2 Timothy 1:7 NLT Context
Second Timothy is a letter written from the apostle Paul to Timothy. Paul knew Timothy well, as they traveled together for a time during his second missionary journey.
In the opening section of this letter, Paul is encouraging Timothy by reminding him of his family’s strong legacy of faith.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT Meaning
Verse 7 expands on this encouragement. Paul is telling Timothy to be bold! To fan into flames the spiritual gift that God had given him.
While we aren’t told here what spiritual gift Timothy was given, we can be led to believe that Timothy may have been unsure or timid about it and was perhaps letting himself be ruled by fear.
Fear is a tool of the enemy that exists to keep us from advancing the kingdom of God. It distracts us from trusting him and instead tempts us to protect ourselves and rely on our own abilities.
Fear very well could have been holding Timothy back from preaching the Good News. But it is God whom he needed to depend on, and it is God that we need to depend on.
Because while Satan may taunt us with fear of looming dangers, God offers us power, unconditional love, and the ability to cultivate a calm, well-balanced mind (see the Amplified Bible translation).
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT Application
The devil loves it when we shrink back and hide because of fear. And he continually whispers lies to keep us in docile submission.
But God is not in fear. We need to recognize the things of God, rise up, and take hold of them! In those moments of fear, we need to think about what lies on the other side of our faith.
What kind of power might await us when we take our thoughts captive and turn them to Christ? There is no magic wand that makes fear disappear. Our enemy is strong.
But we have within ourselves, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the ability to shut down our fears and claim God’s power.
When fears rise up, take them captive. Refuse to dwell on them. Instead, dwell on the character of God. God is light, and in him, there is no darkness.
He does not change like shifting shadows. He shields all who take refuge in him and is full of compassion. Practice this today and watch as his power overtakes the fears of the enemy.
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”