God Hasn't Given us a Spirit of Fear

by Tony Hammack

We went ahead and recorded tonight's video discussion with my web cam. My other camera has been giving me some audio problems so I didn't use it. Butch who normally runs the video didn't make it to church tonight so the camera doesn't move. Any how I hope you can see and hear our discussion that took several rabbit trails on Wednesday night.
Click HERE to watch the video.

Below are the notes from our discussion. I hope this blesses you.

2 Timothy 1:7
–For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7
–For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)

•2 Timothy 1:7
–For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (NASB)

•2 Timothy 1:7
–For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. (AMPL)

Why is it a good idea when trying to understand the Bible to look at the verse in different English translations?

On Acronym for Fear
• F – False
• E – Evidence
• A – Appearing
• R – Real

When is fear a good thing?

What God doesn’t Give us
• Timidity - 1 : lacking in courage or confidence 2 : lacking in boldness or determination
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Cowardice - lack of courage or resolution
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Craven - lacking the least bit of courage : contemptibly fainthearted
What God Doesn’t Give Us
• Cringing - 1 : to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily (as from cold or pain) 2 : to shrink in fear or servility 3 : to behave in an excessively humble or servile way.

Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between being a son or daughter of God with being a slave of God. Use scripture in your analysis. Consider

Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "

Romans 8:14
because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

John 15:14
You are my friends if you do what I command.

Also consider Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-41

Note: It’s always a good idea to look at scripture in the context in which it appears in the Bible before trying to understand its application for your own life.

Don’t Be Afraid
• John 14:27
– 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Romans 8:12-25
This section of scripture mentions sonship many times. Read over this as a group and discuss how to become a son of God? (Answer: be led by the Spirit v. 14) How you can know you are God’s child? (Answer: the Spirit bears witness with our spirit v. 16) What it means to be a child? (Answer: we are heirs to share in his suffering and thus his glory) Who’s waiting for the Sons of God to be revealed? (Answer: The Creation v. 19) Why does the Spirit within us groan? (Answer: we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons v.22)

The Fear Not Book 7x’s God says to "Fear Not in the Book of Isaiah

Why do you think Isaiah prophecies the word of the Lord, Do not Fear so many times?
(Answer: In the first 39 chapters, Isaiah prophesies doom for a sinful Judah and for all the nations of the world that oppose God. The last 27 chapters prophesy the restoration of the nation under a divine king.) What insight does this give you into the heart of God? (Answer: He's ultimately redemptive.)
• Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

• Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
What God Does Give Us
• Power – Dunamis -

1. "power to work, to carry something into effect,"

2. "power, inherent ability," is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means. It is translated "miracles“.

3. of that which manifests God's "power:"
What God DOES Give Us
• Love – Agape the "love" that values and esteems. It is an unselfish "love," ready to serve.

• A Calm, well balanced mind – sophronismos From the Greek word sophron, which literally means "saving the mind," primarily, "an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, or to self-control," sophron, "of sound mind."

• Self Discipline - correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement

The above material is from our Wednesday evening discussion. I hope you check us out at Jubilee T.V.


Jubilee Family Churchevery Wednesday night 6:30 PM and Sunday Morning 10:00 AM.