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"For God has not given us a spirit of fear..."

Text: 2 Timothy 1:7

A SPIRIT OF FEAR

Fear is such a powerful primal emotion. It is so powerful that it can seriously and adversely affect normal growth and development. Timothy was apparently hindered by “the spirit of fear”. Paul felt that it was important to address this problem.

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

1. What God has given to us

a) The Holy Spirit

b) He is our special Paraclete graciously given to us.

i) To be our Helper

ii) To be our Teacher

iii) To be our Seal

iv) To be our Guarantee (and much more)

2. What God has not given to us

a) A spirit of fear.

b) The word “fear” is better understood when we compare it with Mark 4:40.

i) In the Mark 4:40 context the disciples were overcome by “fear” (Greek root word “deiloi”)

ii) This sense of fear was so strong the disciples appeared “cowardly”.

3. Three precious things that come with the gift of the Holy Spirit

a) “Power”

i) Power from the Lord.

ii) Exceedingly greater than we can imagine   (Ephesians 3:20).

b) “Love”

i) It begins with the love of God outpoured  (Romans 5:5, 8).

ii) It is the fruit of the Spirit   (Galatians 5:22-23).

c) “Sound mind”

i) It is a reference to a healthy state of mind.

ii) Fear does not need to overwhelm us.

iii) A strong and healthy mind can overcome the most powerful primal fear!