A SOUND MIND

These words are found in Paul’s second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:7) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. In the Greek this word that is translated as “sound mind” is a combination of two words, one means “safe”, and the other “mind”, hence “safe thinking”. According to Strong’s Concordance it denotes good judgment, disciplined thought patterns, and the ability to understand and make right decisions. It also includes the qualities of “self-control” and “self-discipline”. As Christians we should give close attention to this verse!

The first thing we see is that fear is a “spirit”, and it is not given by God! Therefore we know that fear must come from the enemy, and we should resist it in Jesus’ name whenever it tries to enter our life. How many Christians do you know that are plagued with all kinds of fears, except the “fear of God”, which is the only positive kind of fear? God has given us (past tense) “power”, “love” and a “sound mind”. These are all part of the package we receive when we repent of our sin and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit comes into our life to give us the assurance of salvation. We need to remind ourselves of this fact quite often,

“Self control” and “self discipline” are two things that should be evident in every believer’s life. Self control is listed as one of the “fruit of the Spirit” in (Gal 5:22-23), and Peter mentions it as one of the signs of spiritual growth in (2 Peter 1:5-8). In verse 8 he states “for if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ". Paul goes on in 2 Timothy to talk about not being ashamed of the gospel. In (2 Tim 1:9) he states the power of God “has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” This is a powerful statement about the “gospel of the Kingdom” that Paul preached, as well as Jesus, John the Baptist, and the other disciples. The “so-called gospel” that is generally preached today is something quite different. It is “man centered”, and might be called a “gospel of convenience”. It lacks the power to change lives, and give people the assurance Paul talked about in verse 12 “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that day”. This should be our testimony if we really know Jesus as our Savior, and are baptized in, and filled with His Holy Spirit.

Sincerely submitted.

Gramp