From FEAR to FAITH
In Paul’ s two letters to Timothy he longs to see him, as a father would a son, in the faith. Paul really wanted him to succeed in spreading the gospel as a travelling evangelist. Paul gives him specific instructions regarding his responsibilities in case he is delayed on his journey. He explains the need for teaching and how to emphasise faith in Jesus Christ. He also instructs him to set right the false teachings being preached by certain men who have crept in and distorted the faith. Furthermore, he was told to command the rich not to be arrogant and to share with those without and be rich in good deeds. Paul gives Timothy some real tall orders in these letters. We need to take into consideration that Timothy was quite a young and often sickly man.
In both letters Paul encourages Timothy by saying,“ Do not neglect the gift that was given you by the laying on of hands by the body of elders through a prophetic message,” also:“ To fan into flame the gift of God which is in you by the laying on of my hands”. 1 Timothy 4:14. Paul also reminds Timothy of his faith and the faith of his mother and grandmother.
How do you think you and I would have felt with all these instructions, commands, doctrines and issues to think about? We most likely would be wanting to do what Paul says and yet be fearful. There were no mobile phones, email or text so they could keep in contact. Paul could not ring him up daily just to hear his voice and clear up some doctrinal issue he would have been having. All timothy had was snail mail. This suggests that he would have to diligently commit everything to memory; his faith had to come alive inside of him.
Paul encouraged Timothy not to allow anyone to look down upon him because of his youth. Perhaps Timothy grew weary, tired, felt lonely, persecuted and misunderstood? I don’ t know but in Paul’ s second letter to Timothy he really encouraged him tearfully, prayed for him and then let him know who he is in Christ.
“ For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of love power and a sound mind So do not be ashamed to testify about our lord.” 2 Timothy
1:7
When we read‘ God has not given us a spirit of fear’ what comes into our minds? In this instance it is the only place where fear is described as‘ timidity’. So then,
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