“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:7-14 ESV
I Am Convinced:
- He is able to give us what he wants and what we need
Power
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV
Love
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 ESV
“Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”Mark 12:29-31 ESV
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV
Self-control
“The very concept of ‘self-control’ implies a battle between a divided self. It implies that our ‘self’ produces desires we should not satisfy but instead ‘control.’ We should deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, Jesus says, and follow him our ‘self’ produces desires that should be ‘denied’ or ‘controlled’.” John Piper
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
- He is able to save us
I cannotsave myself
“Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls” Romans 9:11 ESV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
- He will protect my deposit
He wants us to finish well
“Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 1 Peter 4:19 ESV
“May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!” 2 Timothy 1:18 ESV