2 Timothy 1:6-8
Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.
Today is a reminder to us all that we are not powerless victims of self, of the powers of this world, or of Satan. The Spirit of God comes with power, He comes with love (which casts out all fear), and also self-control. Have you ever tried to stop something - perhaps a bad habit or destructive pattern, only to find yourself right back where you started a few weeks later? Lasting self-control is a work of the Spirit of God in our lives. Our flesh and will alone are insufficient to stand firm against the influences of that which God detests. Spiritual wars wage in us all the time battling for the throne of our hearts. We must look to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, for a sufficient portion. Paul is reminding Timothy that he is equipped with the Holy Spirit, a gift that is far greater than any adversary he will face.