2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Fear or Power, Love and Self-Control.

2 Tim. 1:7: Spirit of Fear or Power, Love and Self-Control.

2 Tim 1:7 (KJV)  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

2 Tim 1:7 (TEV)  For the Spirit that God has given us does not 
make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and 
self-control. 

2 Tim 1:7 (NCV)  God did not give us a spirit that makes us 
afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 

Love. A quality that must accompany "power" lest the latter be 
employed in a harsh, unkindly, unbrotherly manner. The Lord Jesus is a 
striking example of power yoked with love. [SDA Commentary] 

Intimidation must be met by relying on the Holy Spirit. [Life 
Application SB] 

Timothy did not have the character traits normally expected of a 
leader. Paul implied that Timothy lacked courage, strength, love, and 
self-discipline. But Paul told Timothy not to let his weaknesses stop him from 
ministering to others. His success was not based on his ability, skill, or 
courage, it was based on the Holy Spirit's power working in him. This is 
true also in recovery. We don't have the inherent strength, courage, 
and self-discipline needed to overcome our dependencies. With God's 
powerful help, however, no problem is too great to overcome. We can 
succeed in recovery by depending on him. [Life Recovery SB] 

God does not give a spirit of fear, that is, timidity or 
cowardice; rather God provides: 
*	Power -- We do not need to have naturally powerful 
personalities. God gives strength of character and confidence that wins us 
respect when we face opposition as we speak, preach, and live the truth. 
God supernaturally replaces any timidity on the servant's part with 
boldness.  
*	Love -- Accompanying the power to speak the truth must be love 
for the listeners, believers and nonbelievers alike. Love separates 
Christians from the heathen world around them. Jesus promised, "By this all 
will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one 
another" (John 13:35 NKJV).  
*	Self-discipline -- This can also be translated "self-control" 
or "sound mind." In order to lead others, the true minister must 
have control over himself. To put it another way, a good leader must 
have a cool head. Self-discipline and self-control sound like 
self-effort. But Paul explained them as divinely bestowed on his servants, 
resulting in soundness of mind.  
All of these qualities (boldness, power, love, and self-control) 
are gifts of the Spirit, not just natural tendencies. They function 
best in harmony. Boldness and power are tempered by love and 
self-control. Under the pressures of leadership, people tend to gravitate 
toward a desire for power and boldness as the most effective tools for 
success. But used alone, these qualities are self-defeating. The 
inclusion of love and self-control clearly indicates that a leader's 
effectiveness comes from God's Spirit. We may be impressed by a leader who 
exhibits boldness and power, but without love or self-control, such a 
leader is little more than a bully.... 
The expression a spirit of timidity is probably another way of 
saying "a timid disposition," which Timothy probably had by nature. But 
the Holy Spirit has given believers power (Acts 1:8), love (Rom 
5:5), and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Thus, to have a spirit with 
these qualities is to have a human spirit that has been regenerated by 
the the Holy Spirit. (Life Application Commentary) 

The Lord commands us to fear not.  But how many of us do fear, 
especially when it comes to the unknown.  Fear and faith mix about as well 
as oil and water; yet we walk with the Lord, day after day, with 
both of these operating in our lives.  The fact that God knows all 
about us, even to the number of hairs on each head, should give us 
great comfort as we step out into the unknown future He has laid out 
before us.  Can you step into tomorrow without fear?  Are you able to 
leave tomorrow untouched by anxiety or manipulation?  The Lord would 
have us grow in faith as we discover what great value He has given 
us.  As our faith grows, our fear should diminish.  Which of these 
is controlling your life today, fear or faith? [In His Time; Walk 
With Wisdom]