2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
What a gracious God we serve! As I write this newsletter, I know it had to be on this verse—I had a dream about it the night before. Ironically, in church this morning, my pastor preached on Romans 8:31–34, and I want to specifically look at verse 32: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
When we look at 2 Timothy 1:7, we see one of those very things God graciously gives us—a spirit of power, love, and self-control. The apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to encourage a young pastor with a heightened urgency to be strong in the Lord. Those words were written to a pastor 2,000 years ago, yet they still ring loud and true today. Timothy was under pressure and facing opposition, and I think all of us—regardless of vocation or circumstance—can relate. As Christians, it is imperative that we lean into the truths revealed to us in our Holy Scriptures.
What does it mean that God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-control? It means that God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6). That truth alone is an encouragement that can and will keep us going. Whether it’s Chaplains showing up to console a family who has lost a loved one, coming alongside a Deputy to provide a spiritual shoulder to lean on, or a Deputy being the first to run toward a dangerous threat—as Christians, we have the divine privilege of relying on the Spirit God has given us so that we can show up in whatever situation lies ahead with confidence that we will work to glorify the Lord.
Biblical power means courage to speak godly truth, strength to endure what would otherwise be unbearable hardship, and boldness to live out the calling God has given you.
Biblical love is found by looking at the cross. John 15:13 tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Godly love is sacrificial and costly.
Biblical self-control is a fruit of the Spirit—something we display only as we “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). It looks like Titus 2:12: “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions…”
All of these traits are noble, desirable, and completely unattainable apart from the Holy Spirit working within us. One of my favorite verses in all of Scripture paints this picture perfectly, so I thank Paul for his second letter to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Prayer
Father God, it is my prayer that we, the Chaplaincy, lean into the Spirit You have given us, truly behold the glory of the Lord, and continue to do the work You have called us to. Father, bless this team of Chaplains, bless our Deputies, and thank You for the opportunities You give us to glorify You and share the message of Christ in Spokane County and beyond. We love You, Lord, and we pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.