I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

Another version says:

            2 Timothy 1:76-7 “For this reason, I am reminding you to fan the flame of God's gift, which you received through [Spirit] from me. 7 For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity, but power, love and self-discipline.” CJB

  

How does one person's power not intimidate and create timidity in others? It comes by the power of helping and service. The world lords it over everyone and thus seeks to rule by intimidation.

The kingdom way is to lead by service. Serving with power encourages the gifts of others and empowers them.

“David, your gift needs to be fanned, My son. Your gift is for Me. It is both the gift to see and communicate. It is the gift to draw near and draw others near. It is a gift to be infected and to infect others. You have so much of My spirit stored up in you. You will be surprised by what you write and how others respond. You are simply to write with your heart and My spirit. Write what you have seen in which you express with your anguish and joy.  You will inspire, awaken and call people to me.

            Arise and write

                        Arise and write

                                    Arise and write

“Don't worry about editors. They will come. Don't worry about subjects. They are already laid out ahead of you.

“Just write and let My spirit flow through you.”

The gifts God has given to each of us are marvelous! When we express these gifts they inspire others to praise God and sometimes turn to Him.

Because of this, the enemy of God's kingdom wants to squash our gifts. Whatever they are he wants to squash them. Timothy was experiencing this, so Paul writes…

            Fan into flame the gift God gave you.   Don't let the gift of God flicker.

Fan into flame the gift God gave you.  Why does it flicker?  Because of the fear inspired by intimidation. Who, instead of serving, coaching, directing and encouraging Timothy, sought to shape him. Some people in his church were intimidating him. Asking or demanding that he this and that.

Yet Paul responds, God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity.