Pandemic Tip #8

March 30, 2020

I’m still seeing misunderstanding among Christians about “fear” and “faith.” Let me take apart a very important verse in this discussion.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  [2 Timothy 1:7 KJV]

I’m not doing a “smarter than you" type thing. It’s what I am trained to do. Kind of like going to a doctor if you are sick. It’s what the doctor has trained to do. 

The word “fear” is the Greek word δειλία (deilia). Literally it means “timidity” or better yet “cowardice.” This is in context to unfeigned faith (v 5), gift of God (v 6), and not being ashamed (v 7). What Paul is saying is that in the exercise of our faith and the spiritual gifts God has given us; we are not to be afraid or ashamed. Encouraging one another in context to the exercise of our faith using our spiritual gifts is proper.

Let me see if I can help you understand this better. 2 Timothy 2:7 is the ONLY place in the New Testament that “deilia” is used. Typically in studying Scripture, it is unwise to build a theology off a single passage (or worse yet one word). We must pay attention and take it seriously. Which means we need to understand it and not add meaning to the text.

So for instance when the Bible says “I can do all things…” it does not mean I will quarterback the next Super Bowl championship team. The context to the “all things” was hardship and comfort.

The “fear” is contrasted to three things. First, there is “power.” The word here is δύναμις (dunamis). In the Greek this is the “ability” type power. (The Biblical Greek has multiple words for our English “power” each means something different.) Power is one of Paul’s favorite concepts (behind faith, hope, and love). A believer without power or the “ability” to exercise their faith is useless.

The next contrast to “fear” is “love.” Here you have it. The opposite of fear is not courage, it is love. Again, the Greek, has multiple terms for our English word “love.” We see Paul using the word, ἀγάπη (agapē). If you have been in church and heard this explained you will know this is understood as “unconditional love.” Maybe a more complete understanding would be “unconditional love in action.” This kind of love drives out fear (1 John 4:18), which is φόβος (phobos). That’s the kind of fear that inspires dread and terror. It’s paralyzing panic. Love and fear cannot exist in the same person at the same time.

The final contrast to “fear” is translated “sound mind” while modern translations generally say something like “self-control” or “discipline.” The Greek is σωφρονισμός (sōphronismos). To paint a word picture, think “sober.” Meaning not under the influence of panic.

So God has given the follower of Christ the ability to deal with circumstances and people who would try to intimidate the follower from exercising their faith. Love is the pivot point. As in, do we love God best and most? And finally, we are given the skill to think clearly outside the influence of trying circumstances and unhealthy people.

Let me make this clear. Follow your local government and health officials recommendations. At the present, our government is saying, if you are sick, older, or have an undying condition “stay home.” Other guidelines include, practice social distancing and proper hand washing. This is not fear, it’s exercising the sober judgement of a sound mind. It is an act of love, protecting the vulnerable among us. It is the ability to trust God regardless of the confusion and fear that is walking among us.