“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” We have been hovering over that phrase for a few visits. Let us consider that phrase right after this which says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:9)
So this verse begins with God’s Spirit given to us. The moment you became a believer, God placed His Spirit in you (John 3:1-15). It is a supernatural act of mercy. This Spirit is the causing agent in our ability to love God, love His law and helps us control our rebellious flesh. (Ezekiel 36:25-27; Jeremiah 31:31)
But what about this statement “God gave us a spirit not to fear?” There are several times where we are instructed/commanded to fear the Lord. That it is the right thing to do. Yet here, the opposite. Consider these passages:
Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Proverbs 28:14 “Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,”
Philippians 2:12 “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
These are just a small sampling of many passages which seem to promote that a fear in relation to God is a good thing. How do we justify Those passages with earlier words that we should not fear?
In Scripture interpretation it is important to consider the location. On the one hand we must fear the Lord in relation to honor and respect His authority as Lord and Creator. We honor Him and His word. Yet on the other hand, as believers who are in Christ, we do not fear our eternal state.
There is a same thought in Romans 8:15 that we have received the Holy Spirit adopted into God’s family, “by whom we cry Abba! Father!” (That is Father 2x) “God gave us not a Spirit of fear” because Christ is our Lord. Our eternal state is safe in Him. There is nothing to fear in Christ.
S.D.G.