H aving established the unfeigned faith of Timothy (I Tim. 1:5), the apostle Paul deals with his tears and fears by reminding him that as believers, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (I Tim. 1:7). There is no denying the fact that Scripture clearly indicates that Timothy was fearful. What an exam ple he stands out for all of us. What the Holy Spirit is telling us is that we cannot trace our fears to God. Since He is not responsible for them, then where do they come from? The answer is written throughout the Word of God. Our Lord is the Author of peace. As far back as Genesis 3, we see fear in man mentioned. This came after the temptation of Satan. Adam and Eve hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the Garden. When God called to him, Adam explained, “I heard Thy voice in the Garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked and I hid myself.” Man has been doing just this ever since. When he hears the voice of God he becomes afraid and hides himself. Fear comes as a result of falling to temptation and sinning. It is a tremendous thing for us to face up to as Christians, that if there is fear in our lives, God didn’t put it there. It was Satan who did this. Fear is the result of sin. The devil is con stantly seeking whom he may devour. The way he does it is through bitter ness and envy. We must recognize the peril that fear is a result of sin. Faith alone can enable us to see this. God’s answer to fear is faith. The next thing that is necessary for us to do is to release the power the Lord has given. Paul exhorts the young follower, “Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” Personally, I believe
this is the most vital message God has for America today. What gift did God put inside you when you came to Christ as a sinner? Because you are a Christian, the Lord Jesus Christ dwells within your heart and life. In II Cor. 13:5, we are exhorted, “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith.” The question is not to IT MATTERS NOT It matters not if I've been hurt: It matters not at all That sometimes from my weary eyes The scalding teardrops fall. What matters most Is if I've erred And not confessed a sin, And through my lax some needy soul Has failed to follow Him. It matters not if cherished friends On whom I leaned in vain Have wounded me by word and deed And left me with my pain. What matters is— can I forgive Again and yet again? It's not, ''Have they been true?'' but, "Lord, Have I been true to them?" 'Twill matter not when evening comes How rough the road I've trod. If only I have talked with Him And led some soul to God! For when I wake to be like Him Who saved me by His grace, Earth's pain will vanish when I catch One glimpse of His dear face. — Alice Hansche Mortenson which denomination you may belong. Your confidence must rest upon the Lord Jesus Christ. The real proof of our Christian faith is that one day the Saviour came to dwell in our heart and at that time, through the person of His Holy Spirit, brought salvation and eternal life. In Romans 8:16 we are told, “The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children 18
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