage and soundness because perfect love
drives
out all fear.
We receive this power when we begin to live for Jesus and be a
witness for Him. Power is not needed if we just sit around and remain
silent about Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us power only when we
begin to live for Christ and actually need and use it. When we face
enormous problems and circumstances of life, It is then that the
Spirit of God injects power into our spirit to live and witness for
Christ and overcome everything we face.
III. God has given us the spirit of
love. [v:7]
a. The Holy Spirit infuses love into
the believer's spirit. It removes all hate. It's a love for people,
no matter who they are. This is agape
love, the kind of love that God loves us with. It is a love that
arises within the mind and will,
not in the emotions. It is the kind of love that says, "I will
love this person no matter what he does to me. I will care for, pray
for, and treat with respect.
I will share Christ with him. I will
treat him just as I would want him to treat me if he knew Christ. I
will love him and be responsible to him, no matter how he treats me."
The kind of love that can love sinners
and enemies—is a gift of God's Spirit. No man can stir or work up
agape love. God alone possesses
it; therefore, God alone can give it to all who live for His Son, the
Lord Jesus Christ, and who serve and proclaim Him.
God's love will make the mind bold and constant. Nothing will do
more to inspire courage, to make a man fearless of danger, or ready
to endure privation and persecution, than love. The love of country,
wife, children, and home, makes the most timid bold when they are
assailed; and the love of Christ moves the soul to do great
endeavors, and sustains it in the deepest sorrows.
IV. God has given us a sound mind.
[v:7]
a. The Holy Spirit infuses a sound
mind into the believer's spirit. "Sound mind" means we use
our minds to control our actions, it's a fruit of the Spirit. It's
the ability to control one's emotions, feelings, and thoughts in the
midst of trials and circumstances, no matter how severe and
stressful. It is just as it says, a disciplined mind—the mastery
over one's mind, over one's heart and life despite the trial or
opposition. God does not intend that defeat should be the norm of
Christian living. We should be disciplined Christians rather than
slaves to our emotions. We are all moved by our emotions. But
Christians are not to be motivated by their emotions. Our emotions
are not to master us. We are to be disciplined. A sound mind implies
that the whole soul is harmonized in all its powers and faculties;
and completely regulated and influenced so as to think, speak, and
act aright in all things.
As we read God's word, we believe every
word He says and we reject any other advise or thoughts that are in
opposition to it. Our mind trusts' in God's word without doubt.
A Sound mind developed by the Holy
Spirit will give us peace, stability, direction, and security in a
dying and insecure world.
Invitation: To have the spirit of power,
love, and a sound mind operating in your life, you must know Jesus as
your personal Savior and Lord. If you are not sure you know Jesus as
your personal Savior and Lord, confess your sins to Jesus and pray
the sinner's prayer asking Jesus to forgive your sins and save you
for Heaven. At that moment the Holy Spirit will baptize you into the
body of Christ and fill you with the spirit of power, love, and a
sound mind. You will never be the same.Prayer: Father, we confess that too many times we have allowed fear of one thing or another to control our minds and lives. Please forgive us and help us to live our lives in Your spirit of power, love, and a sound disciplined mind. Lord, if there is one here today that needs Jesus as their Savior, they have never asked Him to forgive and save them, may today be the day of salvation for them I pray in the name and Spirit of Christ. Amen
