II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
What does it take to shame people in 2016 in America? What would a person have to do in order to blush? There is almost no limit to how low people can go and still be proud of what they are doing. The Bible says that this is not something new. In fact, way back in the days of the ancient Roman Empire, Paul spoke to the Philippians of those “whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame.” These people live only for themselves and boast about things that should cause complete shame. Things are turned on their heads today. People who are decent, believe in truth, and who want to honor God are made to feel ashamed, and other people brag about things that should cause absolute embarrassment.
II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” I don’t know what your condition is today, but I want you to know that God has not given you a spirit of fear. A lot of believers are ashamed of Jesus’ testimony, but Paul tells us in verse 8, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.” He goes on to say, “Nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” Though we may face opposition for loving and following the Lord Jesus, we do it according to the power of God.
In verse 9 we are told that the Lord called us, gave us purpose, and empowered us by His grace if we will but accept these things by faith. Verse 10 tells us that the Lord Jesus abolished death and brought life. That is what the good news is all about. Verse 11 reminds us that Paul was appointed an apostle of Jesus Christ, and God has appointed you where you are to be who you are. In verses 12-14 we are reminded that the Lord Jesus keeps His Word and keeps us.
God has not put a spirit of fear in you. He is the One Who gives love, power, and a sound mind. He doesn’t give hatred, weakness, frivolity, or fuzzy thinking. We are to go into a world that is dark and give the light with boldness, with courtesy, with power, with love, and with a clear mind.
Today, you will either be ashamed of Jesus or you will let Him put power, love, and a sound mind into you.