Spirit of Power / 2 Timothy 1: 1 - 14
Intro: We live in a world of fear – fear of terrorism, inadequacy, what others think, disease, financial insecurity, unknown. Paul in prison / Timothy friend of one criminal and follower of another. Paul writes to help Tim with fear.
!. Verse 7 – “For God . . . and of self-discipline.” – Power over self.
A. Verse 8 – “join me in suffering” – martyr complex. Suicide bombers.
B. Verse 9b – “not according to our works” – Relying on power from God.
C. True power comes from outside of self – true power comes from turning self over to God. – Not what I can do; but, what God can do through me.
II. Easy to be Xian when life going great! – Required to be Xian when life seems unlivable. – Vs. 11-12a – “I am not ashamed.”
A. Many drift away from church b/c they are not taught how to live Xian life.
B. Nicky Cruz and the gangs of New York City.
C. Paul says in essence, it isn’t what you do that makes you a Christian, it is who you know.
III. Knowing God intimately gives us POWER! Vs. 12b – “for I know . . . entrusted to him.”
A. There are those who have heard of Jesus but do know him. Verse 13 – “Hold to the standard . . . “
B. We do not begin to understand life until its meaning is brought to light for us in Christ.
C. Knowing God brings inner peace. Seeking God’s purpose brings peace to our world.
Conclu: Faith in god expressed in the commitment of our life to the cause of Christ is the greatest antidote to fear. – “For I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him.”
