Spirit of Fear
The word fear as defined by Webster is, an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Fear is a defense mechanism that all of us experience. When we are frightened by something or someone fear can kick in to heighten our awareness that we are in peril or danger.
Paul uses the word fear in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The Greek word for fear is deilia, meaning dread or timidity.
Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under fire from both believers and non-believers. Paul urged him to be bold. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what someone says about us. In our daily lives we are confronted by those who disagree with what we stand for because of our Christian testimony. We are confronted on our school campus, college campus, neighborhood, or even within our own families. We must be vigilant and strong in the Lord and not compromise our message.
It is the message of Christ and Him crucified that saves the lost. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
It was the angel of the Lord who said to Mary, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Luke 1:30. “The angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”
The Lord knows just how to calm our fears and give us the courage we need to do His work. I am reminded of the passage in the gospel of Mark 6: 45-50, where Jesus sends His disciples to the other side to Bethsaida. Jesus went up to the mountain to pray. Jesus saw them toiling in rowing; because the wind was against them. Jesus came to them walking on the sea. The disciples saw Him and though it was a spirit. Then He said to them, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. We can put our faith in the Lord who has His eye on us as well as His extended hand.
Blessings,
Thomas Johnson, Senior Citizen Pastor
Paul uses the word fear in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The Greek word for fear is deilia, meaning dread or timidity.
Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under fire from both believers and non-believers. Paul urged him to be bold. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what someone says about us. In our daily lives we are confronted by those who disagree with what we stand for because of our Christian testimony. We are confronted on our school campus, college campus, neighborhood, or even within our own families. We must be vigilant and strong in the Lord and not compromise our message.
It is the message of Christ and Him crucified that saves the lost. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
It was the angel of the Lord who said to Mary, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Luke 1:30. “The angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”
The Lord knows just how to calm our fears and give us the courage we need to do His work. I am reminded of the passage in the gospel of Mark 6: 45-50, where Jesus sends His disciples to the other side to Bethsaida. Jesus went up to the mountain to pray. Jesus saw them toiling in rowing; because the wind was against them. Jesus came to them walking on the sea. The disciples saw Him and though it was a spirit. Then He said to them, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. We can put our faith in the Lord who has His eye on us as well as His extended hand.
Blessings,
Thomas Johnson, Senior Citizen Pastor
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