Needless to say, there are times when being a soldier is scary but overcoming that fear is the key to success (and oftentimes the difference between life and death).
Paul declared to Timothy (and us) that God does not want us to be fearful. He states, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Paul’s life is coming to an end and Timothy will have to set into some of the shoes that Paul is leaving behind. So, perhaps Timothy needed encouraging because he was nervous about continuing the work without Paul. Paul tells him not to be afraid. Paul reminded him that God does not want us to be fearful nor has He given us a spirit of fear. Instead, He wants us to embrace a spirit of power, love and self-control.
🪖 We have a spirit of power. God’s power is found in His word, His laws, and His character. When we listen to God’s words, follow His laws, and take on His characteristics, we are accessing the power of God. God has given us access to Him and His power. Nothing is more powerful than God.
🪖 We have a spirit of love. Throughout all of Paul’s writings, he emphasizes the importance of Godly love. It endures forever. It is one of the most important and lasting spiritual gifts. Godly love never fails.
🪖 We have a spirit of self-control/sound-mindedness. Throughout his writings, Paul repeatedly taught the importance of self-control. Self-control is the cornerstone of living a godly life. We must tell ourselves no every time we desire to do something counter to God’s will. Self-control will keep us on the narrow path and focus our eyes on Jesus.
As soldiers for Christ, we should not be fearful. Remember, Paul tells us that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. These are all traits that our enemy and his soldiers do not have. God does not want us to be fearful but to have confidence. He had given us power, love, and self-control to enter the battlefield. So, don’t leave home without them. #SoldiersForChrist #TheLordIsMyBanner
Adonai's Appeal 