![]() Today, as in Timothy’s day, fear is a driving force in the world. Having a sound mind requires a thought process based on the wisdom and clarity that God imparts rather than being manipulated by fear. In the sense of self-discipline, the word sophronismos denotes careful, rational, sensible thinking. The sound mind Paul speaks of is a mind under the control of God’s Holy Spirit. The influence of the Spirit of God is required to produce a genuinely sound mind. And Timothy will possess God’s Spirit of a sound mind. Timothy, being filled with God’s Spirit of love-the defining characteristic of Christians-will be capable of loving God and loving others. Timothy will rely on God’s Spirit to enable him to do whatever God requires. That Spirit will empower Timothy with boldness rather than fear, and with love and a sound mind. Paul knows Timothy will need to counter his natural tendency toward quiet timidity by remembering that the Spirit of God lives within him. ![]() In the preceding verse, Paul reminds Timothy of the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit and encourages him to “fan that gift into flames” (2 Timothy 1:6). Timothy would need courage and determination to carry on the enormous responsibility of his calling to lead the church in spreading the gospel. Knowing the time of his execution is drawing near, Paul pens Timothy this profoundly intimate letter filled with love, concern, and encouragement. What exactly does sophronismos mean? And what is Paul referring to when he tells Timothy that God has given us the spirit of a sound mind? These various interpretations seem to convey different meanings. In other Bible translations, the word sophronismos is rendered “self-control” (ESV), “self-discipline” (NIV, NLT), “discipline” (NASB), “good judgment” (GW), and “sound judgment” (CSB). The original Greek word translated “sound mind” here is sophronismos, and it appears in the Bible only this one time. We encounter the expression sound mind in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (KJV). ![]()
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