I have been considering cowardice lately, since it is a characteristic of mine and the best translation of the word fear or timidity in 2 Timothy 1:7, a passage I will be preaching on this Sunday. By the way, suprisingly, the best translation of this verse is the Contemporary English Version (CEV).
God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
Adam’s sin and our sin nature make cowards of us. Men, we are cowards by nature, apart from the grace of God in our lives.
When are we cowards, or what are we cowards about?
- leading, especially our families
- publicly stating the gospel to others
- being discovered to be something different than what we actually are
- confessing sin to others and admitting wrong
- accepting encouragement
- accepting rebuke
Is this an accurate list? What would you add to it? Ask around and let me know.
I Commend Joy! 