The Spirit Given
There are some foundational elements to the faith that every believer should have. The baptism by the Holy Spirit is something that Yeshua talks about, notably in the book of Acts, saying “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Paul elaborates on the person of the Holy Spirit, saying:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timid, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
That, our verse of the week, found in 2 Timothy 1:7, is telling in many dimensions.
The first dimension is what Yahweh hasn’t given to those who praise Him and worship Him in truth. He did not give us fear or timidity: therefore, why should we believers be any of those things, when faced with anything? When you follow His commandments, through the power of the Holy Spirit and out of love for Him, your confidence should reside in Him alone. He will handle all things. There is no more crying for the crumbs of blessings passed; there is confidence and praise.
The second thing is what the Holy Spirit is. The person of the Holy Spirit is powerful, loving and gives us discipline. He teaches, reminds and instructs so that the believers do not fall to the sins of the past. It’s through that Spirit that we are able to receive repentance and access true change in our lives here. It’s through the seal of the Holy Spirit that we receive eternal life. Who are we to be disappointed, afraid and sad, when we have such a loving God who sends us His Spirit?
Associated Bible Verses: Micah 3:8, Romans 8:15, Acts 10:38
Think About It: What does the Holy Spirit mean to me in my life? Do I sometimes find myself in fear when I shouldn’t? Do I walk in the confidence of the Lord or in timidity? Where does my faith fail and my fear rise; if so, how do I counter that? Which verses can I use?
Prayer: This week, be open with the Lord about your fears and concerns. Lay them down to Him and confide yourself in Him. Praise Him for what He has done and will do with them, for He is a great God. Pray so that the Spirit within you is not a spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit.