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7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,2 Timothy 1:7-9 God has given each believer gifts. These do not act on their own, but at our will, to serve Christ. These gifts need at times to be stirred up like coals of a campfire. We have not received fear from God, but power, love, and a sound mind. When we share Christ and do His work representing His kingdom, His power supports us. Our power in Christ is measured in how much we can love and serve others. A sound mind is calm and controlled, without panic, fear, or confusion. This mind is not ashamed of Christ or His Gospel. For it was Christ who saved us at the Cross, taking our sins, guilt, and shame onto His own body to redeem us. This we could never do for ourselves. Which of us could say we were owed eternal life because of how we lived. Christ came succeeded in defeating Satan, death, and sin. Giving in its place, pardon, adoption, forgiveness, and eternal life. Amen.