P aul writes his final letter to a young minister in Ephesus named Timothy. Its purpose was to encourage him to continue faithfully in the work of God.
Timothy faced challenges. He argued against false doctrines and faced persecution for preaching the gospel. Apparently–– perhaps due to timidity––Timothy held back some ministry work. Paul admonishes him to fan the flames of the spiritual gifts God gave him, not to be ashamed of the Lord, and to expect sufferings in the proclamation of the Good News: “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).
Paul reminded Timothy that he has been given power to encounter all his enemies. The Holy Spirit is the Power, which Jesus promised would come and fill all believers: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Also, genuine love and self-discipline inspire courage and bold authority (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:4).
“Basically, fear comes down to a lack of trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear.”
Worse days would come (2 Timothy 3:1–9). But through it all, Paul’s solemn charge to Timothy was to remain faithful to the things he was taught. To stay the course without fear, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1). To study and “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (4:2). Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Devotionally, 2 Timothy 1:7 exhorts us to stand firm by God’s power, exhibiting His love and exercising true Christian character.
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Basically, fear comes down to a lack of trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11). Moses Ibn Ezra, a medieval Jewish philosopher said, “Your noblest quality before God is your fear of Him.” Rather than the spirit of fear, we are to have a reverential, fearful respect of the Person of God. For God, through Jesus Christ, saved us and called us to live for Him. The admonition: “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11).
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Thank you for quoting II Timothy 1:7 from the NKJV – “sound mind” is the correct literal translation ! ( per my Greek Interlinear N.T. – ref. Mark 5:15 ). GOD has given me that deliverance ! – my mother committed suicide. Thank you for the same for Isaiah 41:10 – my favorite verse, since HE converted me in college – memorized in KJV over 50 years ago – “Fear thou not, for I AM with thee …” ! ( al-tira ki eemcha Ani ). How I need to fear The LORD, and trust in my LORD JESUS, my MESSIAH ! ( I found out later, my grandfather was raised an Orthodox Jew ! GOD bless you all ! ( Genesis 12:3 )
Actually, according to the Bible dictionary, the Greek word sopfronismos means “discipine” or “self-control”.
Thank you FOI for your ministry. I am encouraged in the Lord each time I read something from you all either on my computer on your website, in an e-mail from you, of in your wonderful magazine “Israel My Glory.” And even listening to the Radio program “FOI Today” through Sound Cloud on my I-phone while I am at work. My wife and I also attended our 1st ever prophecy conference last year in Lancaster and purchased the Highlights on CD. Thank you so much again for ministering to our hearts. We love you and His Jewish people in the Lord.
That hit the spot, in trying to minister to the public I often encounter out right hostility and at present I only have the courage to hand out tracts about our saviour’s Love and the sacrifice JESUS made for all mankind . Thanks and THANK U LORD for this message of encouragement, to me and all of us who may struggle with such fears. HOSANNA ON THE HIGHEST!