It’s episode 81 of the Busy Christian Mom podcast, and we are in our Anchored Attitude mini series. These 9 episodes will walk you scripture memorization strategies of specific bible verses that will help you anchor your attitude, mindset, and effort on Christ. Today, we’re walking through how to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7 in minutes. Trigger warning: we touch on the topic of PTSD.
CLICK PLAY TO LISTEN: EP 81
Review
The 9 episodes in this mini series are broken down into three sections, each with three verses (attitude, mindset, effort). We are on the mindset section where we’ll have three bible verses specifically addressing mindset. Let’s do a quick review of our attitude verses. If you’re mind has blanked out, I strongly encourage you to relisten to episodes 78-80:
- EP 78: Philippians 2:14 (attitude) “Do everything without complaining and arguing.”
- EP 79: Romans 12:12 (attitude) “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”
- EP 80: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
- EP 81: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Verse
Now that we’ve addressed our attitudes, and have adjusted accordingly, it’s time to get our minds right. Getting your mindset Christ focused takes practice, but I can testify today, that putting in the mental work is worth every ounce of effort. It’s so much easier to shut down toxic thoughts, and recognize what’s truth versus lies. The mindset portion of this Anchored Attitude mini series is the deeper work. So, when we memorize 2 Timothy 1:7 together, know that this is helping fortify your mind so that we can live our lives focused on Christ, and not letting our minds run wild.
Before we dive into today’s verse, remember that you have access to the free workbook that goes right along with this entire mini series. It has several resources and practice techniques built in, so it’ll be extremely helpful when it comes to solid practice that sticks. You can get your workbook by going to brookecollier.com entering your email where prompted, and then check your inbox/spam/junk. You’ll get a freebie when you sign up, and then on Monday, you’ll get your workbook.
Here we are, episode 81, our first Bible verse that helps us focus our mindset on Christ. I’ll read it in the NLT.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Verse Context Breakdown
As you know, context matters! Not only in life, but especially when we read the greatest book ever written. If you’re ever reading the Bible, and a verse sounds odd. Pause, take a look around the the bigger picture of the story, consider what was happening in the world at that time, and the pieces start to come together better. You can use amazing resources like The Bible Recap, The Bible Project, and The Daily Audio Bible.
Let’s gain some context around what’s happen in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Some quick facts:
- 2 Timothy was written by Paul (episode 5), and is Paul’s last letter
- It was written to encourage Timothy, and challenge him to accept his call even though hardships and difficulties will happen
- Serves as a reminder to remain faithful and raise up faithful leaders who will teach the gospel
Paul knew that Timothy was facing hard times ahead, and God has told us that we’ll all face trials on this side of heaven. When the storm comes, we can maintain our faith by believing this verse:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
We can trust that God has equipped us with power, love, and self-discipline. When we look at how to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7, let’s do it with confidence in who we are in Christ. If you’re struggling with who you are, and what abilities you have because you’re a follower of Jesus, I strongly recommend episodes 2-15. It’s all about who we are in Christ.
Memorize Verse
Got your memorization mind right? Let’s get it! Today, we’re working on how to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Remember that I’m using the NLT, and that’s what’s in your workbook.
Let’s think about the verse logically. Once you cross the line of faith, the holy spirit enters into you. Do you think a good, loving God would give you a spirit of being afraid or lacking courage? No way! It’s the opposite! God equips us! It’s time to say our Busy Christian Mom Credo in case you forgot it from episodes 2-15.
“I am the daughter of the King. I am chosen, forgiven, redeemed. I am loved and I belong. I am bold, brave, and strong. I am seen. I’m accepted. I am able. I’m protected. Through Him I can do anything because I’m the daughter of the King.”
Brooke Collier, Busy Christian Mom Credo
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” No way would God has us to follow him and not give us the tools we need to do so. He’s kind! So the instant you feel like you’re operating out of fear or timidity, recognize that isn’t from God, and you can forget that, and operate under your God-given ability of power, love, and self-discipline.
Strategy Technique
Onto the strategy technique of how to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7. We’re working with acronyms first. If we look at the verse, there are two characteristics, as Christians, that we are not to operate or act on. Fear and timidity. Do we feel fear or lacking courage sometimes? Absolutely, but the difference is to feel the feeling, but not act on it. More on that in the live it out section of this episode. Let’s keep talking memorization.
Fear starts with an F. Timidity starts with a T. F.T. stands for “forget that!” So when we feel fear and timidity, we can say “Forget That!”, and operate under the holy spirit characteristics of power, love, and self-discipline. Fear and timidity? Forget that! For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity.
What did God give us? Power, love, and self-discipline. PLSD. There is something called, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). You may have heard of it. It’s scary and awful, and I’ve had my experience with it. Back in the valley of PTSD, I operated out of fear and timidity for years, and it was horrible. Thank you, God. Through several steps and lots of time, by God’s plan, I traded in my PTSD for PLSD. I said Forget That to fear and timidity, and traded it for PLSD. Power, love, and self-discipline.
If you are someone who is has PTSD or love someone who does, message me on Instagram, and I will pray for you. Christian community, counseling, and church all through the grace of God were tools to get me where I am today. Every PTSD story is unique, and that’s how mine goes. I traded PTSD for PLSD.
Try It Out
I’ll give you the sentence starter, you try to say the rest. You say your FT and PLSD. We’re going to say forget that, and trade it for PLSD. I’ll give you a second to think. Ready? For God has not given us a spirit of (fear) and (timidity), but of (power, love, and self-discipline).
Let’s say it again, the whole thing, three times through. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Now for the 2 Timothy 1:7. We can remember 2 Timothy because we’re trading two things (fear and timidity). Timidity sounds a lot like Timothy. God is number 1 because he’s the best and frees us from this fear and timidity. 2 Timothy 1. Finally, there are 7 words of the back half/best half of the verses, “but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.“
2 Timothy 1:7
Live It Out
Attitude is one thing, and mindset can be a whole other beast, especially if you’re dealing with unprocessed trauma. We touched on PTSD, so now’s a good time to mention that your local church should have access to counselors. If the strategy we discussed is not for you, remember your workbook.
Let’s look at the spirit of the verse through the lens of having a mindset after Christ. “For God does not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Turn this verse into a step by step for the moment you feel thoughts of fear or timidity. When you’re afraid or lack courage, let this verse inspire you to embolden your faith knowing that God gave you a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
- Step 1: Recognize and acknowledge the feeling
- Step 2: Say the scripture 2 Timothy 1:7
- Step 3: Believe that this is the truth
- Step 4: Ask God to help you walk in power, love, and self-discipline
These steps in themselves are self discipline, and I know you can do it because the Bible says you can. Have a big meeting and you feel a lack of courage? Recognize that’s what you’re feeling, quote 2 Timothy 1:7, and step into your God-given spirit of power.
Does your kid have a tryout or big test coming up? Teach them these steps, and help them recognize the self-discipline aspect of this verse. Spouse going through a rough patch, and we’re not sure what next? Pray your way through these steps and act towards your spouse in love. “For God does not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Podcast Recap
Cheers to you, friend! You know how to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7, and you’re able to put it into action in a way that works for you, your kids, and your hubs. Good for you. Don’t stop there! Bring a friend along in this mini series. This is week four, but anyone has the opportunity to binge listen and catch up. Friends help friends memorize scripture! Let’s say our verse together one more time. Think baou tit. Hold it in your brain. Ready? Here we go!
“For God does not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Links from the Show
- Anchored Attitude Mini Series
- EP 24: Tips to Memorize Scripture
- Etsy Shop: Busy Christian Mom
- Busy Christian Mom Podcast (Apple Podcasts)
- Pinterest: Brooke Collier BCM
- Busy Christian Mom Instagram
