For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Paul asserts his apostolic authority not for Timothy's sake alone; Timothy already believed. He writes with these grand titles because he stands at death's door and means to seal his whole ministry with his blood, that the Church may know his doctrine comes from God Himself, not from a mortal man's opinion.
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Commenting on 2 Timothy 1:1-18
Timothy must stir up his gifts like fire under embers, exercising them constantly; gifts unused decay like muscles in idleness. The great poison to usefulness is slavish fear, which buried the wicked servant's talent and will bury yours if you let it.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Timothy 1:6-14
God has not given us a cowardly spirit that shrinks from reproving sin, opposing false teachers, or enduring persecution for the Gospel's sake. He gave us power to resist Satan, love to Christ and His Church that despises ease, and a sound mind that governs itself with sobriety and courage.
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