… 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.
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