The Wisdom of Fife

2 Timothy 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  I often glaze over this verse but what is it really saying?  What are the implications?

The way this verse is hitting me right now relates to the sin in my life, specifically, the resistance of it.  I'm rarely confident that I have what it takes to resist a temptation--any temptation, it doesn't matter what it is.  I tip-toe down the path until I'm entangle in it and end up wondering why I let myself go. 

But it doesn't have to be like that.  God gave us power over ourselves, all we have to do is claim it.  Romans 8:26 says, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness."  Again in 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But [Jesus] said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

 

Which sounds more confidence inspiring:

• I hope I don't do THAT again.
• I WON'T do that again.
  

One is timid. One has power.  Sad to say, the first one is the one I say in the deepest, most honest part of me.  I am aware of the Spirits power, but so often I choose to go away from it.  I willingly refuse its power.  So I say through my guilt and shame, I hope I have what it takes next time. 

I never do.

In the profoundly deep film I Love You, Man, Sydney Fife (played by Jason Segel) says to his friend, "trying is having the intention to fail."  We need to stop trying not to sin.  Galatians 5:16, "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

 Be bold, in Jesus name renounce the strongest sin in your life.  You will feel like a liar while in mid sentence.  But once you've punctuated your renunciation you will feel the Spirit's power flowing through your veins.  

Try it.