A verse in the Bible that is often used to encourage people, can without the context of all that surrounds it leave a person wondering. I have been encouraged by the verse so often, yet in looking at it as a stand-alone verse it could leave a person doubting themselves. “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB). What a great verse, or is the thought that comes to you, “I am timid, I do fear, am I failing, am I missing out on what God has for me?” My thoughts on this negative response are no, you are not failing, nor are you missing out on what God has for you. Use those moments when a verse of God’s Word is presented to you and begins to stir your soul as an opportunity to look further. Often a verse of the Bible is presented to us in a variety of formats without any context (the information surrounding it). When the doubt creeps in, or you begin to question your faith, or role in God’s plan, it is time to pick up God’s Word and go to that verse, and the surrounding text, and seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit, and spend time in prayer.
But, what about the verse I referenced above from 2 Timothy 1:7? Let me share some of the context surrounding the verse with you. This letter is being written by Paul to his dear friend and ministry protégé, Timothy. We even found in verse five of the first chapter of second Timothy, that Paul was acquainted with both, Timothy’s mother, and grandmother. He clearly had a close relationship with Timothy. Paul was preparing Timothy to step into the role which Paul would soon be finished in. Can you imagine being the pastor that was called to take over for Paul?
Let us look for a moment at how Paul started the letter to Timothy. Remember the context surrounding verse seven is critical in understanding it. Four statements that Paul writes just prior to our verse point to a power that Timothy has in his life. Paul brings to Timothy’s mind the promise of the life that he has in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:1). He follows that by noting the grace, mercy, and peace that is from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord (2 Timothy 1:2). Thirdly, Paul thanks God for whom he serves (2 Timothy 1:3). The fourth statement that Paul makes to encourage Timothy is to remind him of the gift of God, which is in Timothy, as he was called as a servant of God (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul has laid out all that Timothy has from God before he addressed the spirit of timidity that could easily be present in a believer.
Again, let me share some context with you in regard to this letter. A lot was happening as Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. The word that is translated timidity is also commonly used in the Greek to mean fear. Are you asking the question as to why Paul is addressing this fear or timidity in Timothy? As this time in history, when Paul was writing (A.D. 67) he was nearing the point of his martyrdom, Roman persecution was on the rise under Nero, there was a group in the Ephesian church, which Timothy was leading, that resented his authority, and false teachers were attempting to infiltrate the Ephesian church. All of this almost begs us to say, “I would not blame Timothy one bit for being timid or fearful.” But Paul on the other hand is not saying that fear is okay, he is not allowing for it, He is clearly stating that this is not from God. Timothy, a believer in Christ has so much more in his corner so-to-speak. Remember the four statements Paul started with in verses one, two, three, and six of 2 Timothy 1? All the power that is needed is there for Timothy to grasp onto. God has given Timothy and all of his people the spiritual resources that are needed each time that timidity or fear sets in. Right now, open your Bibles and turn to Ephesians 1:18-20! You will find as a reminder that we have, “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” What is the power behind us when we are called to serve God? It is the power of the Only True God, the Creator God, God who has given us life and created us in His image. Fear? No, Paul was not addressing fear in his letter to Timothy. Paul was not addressing timidity in his letter to Timothy. He was addressing that we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Did you notice that Paul encourages Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6)?
That is the context of 2 Timothy 1:7. That is the context that we as believers in Christ can look to for power, for confidence, and for overcoming.