Note: Not sure where all the references come from. I found this message in my file and put my notes with it. I know that all is not original but I wanted to share it with sermoncentral because I thought it was awesome.
THREE GODLY GIFTS
SAYING NO TO FEAR
Text: II Timothy 1:1-7
2Ti 1:1-7 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, (2) To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (3) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, (4) greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, (5) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. (6) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Second Timothy is Paul's most personal letter.
It is more revealing than any other of Paul's writings of his own feelings and admissions toward God and God's people.
Twenty three times he refers to individuals: friends, foes and comrades in ministry.
This letter is written during Paul's final imprisonment, and - it is such a contrast from his first imprisonment.
The first time: The second time:
A political prisoner awaiting A condemned criminal
trial awaiting death
He was a house prisoner in his Now he huddles in a cold,
own comfortable dwelling place dark and damp dungeon
Visited by many Forsaken by all.
This is Paul's dying shout of triumph.
At the beginning of it Paul takes the time to give a "little reassurance" to his son in the Lord - Timothy.
It was obvious that Timothy was a young man who had been called upon to administrate/pastor. A difficult situation.
Evidently, his youthful appearance had been a personal hindrance - possibly slowing down the acceptance of his ministry among the people.
Paul addresses it in 1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
He evidently had been through a difficult and stressful time; possibly he had thought about running.
But Paul addressed it in II Timothy 2:3, "Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
It seems that Timothy has permitted himself to be surrounded by fear - fear of others - fear of failure - fear of spiritual warfare.
And Paul wanted to assure Timothy of something: "Fear is not of God!"
We know that there is a "Godly fear" and all fear isn't bad.
Certain kinds of fear are positive.
Franklin Roosevelt said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
While that statement served as a great motivator in World War II, it's not without fault. There is such a thing as a cautious, and even healthy fear.
If we had no fear, we would injure ourselves and others. God has given us a sense of caution that protects and preserves us.
Matthew 10:28 "Fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both body and soul in Hell."
Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
This doesn't mean that we cower or cringe but that we respect and reverence Him.
An electrician will respect electricity. An airline pilot respects his plane. "There are bold pilots and old pilots but no old-bold pilots."
This is a positive fear - But the thing that Paul refers to here is a negative fear. The greek word for it is PHOBIA.
Dictionary lists over 700 phobias:
Among them:
Ablutophobia- Fear of washing or bathing.
Acro high places
Claustro tight-closed places
Agora Wide open places
Ergo- Fear of work
Lachanophobia-fear of vegatables
Paul shares with us two things right up front.
I. There is a thing known as the "Spirit of Fear."
II. God didn't send it, and If God didn't, who did and who
does? Satan.
III. Fear is linked to forgetfulness
A. Preceding verse - "I put thee in remembrance."
1. We tend to focus on fear instead of remembering God.
2. Elijah under the Juniper tree
3. Disciples on the sea "They considered not the miracle." (Mark 6:52)
B. Timothy probably didn't have much to fear but Paul most likely did yet he was able to say, "I know in whom I have believed. I am persuaded that He is able to keep all that I have committed unto Him."
Prison - facing death - I know whom I have believed.
1. Even in prison Paul would remember God's goodness and fear would vanish.
C. If you are obsessed by fear, you have forgotten who God is!
D. Fix your focus.
IV. Fear is linked to failure
Verse 8 - "Be not ashamed of the testimony."
A. Afraid to testify and stand for Jesus
B. When fear grips us, we hardly succeed in anything.
C. I am reminded of the bank robber who nervously passed a note to the bank teller that read, "Don't stick with me - This is a mess up."
D. People have not worked for God because of fear of failure.
1. Matthew 25:14-30, "I hid your talent because I was afraid."
E. Fear of failure grips Like a "boa constrictor"
F. But Jesus said, "Fear not, I have overcome the world."
IV. Fear and Frailty
A. Sickness
B. Weakness
C. Old age
D. Even in his old age Caleb said, - "Give me this mountain."
Three Godly gifts
V. Power
Acts 1:8, "Ye shall receive power... "
A. We must believe that we have the necessary resources to face the challenges before us.
B. I have residing in me the power to conquer any foe.
1. "He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly... " Ephesians 3:20
2. "Greater is He... " (1 John 4:4)
C. The Holy Ghost is our bodyguard.
1. Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear; the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid."
D. The man who kneels before God can stand before any man!
E. Glance at your problems. Gaze at God!
VI. Spirit of Love
A. How does love combat fear?
1. I John 4:18, "There is no fear in love! But perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
B. The emphasis in this verse is on God's perfect love toward His people.
VII. A Sound Mind
A. This is discipline, self-control.
B. Much of our fears is not based upon reality.
C. Zig Zeigler - created an acrostic for FEAR.
False Evidence Appearing Real
D. Nelson Price, in the book "Shadows We Run From" told about running 99 yards for a touchdown – all the while trying to escape his own shadow.
E. It is reported that some Japanese soldiers were holed up in caves as late as 1970, still afraid of American soldiers.
Conclusion
They did not know the war was over!
"Fear not" (Luke 2:10)
The war is over so don't be afraid.
