What does it mean to have a spirit of fear?
2 Timothy 1:7
ESV - 7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
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Asked December 03 2015
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Tom Mcgarvey
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Tim Maas
The New International Version (NIV) translation of the verse mentioned in the question says, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." Multiple passages in the New Testament (such as Acts 4:23-31, following the initial arrest of Peter and John for their preaching) speak of the desired quality of boldness (rather than timidity) in Christians as they proclaim the word of God -- both in overcoming a reluctance to approach or speak to others, and in exhibiting courage when confronted by opposition or persecution. As Paul indicated to Timothy, this boldness is not something that we must depend on our own strength to achieve, but a gift from God. It is through the power of that same Spirit that Christians are granted the ability to love others (including their enemies, even while those enemies are persecuting the followers of Christ), and also to control their own actions, so that they will not bring the gospel message into shame or disrepute through sinful behavior.
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