Articles
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Timothy is not now with Paul. He is separated from his great mentor, and the general flow of first century events is toward increased persecution. Thus Paul gives various exhortations to Timothy to be strong, steadfast, courageous and busy.
In the previous verse, Paul reminded Timothy to “stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” Whatever the nature of this gift, all resources that are useful in the kingdom are to be exercised, not allowed to lie dormant.
Fear is one thing that suppresses our service to God. As irreligious and amoral forces have been emboldened by the change of social policies, the climate of our nation has become caustic, callous and confrontational. Enormous pressure is placed upon Christians in school, at work, even in the military to adopt views that not only tolerate but applaud and approve ungodliness.
Such circumstances challenge our courage. The spirit God is instilling in us rests on His power, not our own. He would have us to love even our enemies who provoke and persecute us. And He guides us unto sobriety and self-control that should be a model to scoffers and skeptics among whom we live.
