Hope for the Spiritually Shy
by Pastor David Kuntz

 How many times have you wrestled with whether you should witness to someone or not?  If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior you have had a burning desire inside of you to witness to others.  If we were truly honest with ourselves, most of us would admit that we are spiritually shy.  Speaking openly for Christ means getting called names and receiving strange looks.  Spiritual shyness is a sin that hinders our testimony for Christ.  We’re not the only ones who struggle with the temptation to keep silent.  Timothy, the ordained elder of the church of Ephesus, faced this temptation too.  So Paul wrote this young pastor to give him hope for spiritual shyness.  2 Timothy 1:5-8 contains 3 spiritual truths to help increase our testimony for Christ.  First, Paul encouraged Timothy to call to mind his salvation (vs. 5-6).  “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice and I am persuaded is in you also”  (vs. 5).  A genuine faith in the Lord is the best tool you have for witnessing to the lost.  A genuine un-hypocritical faith within you will eat at their conscience.  Paul also encouraged him to call to mind his spiritual influences that shared with him the Gospel. Paul argues that because others influenced you spiritually, you must do the same for the lost.  “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands”  (vs. 6).  Paul said rekindle the gift of salvation that is in you.  This command is not referring to Timothy’s spiritual gifts, but rather his gift of salvation.  Second, Paul encouraged Timothy to comprehend that God is not the author of fear - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear”  (vs. 7a).  This word “fear” literally means “shyness.” Paul implies that shyness is from a sinful heart since it’s not from God.  Third, claim God’s supernatural resources  (vs. 7b).  “But God has given us the Spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind”  (vs. 7b).  If you understand the verb in verse 7 you will have victory over your shyness.  Paul used the past tense verb “has given” to refer to a specific point in time (your salvation).  There is no need to be shy because you are equipped for battle.  The first resource God provided believers with is the power of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.  The next spiritual tool at your disposal is the gift of love. The third resource is a sound mind, which basically means good judgment.   You must use good judgment as to when to witness and when not to witness.  The amazing hope for the spiritually shy is supplied in 1 Timothy 1:7. All you have to do is follow these three spiritual truths to overcome spiritual shyness.   What will you do the next time you are convicted to witness?  Will you quench the Spirit or speak up & trust in God’s supernatural resources?