2 Timothy 1:6-12

Introduction:

1. Our final two growth stunters are the source of much anxiety and pain.

2. Conflict and intimidation can come from people inside the congregation or outside.

3. Both have the potential to stymy our growth, so again we must prepare in advance.

Discussion:

I. The Strain of Conflicts

A. As long as there are people, there will be conflicts (Matthew 10:34-36; Luke 17:1).

B. The New Testament is littered with narratives of conflicts (Mark 10:35-45; Acts 6:1-7; 15:36-41; 1 Corinthians 1:11; 3:1-3; 6:1-11; 11:17-19; Galatians 2:11-14; Philippians 4:2).

II. The Pressure of Intimidation

A. Sometimes conflicts escalate to the point of intimidation.

B. Such may come from people within the church (Acts 15:1-5; 3 Jn. 9-10) or outside the church (Acts 4:1-18; 5:17-18, 27-33; 19:21-41).

III. The Spirit of Power

A. Both conflicts and intimidation can tempt us to shirk our responsibilities towards others, whether fellow believers or those outside the church.

B. The way those involved in the conflicts and intimidation above conquered this temptation is still the way we must overcome such things today.

C. God has given us a spirit of power, not timidity (2 Timothy 1:6-12).

1. This is so by the testimony of the risen Lord (2 Timothy 1:8-10).

2. Peter and John overcame intimidation through the same source of strength, the resurrected Lord they had seen and heard (Acts 4:18-22).

Conclusion:

1. Conflict and intimidation can stunt our growth if we are unprepared to face them.

2. Like Paul and the others, we must know Whom we have believed and be fully persuaded that He can keep what we have committed to Him (2 Timothy 1:12).

Further Food for Thought

1. Have you ever struggled with conflict or intimidation in your walk with Christ?

2. What did or would you do to overcome such pressures?

3. How can we each help build one another up to conquer similar struggles?