Overcoming Fear and Timidity (2 Timothy 1:8-12)
Sermon Summary Sunday
Pastor David Yan
5 October 2025
Timothy was a young pastor. He was, by nature, fearful and timid. Paul exhorted him to be strong. How does one overcome fear?
Paul highlights salvation. He reminds Timothy God has saved him. Fear will not have a grip on you if you have a grip of salvation. Know your salvation and know victory over fear and timidity.
Salvation is the saving of soul. Through faith in Christ Jesus our sins are forgiven and we are immediately saved. Salvation is also the saving of the body. But the body awaits its redemption. Salvation is both immediate and gradual.
Paul reminds Timothy his salvation is not of works. If you depend on your good works you will fall short of God’s perfect goodness.
Salvation is by the purpose and grace of God. His purpose is to rescue people from the dominion of sin. His grace is to effect this purpose through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
The grace of God was given before time began. This is the mystery of election. It is the secret counsel God and we cannot fully understood it.
But God’s mystery has now been revealed by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ. He came to save the elect. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to believers. Paul is not ashamed of this message. Timothy must likewise be unashamed of it.
Salvation is of the complete person. When we believe in Jesus our souls are eternally saved. Our bodies await their redemption and shall finally be reunited with our resurrected bodies. We shall be immortal. If you have immortality what is there to fear about mortal things?
If Timothy can grasp the significance of his salvation he will overcome fear and timidity. We also, if we understand what God has done for us shall be fearless and bold. If God is for us who can be against us?