Who Is In Control?:
A Spirit of Self-discipline – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  2 Timothy 1:1-12

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

Yesterday we looked at the problem; today we will study God’s solution.  Paul told Timothy that God has given His children a “spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.”  That is the recipe for “life to the full”!  If left to our own power, we settle for whatever life in this world hands us.  If left to ourselves, we allow the conveniences of this technological world to entrap us.  Our blackberries, emails, internet, and Facebook blessings turn on us and become our masters.

            As God’s children, we have weapons to fight the addictions that taunt us, both hard and soft addictions.  The fruit (result) of God’s Spirit in us is self-control, according to Galatians 5:23.  Paul reminds Timothy not to allow timidity to rule him when facing life’s challenges.  God gives us a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  This is what we must all rely on: God’s promised Spirit!

            The enemy will try to put thoughts into our heads that we just can’t stop doing these self-esteem killers.  But God’s truth is available to us and it will set us free!  We must speak God’s truth into these habits or soft addictions.  Say it out loud: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).  Remind yourself that you have God’s Spirit of power over your addictions.  When you feel tempted, speak of God’s Spirit of self-control!

Father, thank you for giving yourself to me—your Spirit of power, love and self-discipline.  I will live in your life giving abundance!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.