2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The apostle here adds a reason for the injunction just given. I. NEGATIVELY. "For God did not give us the spirit of cowardice." 1. This refers to the time of the ordination of Timothy and of the apostle. Courage is an essential qualification for ministers of the gospel. 2. Cowardice is unworthy of those who have received the gospel in trust. The fear of man has a very wide dominion, but those who fear God ought to know no other fear. (1) This fear tends to unworthy compliances. (2) Trust in God is a preservation from fear (Psalm 27:1). (3) Our Lord exhorts us strongly against such fear (John 14:27). II. POSITIVELY. "But of power, and of love, and of self-control." 1. The spirit of power, as opposed to the weakness of cowardice; for the servants of Christ are fortified against persecutions and reproaches, are enabled to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ, and to quit themselves like men. 2. The spirit of love. This will make them earnest in their care for souls, indefatigable in labours, fearless in the midst of trying exigencies, and self-sacrificing in love. 3. The spirit of self-control. This will enable the servant of Christ to keep his whole being in subjection to the Lord, apart from all the solicitations of the world, and to regulate life with a due regard to its duties, its labours, and its cares. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.WEB: For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. |
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