The Challenge (2 Timothy 1:7)
Second Timothy was a letter written by the Apostle Paul, who finds himself a prisoner confined in a Roman prison awaiting certain execution. Here, we find the Apostle challenging one of his young converts (Timothy) not to be timid because God gives the spirit of power, love and of a sound mind. Paul is preparing Timothy (who is the current pastor of the Christian assembly in “Ephesus [1 Tim. 1:3]) to assume a greater role of ecclesiastical leadership.
SOME NOTABLE POINTS ABOUT TIMOTHY
- Paul remarked of Timothy that he was “likeminded” [of similar spirit: equal in soul. Only use in Bible]
We find in Philippians 2:20 where Paul writes, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.”
- Paul remarked Timothy was gifted [to lead].
- The Greek word used for “gift” is charisma… A grace gift, not a common gift, a gift of divine grace and for a special purpose!
We find in 2 Timothy 1: 6 Paul says “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands (as a confirmation of God’s special call of ministerial functions).
2 Timothy is the last letter written by the Apostle Paul! It is known as one of the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon). Paul knows that after his departure, ravenous wolves will come in and teach all sorts of false doctrines; therefore, he is giving Timothy a charge to hold fast to true doctrine, at all costs!
A QUICK SUMMARIZATION OF OUR TEXT CONTEXT
In verses 1-7, Paul gives Timothy four (4) encouragements.
I) Paul’s Love (vs. 1-2)
II) Paul’s Prayers (vs. 3-4)
III) Paul’s Confidence in Timothy (5)
IV) God’s Gift to Timothy (6-7) (Our Focus)
LET’S LOOK AT THE PASSAGE (2 TIMOTHY 1:7) [GOD’S GIFT TO TIMOTHY]
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”
WHAT FOR GOD HAS NOT GIVEN TO US
1) The Spirit of Fear (fearfulness, cowardice or timidness)
FEAR: Fear is normal and a healthy response in a lot of ways (such as during an injury or fight or flight instances)
(i.e.) Fear is a human emotion that is triggered by a perceived threat. It is a basic survival mechanism that signals our bodies to respond to danger with a fight or flight response. As such, it is an essential part of keeping us safe . . .. Fear prepares us to react to danger. Once we sense a potential danger, our body releases hormones that: (1) Slow or shut down functions not needed for survival (such as our digestive system) (2) Sharpen functions that might help us survive (such as eyesight). Our heart rate increases, and blood flows to muscles so we can run faster. (3) Our body also increases the flow of hormones to an area of the brain known as the amygdala to help us focus on the presenting danger and store it in our memory” Ref: Delagran, Louise and Sue Towey. University of Minnesota. Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing. Impact of Fear and Anxiety. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/impact-fear-and-anxiety#:~:text=Fear%20prepares%20us%20to%20react,survive%20(such%20as%20eyesight). Accessed November 21, 24.
BUT in the context of our passage J. Vernon McGee puts Paul’s use of the word FEAR (timidness) into perspective for us through the example of his [McGee’s] fear of flying in airplanes: “Overcoming emotions means not letting your emotions stop you from doing something you should be doing . . . When you have a fear of ____, you discipline yourself to ____ anyway . . . God is telling me not to be a defeated Christian; I should not let my emotions control my life” (J. Vernon McGee. Thru the Bible, 5 vols. Volume 5: I Corinthians thru Revelation (2 Timothy: Introduction).
GOD HAS GIVEN US (REFERING TO THE SPIRIT)
A. But of power (Where we get our English words Dynamic and dynamite) --- The ability to move objects, make things happen).
1. CHECK THIS OUT! “Weakness is the presupposition of the working of divine power. It is the pledge of Christ's presence in which Paul finds freedom from self and reliance on God. By the law of strength in weakness, the resurrection power of God is more abundantly exerted, whether in ministers of the gospel or in the Christian community as a whole” (TDNT, Abridged Edition. (2 Timothy 1:7) Power. g1411. d??aµ?? dynamis).
2. “It has been suggested that the ‘love’ and the ‘self-discipline’ must be present to control the power. One might use the automobile for an analogy. The higher the horsepower of the engine, the more one needs power brakes and power steering. And the man behind the wheel must be in control at all times.” Ref: Earle, Ralph. Word Meanings in the New Testament 2 Timothy 1:7- Sound Mind. Grand Rapids: Hendrickson, 1998, Pg 403.
3. 2 Cor 3:5: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.”
B. And of love (Agape)
1. Just what is Agape Love?
“The nature of Agape Love
It transcends the ordinary.
It is divine and unconditional.
It is the love that God has for us (His children).
It is the love that we are called to have for one another.
Definition: “Agape Love is not based on feelings or emotions, but rather it is a conscious decision, a commitment to love regardless of the circumstances. It is a love that is selfless, always seeking the best for the other person. It is a love that is sacrificial, willing to give up one's own comfort and convenience for the sake of the other” (Sermon Research Assistant on Sermon Central. Agape Love. Galatians 5:22-23- Fruits of the Spirit)
C. And of a sound mind (a mind of sobriety)
Webster defines the idea of a sound mind as one that is not “shaky, split or defective” (Webster, Noah. American Dictionary of the English Language 1828 Edition. Sound)
CONCLUSION: PAUL PRESENTS TO TIMOTHY (and ultimately each of us) TO MEET THE CHALLENGE SET BEFORE US
NOT
With a timid spirit
BUT
With power
AND
Of love
AND
Of a sound mind
We find words of challenge: like “stir up… your gift (1:6),” “be not ashamed” (1:8),” “be strong” (2:1), “endure” (2:3)- (Baxter, The Epistles of Paul to Timothy, 234).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baxter, J. Sidlow. Explore the Book, In One Volume, The Epistles of Paul to Timothy, Lesson Number 140. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1967.
Kitel, Gerhard and Gerhard Friedrich, eds. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged Edition. (2 Timothy 1:7) Power. g1411. d??aµ?? dynamis; 5. Power and Weakness. (Electronic Olive Tree ed). Translated by Geoffrey W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.
MaGee, Gregory S. Paul’s Response to the Shame and Pain of Imprisonment in 2 Timothy,
“Bibliotheca Sacra,” BSAC 165:695 (Jul 2008): 338-353.
McGee, J. Vernon, Thru the Bible, 5 vols. Volume 5: I Corinthians thru Revelation (2 Timothy: Introduction), Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1983, Pg 461.
Sermon Research Assistant on Sermon Central. Agape Love. Galatians 5:22-23- Fruits of the Spirit (Sept 28, 2023). https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/agape-love-pro-sermon-on-fruits-30000199. Accessed November 20, 2024.
Webster, Noah. American Dictionary of the English Language 1828 Edition. Sound. San Francisco: Foundation for American Christian Education, 1989, 76.
