NKJV 365 Day Reading PlanSample

A spirit of fear. The Greek word for fear is 'deilia' which is translated as “timidity.” It also denotes a cowardly, shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. The threat of Roman persecution, which was escalating under Nero, the hostility of those in the Ephesian church who resented Timothy’s leadership, and the assaults of false teachers with their sophisticated systems of deceptions may have been overwhelming Timothy. But if he was fearful, it didn’t come from God.

Power. Positively, God has already given believers all the spiritual resources they need for every trial and threat. Divine power and effective, productive spiritual energy belongs to believers (Eph. 1:18-20; 3:20).

Love. This kind of love centers on pleasing God and seeking others’ welfare before one’s own (cf. Rom. 14:8; Gal. 5:22,25; Eph. 3:19; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 4:18).

Sound mind. This refers to a disciplined, self-controlled, and properly prioritized mind. This is the opposite of fear and cowardice that causes disorder and confusion. Focusing on the sovereign nature and perfect purposes of our eternal God allows believers to control their lives with godly wisdom and confidence in every situation.

Taken from The MacArthur Study Bible