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
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
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 in 2 Timothy 1:7, 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.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Good question, Tom! I think Paul is referring to a fear of witnessing which God does not give us. We should be bold talking about this as John Walker penned: Thee as our God we too would claim, And bless the Savior’s precious Name, Through Whom this grace is given: He bore the curse to sinners due, He forms their ruined souls anew, And makes them heirs of Heaven. The disciples were made bold, and we should be too: Lu 24:49; Ac 1:8 The Holman Christian Standard Bible says of Proverbs 29:25, "The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected." How much better that we tell others about the pit from which we were dug (but now made new)! He (God) brought me out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set me on a rock (Christ).
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