The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, the young bishop of the church in Ephesus, who was grappling with fear due to persecution by Rome and internal church dissension, sought to rekindle his faith by reminding him of the precious gift of God he had been entrusted with (2 Timothy 1:5-6). Timothy needed to realize that the fear he was experiencing was not from God. Instead, he possessed power, love, and a sound mind from God (2 Timothy 1:7).
Every born-again Christian has also received these same gifts from God. First, Timothy wasn’t given the spirit of fear. The Greek word “deilia,” which was translated here as “fear,” actually means “cowardice and timidity” (Strong’s Greek Lexicon). Most of us recognize that fear and terror are not from God, yet we often fail to recognize cowardice and timidity as such. Shyness or timidity stems from fear of others’ opinions and is rooted in pride or self-centeredness. However, once we find comfort in the knowledge that the Lord loves us unconditionally, the fear of man will lose its grip on our lives (Proverbs 29:25).
Paul’s purpose in writing Timothy was to encourage him. It is evident that Timothy faced numerous criticisms and could have easily succumbed to fear. As the leader of the church in Ephesus, he was the primary target of those persecuting Christians. However, God had bestowed upon him the spirit of power, love, and a clear mind. These empowered Timothy, and they also prove to be more than sufficient to counteract all that comes against us.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul contrasts fear with power, love, and a sound mind. When we are in fear, we lose our power. Fear drains our strength and compels us to submit to things we would never do without it. It lacks love and is not a part of love. Fear also leads us to think emotionally rather than logically, which can be deadly and paralyzing. It activates the power of the devil in the same way that faith releases the power of God. Therefore, we should avoid fear at all costs.
Throughout history, there have been individuals who held positions of power, but rarely did that power manifest in love or even in a sound mind. The power bestowed upon God’s servants is not a tool for controlling others, but rather a responsibility to serve others with love (Matthew 20:26-27; 23:11). This power is complemented by a sound mind, which involves self-control and self-discipline. In this world, power inevitably corrupts, and complete power corrupts completely. In contrast, those who walk in God’s power serve others with love and lead self-disciplined lives.
The Greek word “dunamis,” translated as “power” in 2 Timothy 1:7, is used elsewhere in the Bible to describe “wonderful works,” “mighty works,” “ability,” “virtue,” “miracle,” and “strength.” God never commands us to undertake a task without equipping us with the necessary “dunamis” to accomplish it. Many of the tasks God gives us surpass our capabilities, requiring His miraculous power, which He freely offers. Paul encouraged Timothy by emphasizing that God’s supply surpasses the task at hand. This is a profound lesson for all of us to learn. By focusing on God within us rather than dwelling on the challenges before us, we can get rid of fear.
The phrase “sound mind” is derived from the Greek word “sophronismos,” which translates to “discipline, or self-control” (Strong’s Concordance). While it can refer to a person who thinks clearly, it is associated in this verse with self-control. The Amplified Bible translates this verse as: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
The virtue of love is bestowed upon every believer in Christ and contrasts sharply with the fear that grips those who don’t know Christ. Receiving God’s love has the power to eliminate fear in the believer’s life, as stated in 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Yes, fear torments. Those who serve God out of fear serve Him out of torment. Many people turn away from God not because they don’t believe in His existence, but because they have been taught to serve Him out of fear of punishment. They feel inadequate and know it. To escape this torment, they turn away from God. However, if they only knew the perfect love of God for them and that in Jesus they do measure up, they would turn back to the Lord.
If perfect or complete love exists, then imperfect or incomplete love must also exist. Perfect love alone has the power to eliminate fear. However, if we still hold onto fear of God’s punishment or lack of intervention in our lives, our love is not perfect. To truly comprehend the vastness and depth of God’s love, we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-19).
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, there is no reason for you to fear. You have received the perfect love of God in the gift of Christ’s flawless life for your sinful one. You possess God’s mighty power, tempered with love and self-control. Having a lack of knowledge of God’s perfect love for you is an open door to the enemy’s torment. Just as God revealed to Peter that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (Matthew 16:16-17), allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus is in you. You will understand that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but rather a spirit of power, love, and a clear mind. The persecution of fear will be conquered, and the perfect love of Jesus will reign in your life.
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