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2 Timothy 1:7 - Holy Spirit Power, Love and Self-Control.2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.2 Timothy 1:7 (ERV) The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. WORD STUDY Spirit Of Fear. The Greek word, which can also be translated "timidity," denotes a cowardly, shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. [MacArthur Daily Bible 2003] INTRODUCTION God does not give a spirit of fear, that is, timidity or cowardice; rather God provides: o 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. o 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). o 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) COMMENTARY PEARL The Ultimate Freedom From Fear We are all prone to fear. The fight-or-flight response is hardwired into our DNA. In the hunter-versus-hunted lifestyle of our ancestors, fear was a strategic tool that just might have helped keep you alive. But today, many of us live ruled by fear. We fear nearly everything and everyone, and when that type of living sinks into our souls, anxiety is the natural by-product. For those of us who follow Jesus, we have the ultimate antidote to fear. When we put our faith in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, who counteracts our innate tendency to fear with power, love, and self-control. The Holy Spirit prompts and empowers us to live a life of trust and not terror. Do you believe God is able? Do you believe He loves you and cares about you? Do you trust Him to work in and through the circumstances you are facing to do what's best for you? Come to Him in prayer and ask Him to reveal His trustworthiness to you in His Word. Dear God, my flesh and heart may fail, but You are my strength, my portion forever. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 2 Timothy 1:7 - Holy Spirit Power, Love and Self-Control. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240615-1040.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210211-0931.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201207-1042.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160716-1707.html 2 Timothy 1:7 - God's Spirit of Power, Love and Self-Control. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20101022-1309.html 2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Fear or Power, Love and Self-Control. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20061023-0828.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |