1. 2 Timothy 1:7

2. The generosity of God is seen all throughout the Bible (Jn. 3:16; Mt. 7:11; Jas. 1:17) However, there are some things God does not give… He does not give temptation (Jas. 1:13) He does not give a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7)

3. Timothy’s situation had challenges and Paul wanted to encourage him not to be fearful His youth His local church responsibilities His face-off with false teachers His grievous times of apostasy

4. God does not give us fear (Rom. 8:15) Fear (timidity, cowardice, afraid) is crippling and debilitating (Jn. 7:13; 9:22; 19:38; Gal. 2:12) Fear will cause us to be lost (Rev. 21:8) Like Moses, we must act boldly and courageously without fear (Heb. 11:27; 13:6)

5. We have a God-given “power” to act boldly against spiritual foes and trials; to stand for truth; to cope with daily struggles; to shoulder daily tasks Power to tell God’s word (Acts 18:28) Power to over-come challenges (2 Cor. 12:9) Power to give strength (Eph. 1:19; 3:16,20; Col. 1:11; Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:17) Power to work (2 Thess. 1:11)

6. We have a God-given “love” to serve boldly our God, our brethren, and the lost Love causes us to be strong in trying times (Rom. 5:3-5) Love speaks the truth (Eph. 4:15) Love casts our fear (1 Jn. 4:18) Love chastens (Rev. 3:19)

7. We have a God-given “sound mind” (soberness) to think clearly, carefully and correctly; to make wise choices; wise discretion; act sensibly; act with prudence Soberness comes from God giving us his wisdom and knowledge; we must open our ears and hearts to it (Prov. 2) Soberness is to be our way of life (Tit. 2:12) and it will keep us from the devil (1 Pet. 4:7)