2 Timothy 1:6–12

We all face the future one of two ways, with fear or with faith. Not all fear is bad. There is healthy fear and unhealthy fear, grounded fear and ungrounded fear, productive fear and nonproductive fear. There are a lot of things that we ought be afraid of; some fears are self-preserving instincts that God has given us.

Without question, we are to fear God. The fear of God is a very healthy thing. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said in Proverbs1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. That means that we have a respect for Almighty God, just as an electrician has a healthy respect for the power of electricity.

God has not given us the spirit of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7. In this verse fear is only used in the negative sense, in the bad sense. This fear is not from God, it is a negative fear, a debilitating fear. This fear drags you down, disturbs you, distresses you, and it can ultimately destroy you. Some call these fears “phobias.”

All fear is related to sin. Adam’s first recorded words in the Bible after he had sinned are these: “I was afraid” and “I hid myself.” Genesis 3:10 He had a fear of God.

Fear Has the Power to Destroy

Fear Causes Amnesia

Wherefore I want you to remember to stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6

Fear had caused Timothy to forget who he was and what God had done in his life. He was a man with a fearful nature. He had so focused on his fear that he’d failed to see the blessings that Almighty God had given to him.

Fear Causes us to Retreat

Don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner. 2 Timothy 1:8

Timothy was not preaching the gospel like he ought to. He had become ashamed of the testimony of Christ, and maybe even of Paul. The spirit of fear is from the devil and is given to neutralize us. He tries to make us afraid, so we will not do anything.

Fear Can Cause Physical Failure

Paul told Tim, drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your often infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:23

There is a chance Tim was sick because of his fears. Fear is sand and Faith is oil in the machinery of life. Fear just grinds away at us, mentally and physically. Some fear is protective, in a moment of crisis. But if it is an ongoing generalized fear, it harms and paralyzes us.

The Dynamic Power of Faith

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

He Has Endued Us/Clothed Us with Power

Jesus said, tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

God gave us His Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of power. He lives in us, and since He is in us and is all-powerful, then why should we be afraid? We are afraid when we feel that we’re weaker than our enemies. Jesus said, do not fear them who can kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

No man is ready to live so long as he’s afraid to die. But, when you are no longer afraid to die, for the very first time, you are ready to live.

He Strengthens Us with Love

He gave us the Spirit of love. Love is a dynamic force in overcoming fear.

His Love for Us Removes Fear

Perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 We have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly. It’s not our perfect love for God that casts out fear. It’s God’s perfect love for us that casts out our fear. His perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what He might do to us and convinces us that He really loves us.

Our Love for Him Removes Fear

Also, our love for God removes fear. Nothing will neutralize fear like your love for another person. Watch how bold even a quiet, shy mother will become when her children are threatened.

He Enlightens Us with Understanding

He has given us the spirit of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

A sound mind literally means a disciplined mind—a mind that has discernment, a mind of self-control. A person with a sound mind will not be manipulated with fear by the devil, or others. They will be able to see the falseness in the fear, push it aside, focus on God, and keep going.

Faith Is the Answer to Fear

We must face our fear(s) with faith.

Paul is talking about the fact that he is in prison, and he suffered also, but, these things have not made him afraid. Paul said, I’m not made frightened for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 His faith in God gave Paul his great confidence.

We need to remember what Jesus said to His disciples: “Why is it you are so fearful, how is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:40