The word of God tells us in 2nd Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and self-control.” Here the expression “spirit of cowardice” is synonymous with a spirit of fear, a spirit that we must reject and defeat.
In the first place, we must consider that the apostle Paul writes this second letter to Timothy while he is a prisoner in Rome, and a few weeks before the death sentence is carried out in his life. The apostle was to die beheaded in that place.
Ending his life and ministry, the apostle Paul has faced moments of loneliness and adversity, many moments of great difficulty, but strengthened in God he faced those times, and therefore, from that condition he can encourage his brothers who are in freedom.
In this writing, the apostle encourages Timothy, who now faces the responsibility of directing several churches, and must develop a strong apostolic work. Challenges and great responsibilities can create fear in us, and that is why the apostle Paul reminds you of a very important and powerful truth:
“God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and self-control.”
Undoubtedly, these are words that encourage and strengthen Timothy, he must bear witness to Christ and persevere in it, despite the times of persecution and opposition, in addition to his own struggles that he had to face, and of course the own obstacles of the enemy of our souls. By the Spirit of God, we can achieve victory over the spirit of fear.
In this verse the apostle speaks to us of the “spirit of cowardice.” The term “cowardice” here is translated from the Greek word “deilia”, which also means: fear, timidity; also the Greek root of this term means: terror.
In the same text, we are shown the contrast of that fear, and it is that our good God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-control. Without a doubt, a reference to the Holy Spirit who lives in us, and by his power we can overcome and advance towards God’s plans.
The word of God tells us in the Gospel of Matthew 14:26 “And the disciples, seeing him walk on the sea, were troubled, saying: A ghost, and they cried out for fear”.
This biblical passage shows us the immense fear or fear that the disciples had when they saw Jesus walking on the water and they believed that he was a ghost and “they gave voices of fear”. The term “fear” here is translated from the Greek word “phobos” which also means: fear, terror; indicates: escape.
It is worth saying here, that within the
Greek mythology called “phobos” the god of fear and terror, he was invoked in wars to make the opposing army flee, and bring confusion in their minds. The word “phobes” is the etymological root of the phobias we know today.
The word of God teaches us clearly and forcefully that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, the Lord has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, love and self-control; therefore, by the power of God and by the Christ of glory who lives in each one of us we can advance and overcome all enemies and opposition.
Written by Pastor Gonzalo Sanabria.
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