Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy is an important book because it prepares the congregation for the suffering they will inevitably encounter in this life, and to weather it with hope and joy rather than despair.
Paul speaks of the gift and power of God that is received through priesthood ordination. He teaches that “the spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7) does not come from God and that we should not be ashamed of our testimony of Jesus Christ.
Timothy’s Timidity
The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 1:7 offer timely encouragement for fearful saints. Paul calls young Timothy to follow his example of fearlessness in suffering and faithfulness in ministry.
Paul saw the timidity that was in Timothy. Lack of confidence was a serious problem for Timothy. 1 It would be natural for Timothy and other believers to be afraid and to refrain from speaking out for Christ under the severe persecution of Nero. 2
In a world full of challenges, trials, and uncertainty, the meaning of 2 Timothy 1:7 is a powerful reminder that we need. There’s no end to things that bring us great fear in this life. But this passage reminds us that God has given us the power to not only face those challenges but overcome them.
God wanted Timothy to know that this fear wasn’t from the God he served. He needed to know that God has not given us a spirit of fear.
We all face situations where we feel timid and afraid. For some, speaking in front of others makes them fearful; others are afraid of confrontation, others of being made to look foolish, and others are afraid of rejection. We all deal with fear.
The first step in dealing with such fears is to understand that they are not from God. It is a significant step to say, “This isn’t God making me feel like this; God hasn’t given me this.” Perhaps it is from personality, perhaps a weakness of the flesh, perhaps a demonic attack – but it isn’t from God.
The second step in dealing with such fears is understanding what God has given us: a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Paul unpacks four fruits of the Spirit’s work in our lives in verse 7:
- fearlessness,
- power,
- love,
- and self-control.
God Has Given Us A Spirit of Power
When we do His work, proclaim His word, and represent His kingdom, we have all His power supporting us. We are safe in His hands.
God Has Given Us A Spirit of Love
This tells us a lot about the power He has given us. Many think of power in terms of how much we can control others, but Jesus’ power is expressed in how much we can love and serve others.
God Has Given Us A Sound Mind
The ancient Greek word here had the idea of a calm, self-controlled mind, in contrast to the panic and confusion that comes with a fearful situation.
We don’t need to accept what God has not given us (a spirit of fear), and we do need to humbly receive and walk in what He has given us (a spirit of power and love and a sound mind).
A sound mind means your thoughts can be shielded from the lies of the devil — ridiculous, unfounded, and crazy thoughts that have tried to grip your mind in the past. All you have to do is grab hold of God’s word and his spirit.
Fear and timidity will keep us from using the gifts God gives. God wants us each to take His power, His love, and His calm thinking and overcome fear, to be used by Him with all the gifts He gives.
Paul wrote this to Timothy because boldness matters; without it, we can’t fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. God’s purpose for us is more than making money, being entertained, and being comfortable; it is for each of us to use the gifts He gives to touch His people and help a needy world.
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In conclusion, consider what the Daily Bread email message sent on 6/21/2023 says
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline. (NASB)
When we proclaim His word, we have all His power supporting us. We are safe in His hands. Many think of power in terms of how much we can control others, but Jesus’ power is expressed in how much we can love and serve others.
Fear and timidity will keep us from using the gifts God gives. God wants us each to take His power, His love, and His calm thinking and overcome fear.
It is for each of us to use the gifts He gives to touch His people and help a needy world.
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References:
- “NIV,” International Bible Society, The Holy Bible, New International Version, Study Bible (Zonderman Publishing House copyright 1973, 1978, and 1984.), pg. 1883.
- Morris, Henry, The New Defender’s Study Bible (Nashville, TN: World Publishing Inc, 1995 and 2006) pg. 1871.