For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
The apostle here adds a reason for the injunction just given.
I. NEGATIVELY . “For God did not give us the spirit of cowardice.”
1 . This refers to the time of the ordination of Timothy and of the apostle. Courage is an essential qualification for ministers of the gospel.
2 . Cowardice is unworthy of those who have received the gospel in trust. The fear of man has a very wide dominion, but those who fear God ought to know no other fear.
II. POSITIVELY . “But of power, and of love, and of self-control.”
1 . The spirit of power, as opposed to the weakness of cowardice; for the servants of Christ are fortified against persecutions and reproaches, are enabled to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ, and to quit themselves like men.
2 . The spirit of love. This will make them earnest in their care for souls, indefatigable in labours, fearless in the midst of trying exigencies, and self-sacrificing in love.
3 . The spirit of self-control. This will enable the servant of Christ to keep his whole being in subjection to the Lord, apart from all the solicitations of the world, and to regulate life with a due regard to its duties, its labours, and its cares.
– T. Croskery, The Pulpit Commentary
