Living Boldly Instead of Fearfully - Your Nightly Scripture - October 4th

Greg Grandchamp Author

Published October 02, 2026

Living Boldly Instead of Fearfully

Evening Scripture

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am 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.

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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

Evening Reflection

If this world has taught us anything, it is that fear accomplishes nothing. Courage in faith, on the other hand, throughout history has accomplished much. In what many consider his last letter, written from a Roman prison in anticipation of his own death, Paul encourages Timothy to embrace boldness and strength – especially in the face of persecution and personal trials. Paul’s message echoes for us. We, too are to “fan into flame the gift of God.”

It is sometimes so easy for us to sit quiet, not wanting to “offend” anyone. Or perhaps we do not speak out about our faith because we fear ridicule or mockery, or even being estranged from family or friends. Yet, we are clearly taught that we are not to be ashamed of the gospel, of our testimony. This is a direct invitation to actively cultivate and use the capabilities that we have been given by God, rather than simply allowing them to remain dormant within us. We are to be willing to stand boldly, willing to sacrifice and even suffer for the gospel.

Are you ready to join in sacrifice, even “suffering for the gospel, by the power of God”? Paul’s words to us are a call to courage. To live boldly, with power and strength that comes from the Holy Spirit. And, if necessary, to endure hardship for Christ’s sake, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Are you ready to no longer live for self but for others, even if that requires sacrifice?

We have been given an incredible gift – and what comes with that gift is the Holy Spirit of the Lord. Rather than being afraid or timid in our faith, the Spirit gives us power we never knew we had – power, love and self-discipline that are now within us. These are qualities that enable every believer to stand firm in the face of trials and opposition, to live boldly and to serve faithfully.

Evening Prayer

Father,

You know I sometimes hold back speaking about the gospel out of what you know is fear and trepidation. Yes, I am nervous to speak out about my faith. Please help me overcome that fear and to be bold for you and for Jesus. I know in my heart that your Holy Spirit is there to give me strength and courage to speak up. I surrender everything to you, Father. Everything I am, and everything I have.

Amen

How did tonight’s scripture speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Your Nightly Scripture forum discussion.

GO DEEPER:

Grandchamp is an author and speaker. His book, “In Pursuit of Truth, A Journey Begins,” is an easy-to-read narrative that offers answers to the most common questions new believers and non-believers have about Jesus Christ (Amazon.) Greg speaks on living out our faith in our daily lives – and on creating true disciples of Christ.
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.

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