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30 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know: A Devotional Study

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The truth that held you together could be the reason someone else doesn’t fall apart.

This devotional study is a gentle invitation to hide God’s Word deep in your heart — one verse at a time. With 30 carefully chosen Scriptures, space to pause and reflect, and simple and encouraging teachings, you’ll be reminded that God’s Truth really can shape your everyday moments.

Whether you’re just starting out or need a fresh reminder of what’s true, this is a beautiful way to grow closer to God.

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Today’s Teaching

The Spirit of God Is More Than Enough

Bronwyn Cardwell

Day: 10 | Plan: 30 Bible Verses

Start Here: 2 Timothy 1:7

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Major Moment: God's Spirit is not a spirit of fear.

Sometimes it is just easier to stay silent and do nothing. Even though I have known the Lord for many years and have total confidence in His Spirit within me, there are times when I think this way. It can be difficult to speak up and step out in boldly pursuing His calling for my life.

Yet today's key Bible verse from 2 Timothy, the last known letter written by the Apostle Paul, reminds me that "God gave us a spirit not of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7). Timothy was a young man Paul had mentored in the faith for years, partnering with him on many missionary journeys (1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1), and he was a natural successor to carry on Paul's ministry to the churches. But based on Paul's words addressing fear and insecurity in today's verse, some scholars suggest Timothy may have struggled with anxiety. Paul encouraged Timothy that God's Spirit within him was more than enough to overcome his fear.

Even though Paul was living in horrific conditions in a Roman prison as he awaited his imminent death, his last words to Timothy were words of encouragement, empowerment, and strength for his faith. First, Paul told him to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6). Rekindling his passion for Christ would be an important step toward igniting the gift of God's Spirit within him.

Paul then spoke boldly and forcefully as he told Timothy, "God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). The Greek word Paul used for "fear" in this verse can also be translated as "timidity or cowardice" (AMP). We can only speculate as to what Timothy was feeling; however, Paul must have known his friend was discouraged and fearful, so he spoke the truth of God's power through His Spirit to Timothy. And just as Paul did, we can speak truth to our own hearts when we are fearful and discouraged in our faith.

Although circumstances may seem to be the source of our fear, in reality, fear comes from our fallen, sinful nature and our enemy, Satan. He is adept at using whatever means necessary to distract us from the goodness and power of God, and fear is one of his favorite tools.

But notice the lowercase "s" in "spirit not of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7). Now compare that "spirit" to the capital-S "Spirit" whom Jesus spoke of in John 14:17: "the Spirit of truth ... he dwells with you and will be in you." This Spirit is God Himself, and He never brings ungodly fear and timidity into our hearts! Instead, according to today's key verse, His Spirit is the source of:

This includes courage, strength, and stability.
This means unconditional devotion to God and sharing His heart with others.
Self-control. This is holy self-discipline and clear thinking, even under pressure.

The Spirit of God, who has all power over the enemy, is not only with us but also in us. He resides in the heart of everyone who believes in Jesus as their Savior (Ephesians 1:13). We have no reason to be fearful or timid when His Spirit is at home within us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, let me be quick to identify fear in my life. Help me turn to You and ask You to empower me to live above the fear. I am confident that You are in control of my life, and for that reason alone, I need not give in to fear. Thank You that Your Spirit within me is greater than the spirit of the enemy who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Strengthen my faith each day to walk in the amazing power of Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.

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