Spirit of Fear

By Travis Robertson

    A Spirit of Fear?
    Paul’s last letter was to Timothy, Paul’s son in the faith and a younger preacher who had been the apostle’s companion. Read the following words carefully, and discover a problem many Christians face. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:7-8). Timothy knew the truth, but circumstances in his life had caused him to withdraw because of his fear.
    Do you stand for the truth or cower in fear?
    Think of the many examples found throughout the Bible where God’s messengers boldly stood for their God and were not at all timid to openly stand for heaven’s saving message.

Nathan
David and Goliath
Daniel
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Jesus
Paul
Stephen
John the Baptist
Etc…

We may not know what caused Timothy’s timidity, but we know so much about others who boldly spoke for the Lord.
    Elijah was not afraid to stand for truth. Who has not stood in amazement at the confrontation he had with the 450 prophets of Baal? How can anyone forget his mockery of them when Baal would not send fire to consume their sacrifice? Paul’s words to Timothy describe him so well—he was not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
    Are we cowering in fear or are we standing firm, and pressing forward with courage and the strength of the Lord?

- Travis Robertson preachers for the Lake Norman Church of Christ in Huntersville, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at http://lakenormancoc.org/