Power, Love and a Sound Mind

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