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2 Timothy 1:7
Spirit of Power, Not Fear
2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
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Why it is worth knowing
- The spirit of fear is not from God: its origin is elsewhere
- God’s gift is a threefold spirit: power, love, and self-control
- “Power” for the mission, “love” for the relationship, “self-control” for the character
- This verse is a declaration to be claimed when fear arises
Where it sits: 2 Timothy 1:6-9
For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
Hear the passage it sits in, sung word for word, on BibleDo's 2 Timothy page.
Background
Paul writes to Timothy, who appears to have been somewhat timid and in danger of shrinking back from ministry. The word “fear” (deilia) is specifically cowardice, not healthy caution but paralyzing timidity. Paul reminds Timothy that the Spirit he received is not that kind of spirit. The three gifts (power (dunamis), love (agape), and self-control (sophronismos)) are precisely what a fearful person lacks. This is less a theological statement than a pastoral encouragement: you have been given what you need; now use it.