Equipped to Endure

2 Timothy 1:7

Our circumstances are different in many ways, and yet they are similar as well. We are not confined in prison, sentenced to death for our faith. We face very little physical abuse for living for Christ, but the opposition we face continues to mount. We are in the midst of trying times. Just as Paul encouraged Timothy, we too must press on and continue for the Lord. You might ask how that is possible when difficulty abounds on every hand. If you are a child of God, you already have everything you need. Let’s take a few moments to look at the qualifications the believer has in Christ as we consider: Equipped to Endure.

I. The Possession of the Believer (7)—As we look at this, keep in mind that Paul has been sentenced to death and Timothy is facing much adversity and opposition. Paul reminds young Timothy of his possession in Christ. He affirmed that the believer possesses:

A. Courage (7a)—For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; There would be times when Timothy would face doubts and fears. There would be occasions when he would question whether it was all worth it, and if he would survive in this life. The adversary would likely even create seasons where Timothy might even question his faith.

▪ Paul reveals that those doubts and fears are not of God. He has not given us a spirit of fear. When trials come and fear grips our hearts, we must remember that God has not placed those fears and doubts within us. Ephes. 3:16—That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

▪ The adversary likes to create doubt in all our hearts. I am certain that we have all dealt with doubt and fear. Those are likely two of the biggest hindrances to the Christian and their witness for the Lord. We do not have to live in fear. We can live in confidence through the power of our Lord. When times of fear come, lean upon the Lord and remember that the enemy has planted those seeds of fear and doubt!

B. Confidence (7)—For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The adversary may seek to create fear and doubt, but God can enable us to overcome through Him. We do not have to live with fear and doubt. We do not have to question whether or not we will make it. We can rest assured in full faith and confidence in the ability of our God to equip us to face whatever comes our way and endure for Him.

▪ God has not placed fear in our hearts, but He has given us power to overcome. This is Satan cannot overcome the power of God. The world looks at things from a physical perspective and often acts on impulse. God has given us the ability to maintain ourselves and make sound decisions.

⮚ Trouble and adversity will come as long as we live upon this earth. Serving the Lord will not be without difficulty, but we possess the courage and confidence we need to overcome if we will only look to the Lord and rely upon Him!

▪ Life will be hard to bear at times, and I don’t see it getting any easier. Things will continue to get worse and the world will grow increasingly wicked and less tolerant of our faith. There are going to be some dark days for the church ahead, but even then we can look through eyes of faith and receive the power of God to endure. We can face each day and the challenges it brings in full anticipation of help from the Lord and the glory that waits the children of God. Rom. 8:18—For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.