2 Timothy 1:3-7 Originally posted on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 8:35am

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

The phrases in bold are what struck me today.

A clear conscience.

How often do Christians walk around with guilt? I know I have. Please note that 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleans us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS."

If God truly is just and he has forgiven me, then I too can have a clear conscience. If after confession I chose to wallow in guilt than I have told God, Christ death was not enough and I have "do something" more. Though there may still be earthly consequences to deal with, when we are forgiven it's over. Done with. Gone.
Psalm 103:11-13
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Self-discipline

All of us have struggles. My biggest one is self discipline. 3 come to mind right away, but one of the hardest areas for me is food. Today's church is real strong on the sin of adultery, fornication, alcohol abuse, murder, stealing and all the "big" sins. But what about gluttony? With our church socials, dinners and gatherings is any real thought given to those of us who are obese? It has become an "acceptable" sin to be overweight.

I'm not talking about folks that have a medical reason for those extra lbs. I'm talking about me. I have 80 extra lbs all because I lack the discipline to back away form the table.

This verse told me that the Holy Spirit can help me with my self discipline. I need to start praying about what and how much to eat at the same time that I thank God for the food he has provided.

I hope someone benefits from my study today. I know that typing this has helped to solidify the lesson in my mind.