The first part of 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear…”
Don’t respond in fear!
The Greek word used here that we translate to fear means “cowardice or reticence”
There is paralyzing fear and there is the fear that is just over-concern. Either one, fear is not from God!
So is what follows in that verse the opposite response of fear? In a way.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power…”
There is peace in strength, especially His strength. If I know I can handle it then there is no need to fear.
It’s not just that God gives us power but He has given us a spirit or an attitude of power!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love…”
Same as above, not just the command to love but we have been given a spirit, an attitude of love.
Love – perfect love casts out all fear. Fear keeps us from one another, physically and emotionally.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Sound mind – peace, calm, sober, level headed, not stirred, not shaken by circumstances, not over-reactive!
We are merchants of peace, purveyors of His peace! This world needs what we’re offering!
Church 29:11 