… but of power, love, and self-control.
Summary: These three gifts from God are intertwined and interdependent.
When Paul writes that Timothy was given a spirit of power, love, and self-control, I am assuming he is talking about the impact that the Holy Spirit can have in a person’s life. And what a collection of gifts from God!
“Power,” is not to be taken lightly. In mechanical terms, we define power in terms of how fast a physical object can be moved. In spiritual terms, power translates into how fast God can move a mountain.
Most of the mountains we meet in our lives come in the form of personal challenges. Returning to Paul’s challenge to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3-4), his “mountain” was people teaching false doctrines and devoting themselves to myths and genealogies. Paul makes it clear that Timothy, who was fairly young, did not have to rely on his own power, but instead on the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
One of the reasons God’s power is so effective is that it is rooted in love (agapē). Power by itself is just that—power. Power rooted in love is power that is grounded in God’s will. When that happens, power takes on meaning and direction. It has a purpose, which is to further the kingdom of God.
Finally, Paul includes “self-control.” This is essential for the proper use of power. It is the throttle that controls how fast the power is applied. It is the brake pedal that slows down the use of power when less power is more.
Interestingly, the words Paul used for power and love are consistently translated as “power” and “love” in English translations. However, when we come to “self-control,” there is more variety in translation. Other English translations use words like “sound-mind,” soberness, sound judgment, and self-discipline. Other translations use “prudence,” and one says simply, “a good mind” (NLV).
Whichever word you use, the inference is that all three: power, love, and the ability to apply them all correctly come from God. The other inference is that we are willing to receive them and use them for God’s glory. What about you? What will you do with power, love, and self-control from God?
Application: Accept God’s gifts and use them wisely.
Food for Thought: How are these three gifts intertwined? What happens if we try to use one without the others?
Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments. Quotes are from the World English Bible (Public Domain) unless otherwise noted.
Good meditation. 2 Timothy 1:7 is a verses I like to read a lot. It reminds me of my identity in Christ.
The Lord gives us His power to accomplish His will. I think love provides the focus of His power. Power needs something to focus on. So love is the focus or reason for God using His power. As followers of Christ, we are to love God and one another, using the power and strength the Lord has given us to act in love. When I think of self control I think of discernment, discipline, mindfulness, hope, etc…all the aspects of intention, fruitfulness, being a good steward of what the Lord has provided. But without power intention is worthless. So power needs focus, focus needs intention, intention needs power, it seems very circular and intertwined.
I think if we use power without love, we become overbearing and oppressive. If we love without intention we lack impact. If we have power without self control we live in chaos. If we have self control without love we become distant.
Power, love, and self control are three attributes of Christ’s character. As He sanctifies us, they can become attributes of our character as well.
Ephesians 3:16–19 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Chris,
Your observation that all three are intertwined is spot on. God’s ways are like that! 🙂