Chapter 16
I AM Self-Disciplined
2 Timothy 1:7 combines the ideas of fear (including worry, anxiety, and agitation) with self-control. The KJV version of the Bible says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." The ISV version says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline." And the Amplified Version of the Bible really lays it all out: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm {and} well-balanced mind {and} discipline {and} self-control."
In this verse, Paul was speaking to the young preacher, Timothy. Paul could see that Timothy was feeling timid, shy, probably intimidated about teaching doctrine to people so much older than he was. Timothy was a young pastor, and had probably shared with Paul that was he was a bit nervous, maybe even fearful, about trying to lead this new church. Paul took a two-prong approach in his counseling.
- First, Paul wanted to assure Timothy that this fear wasn’t coming from the Lord, "For God did not give us a spirit of fear..." So if fear, anxiousness, and agitation are not from the Lord, who are they from? That's right, from the one who wants to steal your joy, devour your life.
- Paul understood the second step in dealing with such fears is to understand what God HAS given us - a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. The Greek word used here for "sound mind" is “sophroneo,” and conveys the idea of a calm, self-controlled, self-disciplined mind - in sharp contrast to the panic and confusion that rushes in on us when we are in a fearful situation.
Paul knew fear and timidity would keep Timothy from using the gifts God had given him, and it will do the same to you. See yourself as self-disciplined - firmly controlling, putting down, setting aside those stray thoughts and feelings of anxiety, fear, or worry that pop into your mind. Replace those thoughts with Bible verses you have memorized, promising God's help and protection in difficult times.
Continue to Chapter 16: Questions
