THREE THINGS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US

Scripture Text

2 Timothy 1:7

INTRO: Fear keeps Christians from accomplishing God's will. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. The apostle Paul said in (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That means anything God wants me to do, I can do it. In our scripture text for today it says that God has given us three things that will help us overcome fear:

A. The Spirit of Power. Power to do what?  1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 3. Power of the Holy spirit for all joy, peace and hope - (Rom 15:13) Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.  4. Power to make you a strong believer – The apostle Paul said in (Romans 16:25) Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began. Paul knew that the gospel and Christ himself would make believers strong in the faith. Believers are established and made strong by the preaching of Jesus Christ. It renews and transforms our mind to think as God does. 5. Power to endure trials - (2 Cor 12:9 NKJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, (feebleness) that the power of Christ may rest upon me. If you are trusting in, relying on, and believing in the one who has grace and power, He will give you the grace you need when trials come! Don't be afraid! Live in His grace!!!                                                                                               B. The Spirit of Love. Love can be effective in conquering fear. (1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We are commanded to have a:

1. Love for God. 1 John 4:19 (NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us. Mark 12:30 (NKJV) And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realize that God will take care of us. We trust in God's word and are not afraid of the future, eternity, or God’s judgment, because of God’s love. We know that he loves us perfectly Now if God does not provide for us, we would be worried. But we know God loves us and does provide for us, so we are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Love for God relieves our fears!

2. Love for Others. 1 John 4:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰  If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? ²¹  And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. The more we love God and others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as our-self. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus and the salvation He provides.

C. The Spirit of a Sound Mind. 1. Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. You are what you think in your mind. It's your choice. In our way of thinking, we may be afraid we won't make it financially - IF we trust in God and His word and accept His way of thinking, we will be assured He will take care of us! Scripture says: Matt. 6:33 “God knows what we have need of. We are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these other thigns will be added.” Luke 12:28  If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

2. If you are afraid of dying... That fear is calmed by knowing since we are Christians we will be with the Lord when we die. (2 Cor 5:8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. God has also told us in (LK.12: 32) Fear not little flock for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. That's what a Christian can expect when they die, to be in God's kingdom. We could go on and apply God's word to every other fear we may have. Something happens when you begin to read God's word. When we think Biblically, we have a "sound mind" Our mind is renewed! (Rom 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. As we read God's word we are renewed in our thinking. We begin to think as God intends for us to do and we are changed into a person of faith and trust in God and we prove by experience God's will for our lives.

Conclusion: Conquering fear is not a matter of self determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. In Christ you and I can conquer our fears.

INVITATION: Do you have the spirit of power, love, and sound mind operating in your life? Would you surrender to His Holy Spirit today, right now? You have no power at all in your life unless you know God. If you have never done so, would you ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you right now and to come into your life and empower you for victorious living?