Not a Spirit of Fear, But of Power – 2 Timothy 1:1-7

We know from Philippians 1 that Paul expected to be released from prison when he was found not guilty at Caesar’s tribunal in Rome. Tradition says he was released, then perhaps made it to Spain to preach the gospel there as he mentioned in Romans 15. But he was later arrested again in Rome, and, as tradition says and this letter suggests, he was executed there. Timothy would carry on his ministry.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:1-7 ESV)

The circumstances have changed dramatically from Paul’s first letter to Timothy and this one. Paul is in jail awaiting execution. But he still serves by the will of God and has the promise of life in Christ.

He serves God with a clear conscience. He is not in jail for personal crimes but because he has not held back from proclaiming the gospel. He remembers Timothy in prayer night and day, longing to see him because he left him in tears and would have Timothy restored to Paul’s joy.

Paul has known Timothy now for many years and recalls the history of Timothy’s salvation. Timothy’s grandmother first came to Christ and then Timothy’s mother, and finally Timothy, and when Paul found him he was an ideal candidate to travel with Paul in his missionary journeys. With this in mind Paul urges Timothy again to redouble his efforts in ministry according to God’s gifting.

The temptation is to give in to fear. Persecution is the devil’s attempt to eradicate the godly or at least intimidate them into inactivity. But God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-control. No demonic power can touch us without the Lord’s permission, no evil can squelch our love for lost humanity, and no temptation can sway us from obedience to our King.

About the Author Randall Johnson

A full-time pastor since 1979, Randall originally graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) in 1979 and from Reformed Theological Seminary (DMin) in 1998. He is married with four grown children and a pile of epic grandchildren.

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