Portions of 2 Tim 1:6-14 (NASB) And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you…For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of Our Lord…who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…who abolished death, and brought immortality to light through the gospel…For this reason I also suffer…but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day…Guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
2 Tim 4:14-18(NASB) Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. At my first
defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul was convinced that Timothy had a very sincere faith, but it appears he also may have perceived some degree of timidity in the young man. Paul made a point to remind Timothy that a spirit of timidity is something God does not give us. Instead Paul stressed what God did have for him: a divine purpose and
appropriate gifting adequate to fulfill that purpose. Paul’s letters focused on recapping how vital that call was, and the importance of being proactive regarding it; to “…kindle afresh the gift of God…” He also dished out encouragement to get the young man off and running in the right direction. Paul counselled him on how to lead others and gave plenty of practical advice. Furthermore, he cautioned Timothy concerning enemy opposition. Through the message from Paul to Timothy, the Holy Spirit imparts good sense to us. The letters to Timothy have been crucial to my well-being for sure!
I take in these truths often, for I know from experience that my natural tendencies are to be insecure and easy to manipulate. However, God has done much healing in that area of my life. I have also learned that when I take up the whole armor of God, I am able to stand strong despite any residual natural inclinations. Do you know what inspires me to put on the whole armor? The recognition that I am in a battle and the realization that if I don’t put it on, I am going to get whomped! The very real strength that is in me isn’t my own. It belongs to Christ Jesus.
You see, if Timothy was timid, as it sure seems to me from this passage, he and I do have a bit in common. That is probably why Paul told us about how God had personally helped him when Alexander the coppersmith opposed his teaching. The fact of the matter is, when you and I step out in faith to do what
God has purposed for our lives, we will face antagonism to one degree or another. Just keep in mind, if we wear the whole armor of God and love Our Lord, the enemy’s purpose will ultimately be devastated, not us.
Are you somewhat timid by nature too? Don’t sweat it. God is willing to give you what you need to fulfil His purpose for your life, including a realization and reminders of the security He provides. Are you, on the other hand, naturally inclined to be tough, brave and quite sure of yourself? Don’t fret. He is more than happy to have your back too (providing you humble yourself enough to ask). It is God’s desire to give us what we need to live our lives victorious over the enemy of our souls. What we need is a relationship with Him. God brings us into the perfect purpose for our lives through that growing, loving relationship. Whoever you are, no matter your background, don’t be timid about asking Him into your life! He loves you so much that He promised to relate to you through what He did on the cross. Like Paul said, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen”