The Spirit God Gives

The Spirit God Gives
Words of Faith 6-30-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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2 Timothy 1
[7] For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.

Timothy was not a kid anymore. Some twenty years had passed since Paul had first recruited his young protégé and begun training him. He might have even wanted to say to Paul, "Hey, pop, I'm not a kid anymore!" But even with years passed, the mentoring relationship remained strong between the two.
We don't know why Paul was led to give this specific admonition. He might have said it in many ways-- "Don't be so timid" or "C'mon and buck up!" But this was not the manner of the message. Rather than be confrontational, Paul included himself in the statement. "God did not give us a spirit of timidity."
We can safely surmise that the message was needed. It may be necessary for all of us at one time or another. Apparently, Timothy had displayed a timid nature at times. He may have been soft-spoken in situations that required a strong voice. Maybe backed down in times that needed courage. He may have been reticent or reluctant when the need for conflict or confrontation arose. We don't know for sure. We only see the advice Paul delivered under the guidance of the Spirit. God did not give us a spirit of timidity.
Paul spoke of the Spirit that God gives. Of course, he was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who comes to dwell in us and empower us for ministry. But there was a specific quality of the Spirit given to us, and it is anything but timid.
If you read Paul's letters, you will find he was fond of making a negative statement and following it with three positive points or definitions. It actually makes for good preaching outlines. Here he followed this pattern.
The Spirit that God gives is not timid. Holy Spirit is not a timid spirit or a "spirit of timidity." The word actually means "cowardly." The Spirit that God gives us is never cowardly. Another way to say it is that when we are clothed with God, there will be nothing cowardly about it.
So what does this Spirit look like when God has given us His covering? Paul reveals a superb balance of power, love, and self-discipline. Power is the word dunamis from which we get the word "dynamite." Love is agape-- the over-arching concern for another that is never self-directed. And all this is managed with self-discipline and the wisdom to know when and how to exercise power and love.
When we are equipped, clothed, and accompanied by the Spirit of God, there will be power in what we think, do, and say. But it will never be self-directed or "full of self." It will never be reactionary or explosive with temper. The Spirit of love given to us will never be weak but rather powerful in its own expression. The love of the Spirit is protective and safe. It is a love expressed in careful wisdom.
The exciting thing about this text is that Paul did not exhort young Timothy to be tougher, stronger, or more courageous. This is not a "man up" speech from an old guy to a young guy. The fundamental appeal is to get out of the way and let the Spirit do its work. The Spirit that God gives will not be timid. Get out of His way. The Spirit God gives will not be weak; he is powerful, so allow Him to exercise that power. The Spirit God gives will not be out of control but will be self-disciplined. This is the nature of the Spirit that God gives.

Father God, clothe me with Your Spirit. Give me courage at just the right time. Give me power when it is needed. Exercise Your love through me. Give me discernment and self-discipline. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2023 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.