Tag: 2 Timothy 1:7

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 18

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2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

This verse goes hand-in-hand with 1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

If we live by Paul’s teaching in Ephesians chapter 4, we can easily see how we are to live as Christians, living by the Bible’s values such as humility, patience, and love for one another. The guidance provided in this chapter acts as a blueprint for our relationships within the church and the world. Satan, however, has managed to deceive even “Christians” into slipping away from how Paul tells us we should live, leading them to be divided because of the world’s influence on the church instead of unity. His evil efforts not only distort the true message of Christ but also weakens the effective witness of believers, causing them to stray from the fundamental principles. It’s crucial for us to remain vigilant and steadfast, continually aligning our actions with the teachings laid out in Scripture to resist the devil’s deceptions.

Ephesians 4:2-3  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;  (3)  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Fear is produced when we are not walking in the Spirit. We can identify fear’s by-products by looking at verses 2-3:

  • Lowliness is defined as the humiliation of the mind; modesty; humbleness of mind. Satan wants you to do the opposite: be boastful and full of yourself. There are more narcissists today than at any time in recorded history.
  • Meekness is defined as gentleness, not angrily proving your point but doing so with gentleness. Satan wants you to do the opposite: angrily oppose those who disagree with you and create chaos.
  • Longsuffering is defined as patience. Satan wants you to lose your temper, for example with your spouse and children.
  • Forbearing is defined as enduring, putting up with. Satan wants you to give up on those you love and respond in anger.
  • Unity of the Spirit is self explanatory – believers are to love one another as Christ loved us and to treat each other as we would want others to treat us. Satan wants us to get even with those Christian brothers and sisters who offend us.
  • Bond of peace is defined as Christians recognizing that we have peace knowing that we are secure in our salvation because Christ did all the work and we did nothing to secure it. Satan wants us to doubt our salvation and believe that God disowns us when we sin.

Everything Satan wants people to do is the opposite of what God wants. This contrast between good and evil is a fundamental theme throughout the Bible’s teachings. It should not surprise us because he is the father of lies (John 8:44), and God is truth (1 John 5:6)! The deception that Satan spreads can manifest in various ways, leading individuals away from righteousness and into moral confusion. One only has to observe the alphabet group’s influence in the church. By promoting actions and beliefs contrary to the Scriptures, Satan aims to undermine faith and cause division. In contrast, God desires unity, love, and obedience to His Word among His followers, guiding them toward salvation. Understanding this battle between truth and deceit is essential for maintaining a strong Christian foundation.

Don’t be afraid of what the enemy can do in your life. Instead, rest secured and comforted in the truth that Jesus paid the ultimate price for your salvation, a sacrifice born out of His love and compassion for His creation. He will not give you up, no matter how fierce the struggles you encounter may seem. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you rest in the palm of His hand, a precious place of protection and peace where no one can pluck you out! In moments of doubt, remember that His grace is sufficient for you, wrapping you in an everlasting embrace that shields you from despair. Grasp this promise, and let it fill your heart with courage and hope as you walk your pilgrim path.

John 10:27-28  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  (28)  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

If you do not have that security, please follow this link and it will lead you to Scriptures that will show you how to be born again.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 14

On By KateIn Devotionals, Do Not Be AfraidLeave a comment

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

A heart that is at peace with God through salvation in Jesus Christ does not need to fear judgment because Christ took upon Himself that judgment, bearing the weight of our sins so that we might receive mercy and grace. This awesome sacrifice allows us to experience a deep, abiding confidence in our relationship with God, knowing that our sins are no longer held against us. Instead, we are embraced with open arms, freed from the shackles of guilt and shame, and can walk boldly in God’s love. As we trust in His redemptive plan, we find strength in our faith, which allows us to live righteously and share the hope of the gospel with others, so they too may understand the incredible peace that comes from being reconciled to God.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

When there is no condemnation, one does not live in fear of what will happen when he dies. He can live his life freely and peacefully, embracing every moment with hope and joy, knowing that Christ’s work on the cross is complete with nothing else that needs to be done. This assurance allows individuals to walk through life’s challenges with confidence, firmly grounded in the knowledge of their salvation. When Jesus said “It is finished,” (John 19:30) He had completed His mission given to Him by the Father in Heaven: to shed His blood on the cross so we could have forgiveness of our sins, giving us a path to eternal life. This awesome act of love and sacrifice removes the weight of guilt and the burden of striving for perfection, enabling believers to pursue a relationship with God that is based on grace rather than fear. In this light, life becomes a journey of gratitude and reverence, always thoughtful of the immense gift granted through His ultimate sacrifice.

Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Without the shedding of Christ’s blood, there could be no forgiveness, and humanity would remain trapped in a cycle of sin and despair. We would be doomed to Hell because of our sin, with no hope of redemption or reconciliation with God. But praise the Lord that Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, bearing the weight of our sins, so that when we believe in Him and accept His sacrifice, we are offered the incredible gift of eternal life. This profound act of love not only ensures our forgiveness but also transforms our lives, providing us with peace, hope, and a purpose far beyond ourselves, as we walk with Him in faith and share His message of salvation with a world in need.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Knowing this brings great peace, as it reassures the believer of their standing, and the believer no longer needs to fear judgment! Instead, they can rest assured of their security and be comforted; understanding that their faith provides a pathway to grace and redemption. This awareness alleviates any anxiety about the uncertainties of the future.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Born-again Christians can confidently go through life living for the Lord because they know they no longer have to fear what will come when they die; this blessed assurance empowers them to live life’s challenges with hope and purpose. As they embrace their new identity in Christ, they find strength and courage to face life’s uncertainties and challenges.

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

If you don’t have this confidence, you can remedy that situation right now. Follow this link and it will take you to Bible verses that will explain to you how to be saved. I pray that you will make that decision right now before it’s eternally too late!