Pilot Knob Lutheran Church Power, Love & Discipline 6/11/2025
2 Timothy 1:7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Paul, a seasoned apostle is writing to a young pastor and sees danger coming to Christians from the government. Life is going to become difficult if one continued to follow Jesus.
Paul reminds Timothy and us that the Holy Spirit that lives in God’s people is not the originator of being timid or a coward. That would never stand up to the powers of darkness.
Rather God has given every Christian a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. Power is not courage or bravery in the face of danger. It is the power to hold out, to endure all things, to suffer and to die for Christ’s sake. It is a victorious and triumphant power.
Love does not mean to compromise and thus tolerate every opposing idea so as to avoid conflict or disagreement. It’s a love that when facing persecution it sees the sin, its origin and yet is eager to seek and save people from sin and the flames of hell.
Self-discipline is the sane, balanced mind. This provides direction for our power, and applies purpose to our love. This trio is most needed during dangerous times, when the state, local and federal government is against the expression of our Christian faith.
Note: Paul wrote this while in prison with a sword hanging over his head. As a nation, we are not out of the woods as of today or tomorrow. What we need is a spiritual awakening.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Sunday 15, 9:00 Morning Worship. Sermon: The Holy Trinity.
Tuesday 17: 5:45 Deacon meeting. 6:30 Council meeting.
Consider signing up for the Chili Cook Off at the church picnic, September 7
If you have an article or God sighting you would like to share with the congregation please submit it for publication in the Briefings. pastorbob@pilotknob.org
Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran
Our service also airs on: KGLO 1300 AM at 10:00 AM, and KIOW 107.3 FM at 7:00 AM. Spread the word.
