Preparing to Proclaim: An Introduction to Evangelism
The Role of the Spirit
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How does the Lord help us when we fix our eyes upon him?
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Whenever the spirit of timidity threatens to invade our emotions and seeks to control our actions, the Lord provides a solution through the power of his Holy Spirit.
Jesus tells us to remain in him and he will remain in us. (John 15:5). By being connected to the Vine, we bear fruit of the Spirit. It’s fruit that we cannot generate on our own, but can only receive.
By being in his Word and receiving his sacraments, we take full advantage of God’s means of grace to steadfastly remain in him. Flushed with his grace and renewed by the Spirit, this verse from 2 Timothy teaches us that we receive the Spirit of God in three different ways.
#1 | The Spirit of power.
The Greek word for power that is used in this verse is “dynamus”. It is the appropriate root word for dynamite. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power (“dynamus”) of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) Every time a believer proclaims God’s Word it is like lighting a stick of dynamite and placing it in a person’s heart and mind. The powerful and effective Word of God goes to work. The same Spirit of “dynamus” is given to us to conquer timidity and enables believers to share the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.
#2 | The Spirit of love.
The Greek word for love that is used in this verse is “agape”. It is the same word used in John 3:16 – “For God so loved “agape” the world, that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The same Spirit of “agape” that God has for us is the same Spirit God gives to us. Love prompts us to serve God and empowers us to serve others by giving the message of salvation. Perfect love drives out fear and timidity (1 John 4:7).
#3 | The Spirit of self-discipline.
The Greek word for self-discipline that is used in this verse is “sophronismos.” It is a difficult word to translate into English. The word can mean exercising self-control, self-discipline, or having a sound mind. In other words, the word can mean the ability to keep a cool head amid tense circumstances or having a sound mind and not be shaken or intimidated.
Whenever we are placed in any situation where our natural tendency is to be timid, the Lord gives us the Spirit of “sophronismos”.
How can these three gifts of God’s Spirit be applied to proclaiming the gospel to others?
Take Action: Record your answers to the question above on pages 5-6 of the study guide.
“Sophronismos” is something that I need and ask the Holy Spirit to be with me and guide me when opportunities are presented. Recently in a Toastmasters meeting during an Impromptu session, I was asked a question and had two minutes to give my answer. I had to speak at least two minutes on the answer. The question was this: “Do you want to know the day and time of your death?” I gathered my thought for a moment and quickly asked the Holy Spirit to guide me. Then I responded. “No I really didn’t, but that being said, I think we all need to be prepared to die, because it really could be tomorrow or sooner even. We need to know our Lord and Savior. We need to be in God’s Word to be assured that we have the faith that we need. And as we do this, we can be at peace when death comes whenever that may be.” (I did thank God in my prayers later that evening, for guiding me with my response). I really flowed and it was the Holy Spirit speaking through me, I am convinced!
Thank you for giving me the word “Sopronismos” to identify that state of on the spot “Impromtu” response.
Thanks, Duayne. “Sophronismos” is very meaningful for me too. I can understand why the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to include this work for those of us who struggle with timidity. That’s a great story. Thanks for sharing!