2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Look at some of the individual words.
First, is the word, “spirit” - This word does not speak about a spirit being - It does not speak about the Holy Spirit. This word implies a characteristic spirit, an influential principle.
The Same thought is found in Luke 9:55
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
However, I might also add that even though the word “spirit” here does not refer to the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is certainly involved in producing within us the “spirit” we need as we yield to His influence (See Romans 8:9).
Does the Spirit of God dwell in you?
Read John 3:1-8. In this passage, being “born again” and “born of the Spirit” are the same experience.
Have you been born again (born of the Spirit)?
If so, then you are a candidate for what I am getting ready to explain!
Saul was born again (born of the Spirit) in Acts 9. Go to that chapter, and read about it. When Saul was born again, there was a definite change, for the better, in his life. He describes the amazing change that occurred in his life in I Timothy 1:12-14.
Before he was born of the Spirit, Saul was a blasphemous, hurtful persecutor. After his conversion, he was full of grace, faith, and love. One of the Holy Spirit’s designations in the Bible is Comforter (One called alongside to assist and render beneficial services) - Read John 14:16—26; John 15:26; John 16:7
Secondly, the next word in II Timothy 1:7 is “Fear” - This word means timidity/cowardice. Some people live under a constant cloud of fear, timidity, and cowardice.
The third word to think about is the word “Power” - It means energy - or inner strength - It means to live strong and courageous, with boldness. That is what we want! Right? Where do we get that?
God works it in us as well live for Him!
Colossians 1:28–29
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
God was working “mightily” in Paul, as Paul served the Lord. He can work “mightily” in you too! Read also, Philippians 1:6
This in-working of God’s power occurs despite the stresses/struggles of this life. Look at the amazing struggles and difficulties that Paul endured for Christ in 2 Corinthians 11:23-30
This in-working of God’s power occurs despite the stresses of life and the weariness of life - the word “labour” (in Colossians 1:29 above) indicates to be wearied because of hard work…to be faint from weariness.
Do you feel weary and faint with the struggles and stresses of life? There is a strength that can only be found in Christ as you yield to HIM (Matthew 11:28-30)!
Paul willingly exerted himself for Christ, to the point of exhaustion. The term, “striving,” which occurs here (Colossians 1:29), and the word “conflict” in the next verse (Colossians 2:1), were used for athletes who painfully pursued athletic glory. Paul claimed, however, that his struggle and weariness were accompanied by God’s energy which strengthened him. Paul had an “energy,” or inner strength that was supplied by the Lord.
The fourth word in II Timothy 1:7 to consider is…”Love” - This is a love that endures hardship and opposition. This is a love that conquers contempt and opposition by forgiveness and refusal to seek revenge. Love (charity) conquers all (I Cor. 13). This type of love is God’s love produced within us by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
The fifth word is “Sound Mind” - Ah, this is ultimately what we want…right? But here is an interesting thing - The word means self-discipline, prudence - Having the wisdom to restrain ourselves or oppose ourselves. This is what we don’t want to do; but we must if we are to have this inner strength from God!
Put plainly, God has inner strength which he can give us. This inner power manifests itself in love…and this loving, inner strength gives us the ability to choose what is right and best for ourselves and others, despite all the obstacles that life can throw at us!
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