2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Explanation and Commentary of 2 Timothy 1:7
Jesus Christ was the Son of God from all eternity, but it is clear that his ministry and life was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Lk 3:22). The Spirit led him, tested him, and empowered him. When he went into the wilderness to do battle with Satan, he went “full of the Spirit” (Lk 4:1). If Christ needed and relied on the Holy Spirit in his reliance on his Father, then how much more do his disciples? He told them that they must wait for power to come upon them before setting off on his mission (Lk 24:49).
One test of what spirit is working in us is the result that it has on our hearts. Do we feel timid, or do we feel the strength of the Lord? Do we feel hate and indifference to God and others, or do we feel love? Do we feel out of control, led around by the lusts of the flesh (Phil 3:19), or do we experience self-discipline? God did not leave us on our own but gave us his powerful Spirit, so often underestimated by God’s people.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Timothy 1:7
#1 “For…”
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he is answering some sort of question from Timothy about Paul’s, and possibly Timothy’s suffering of persecution. Paul is encouraging him by reminding him of when he received some Spiritual gift, or maybe the Holy Spirit himself.
#2 “…the Spirit God gave us…”
Christians believe there is one God in three persons. God the Spirit was given to believers at Pentecost, and is received first at conversion, and then in subsequent fillings throughout the Christian life (Eph 5:18). Jesus was clear that the Spirit would be necessary for us to follow him until his return. The Holy Spirit is also a deposit on the eternal life to come (2 Cor 1:22) and a seal on our salvation.
#3 “does not make us timid, but gives us power,”
Timidity and fear is a sure sign that we are not “full of the Spirit.” It doesn’t necessarily mean that we do not have the Holy Spirit, but that we are not being filled, walking in and by him. Peter was full of the Spirit to preach at Pentecost (Acts 2), and when he stood up to the Jewish high council (Acts 4:8), but appeared to be more in his flesh when in fear he backed down from the Judaizers as told by Paul in Galatians 2. The Holy Spirit will embolden believers to stand against the culture.
#4 “love,”
Spiritual love can only come from God. Unlike human love, God’s love never fails. Without the Spirit of God, this kind of love, along with the complete absence of hate, is impossible.
#5 “and self-discipline.”
Of ourselves, we can do nothing. We will be pushed around by our cravings and impulses. By the Holy Spirit, we can and should employ self-discipline for the sake of living a godly life and accomplishing all that God has set us apart to accomplish (Eph 2:10).
Bible Study on 2 Timothy 1:7
Expert Overview of 2 Timothy
Biblical Translations of 2 Timothy 1:7
NIV
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
ESV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
KJV
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
NKJV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.