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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