2 Timothy 1 - Boldness

In this letter, 2 Timothy, we are reading Paul's last words. To sum it up, Paul is on death row in Rome, closing in on his execution. With that in mind, and as the context of this reading, a few things really hit me this morning. 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” - ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul, tortured, beaten, bruised, and physically crushed, is taking an opportunity to remind Timothy not to be fearful or timid. Think about this for a moment; Paul, literally awaiting his horrific execution, is writing to his young mentee and protégée about not having a spirit of fear or timidness. 

This jumps off the screen and is noteworthy. I am processing what those discussions and interactions with Caesar Nero might have looked like. Paul, pressing into the importance of not having a spirit of fear or timidness, could give us some insight into how Paul handled Nero and his crew. My guess is Paul held nothing back about his calling, his passion for following Jesus, and laying out the gospel. Paul, knowing that his life here on earth is limited, and his eternity is secure, was not fearful or timid in the midst of more persecution that we could ever imagine. 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” - ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Whatever we are walking through, not matter the situation, circumstance or surroundings, God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity...God gives us power, love, and self-discipline! A key and critical reminder that when we find ourselves timid and fearful, those feelings and emotions are NOT FROM God. 

“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” - ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are saved and called by Christ Jesus for such a time as this. Those words are written for you and me. Stepping into today, may we be reminded that a spirit of fear or timidity is not from God. We were saved and called by God, and he gives us power, love, and self-discipline to bring his Gospel to the world. We have a purpose, may we live that purpose out today. Amen.