I've always known 2 Timothy 1:7 to be an encouragement against fear. More specifically, fears like that of the future, speaking, people's opinions, etc.
Yesterday, I allowed myself to keep reading and discovered exactly which fear Paul was addressing. I'm guilty of boxing in this verse and failing to understand it in context.
"7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.."
God has not given us a spirit of timidity so that we can testify about him. My previous understanding of these verses addressing fear in general has been done away with and it makes so much more sense now. When it comes to testifying about Jesus, timidity has no place, in its stead are Power (through the Holy Spirit), Love (first for God, then for those with whom we share also through the Spirit) and *Discipline (I have some ideas here but I'm still thinking about this one).
I don't speak as one who has arrived and perfected these principles, but I am more aware of how much God has provided for us, and has made his provision known through his word. If only I knew it as well as I should, I would be so much more encouraged! I pray that I would be a good steward of these gifts, and step out in faith and put them to work.
*Maybe discipline involves the acquisition of knowledge, both Biblical and otherwise, which the Holy Spirit will bring back to our recollection as needed. I believe as knowledge increases, fear and shame decrease.
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