7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [self–disciple].
Verse 7 contrasts the believer who depends on himself and the one who utilizes what God provides for ministry
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
“Fear” (deilia) here is not the usual word for fear (phobos). The word in our verse is cowardice or timidity. The difficulties of ministry in Ephesus could have caused a fear based in cowardice to come upon Timothy’s soul.
Paul reminded Timothy that “the spirit of fear” was not from God. Note the word “us,” where the apostle included himself in what God gives, especially while death loomed over him. A “spirit of fear” produces disablement and timidity because it becomes an attitude or pattern of life. That spirit will undermine God’s work in the world.
but of power
God gives “power,” “love,” and “sound mind” at the point of salvation; therefore, they are not natural endowments. Every believer has them, whether they know it or not. The opposite of “fear” is the power of “love” and a “sound mind.” God would give Timothy the courage to do ministry after Paul’s departure (Eph 3:16), including the capacity to “love” those he ministered to. Some would be difficult to love.
God gives believers “power” to do His will (Eph 3:20)—that is, an ability to meet difficulty and fulfill ministry.
and of love
God gives each Christian the capacity to “love” others. This love is agape love or unconditional, selfless, volitional love that serves others. This kind of love “casts out fear (1 Jn 4:18). It is the love that acts for someone else’s benefit.
and of a sound mind.
The phrase “sound mind” is self-discipline in Greek (1 Tim 4:7). It takes the disciple to study God’s Word and faithfully keep His purpose in view. A “sound mind” operates in a state of self-control and discipline; it prioritizes things of greatest value and does not waste its thoughts on the irrelevant. It orders its priorities and principles so that they can be applied to life effectively (Ro 12:3; 1 Tim 3:2; Tit 1:8).
A “sound mind” is the word discipline (sophronismos), carrying the idea of self-control or the power to resist laxity. It has the power to shape character and conduct. This word for discipline only occurs here in the New Testament, but its cognates appear in 1 Timothy 2:9, 14; 3:2.
PRINCIPLE:
Cowardice is not from God.
APPLICATION:
God gives displacements to fear with superior dynamics: divine power, love, and self-discipline.
Fear of failure and criticism should not daunt a person committed to serving God. A timid spirit (disposition) does not come from God. He does not give a “spirit of fear” to anyone, especially those in ministry (Ro 8:15-16). Peril in ministry lies in timidity and fear. It is a greater issue when some of our props are knocked out, and we must find a new direction in ministry. There is a need to remember our faith, which never fails us, and the grace God gives for serving Him.
Disabling fear affects courage (Mark 8:38). Fear can immobilize us from serving the Lord. Courage takes dominance over fear. Conviction gives courage. The fear of man puts a snare on our path of serving Him (Ps 53:5; Prov 29:25). Trust in the Lord dispels fear (Jos 1:9; Ps 27:1; 112:7: Isa 41:10; 43:1; 56:3).
