Loving Strength, Not Fear

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

2 Timothy 1:1-10 gives us more context for verse 7.

Ancient Christian writings about 2 Timothy 1:7:

“Grace was given to us so that we might not be afraid but love all the more steadily.” – Theodoret of Cyr 393-466 bishop

Paul is “instructing us to pass from the fear of punishment to the fullest freedom of love and to the confidence of the,” children of God. – John Cassian 360-432 relaying the works of the Egyptian Christian leaders

“For the Spirit that makes us cry, ‘Abba Father’, inspires us with love both toward him and our neighbor, that we may love one another. For love arises from power and not from fearing.” – John Chrysostom 344-407 bishop of Constantinople

We would not have the abilities and attributes listed here unless we receive the Holy Spirit that Paul writes of here. – St. Augustine 354- 430 bishop of Hippo

What do we learn from 2 Timothy 1:7?

1. God’s Spirit brings ability, love, and self-control (not fear).

2. God’s Spirit fills us with loving self-control and the ability to be and to do, according to His design & purpose.

3. Fearful insecurity and timidity are not helpful to anyone.

What should we do about this?

1. Memorize 2 Timothy 1:7 and pray through it.

2. Read 2 Timothy 1:1-10 and think about what questions you may have and what you have learned.

3. Consider the additional study notes.

Additional Study Notes:

Themes of 2 Timothy from the ESV Study Bible:

1. Temporary suffering is part of the Christian experience. 2 Timothy 1:8, 12; 2:3, 9; 3:11-12; 4:5, 14-18

2. We should respond to this suffering with faithful the perseverance that God empowers. 2 Timothy 1:8, 2:1, 11-13; 4:1-8

3. The Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ is grounds for our endurance. 2 Timothy 1:9-11; 2:8-10

4. What God has said in the Scripture has the power to save and preserve. 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17; 4:1-2

5. We should watch out for false teaching. 2 Timothy 2:16-18, 23-26; 3:1-9; 4:3-5