Faith leads to Love

By: Scott Morton

2 Timothy 1:5-7

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. [6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. [7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

As the Apostle Paul continues writing to Timothy, we see he is speaking here about the mindset which Timothy has. This is an important thing to look at for believers, as what is in our thought process has an impact on who we are and is seen in our behavior. There are many things which will attempt to influence this which are not part of what God would have for us, so we need to be careful in this regard. Paul is mentioning this, knowing what he has said about Timothy in another epistle:

Philippians 2:19-20

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [20] For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Paul wanted to know what was going on in the assembly in Philippi. He had a care for them and wanted to make sure they were staying true to the doctrine which had been given to them and everything was proceeding well with them. In order to find out what was going on, he was going to send someone he trusted in order to find out the truth and also to help them out if needed. He plans to send Timothy to them and states something which is a high compliment. Paul states he has no man likeminded. This means Timothy had the same thought process as the Apostle Paul on things and this would be as if he had went there on his own.

It would be good for us to be able to have it said we were likeminded as the Apostle Paul. This can happen if we build ourselves up in the doctrine which has been given to us through his epistles. This is the prayer the Apostle Paul had for the assembly in Colossae (Colossians 1:9-11), as the Word was going to build up in them and they would then walk worthy because of it. Paul also holds up the assembly in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:13) because they were taking everything the Apostle Paul was teachings and were accepting this as the Word of God and not taking it just as if it was Paul's thoughts. This was allowing for the Word to work in them properly.

We can see how the issue becomes the faith he had. Paul tells us faith comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This is important to note as we should know where faith would come from. Some people struggle with being able to define exactly what faith is. The following definition comes from Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

FAITH, n. [L. fides, fido, to trust; Gr. to persuade, to draw towards any thing, to conciliate; to believe, to obey. In the Greek Lexicon of Hederic it is said, the primitive signification of the verb is to bind and draw or lead, as signifies a rope or cable. But this remark is a little incorrect. The sense of the verb, from which that of rope and binding is derived, is to strain, to draw, and thus to bind or make fast. A rope or cable is that which makes fast. Heb.]

1. Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth. I have strong faith or no faith in the testimony of a witness, or in what a historian narrates.

2. The assent of the mind to the truth of a proposition advanced by another; belief, or probable evidence of any kind.

3. In theology, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers, is called historical or speculative faith; a faith little distinguished from the belief of the existence and achievements of Alexander or of Cesar.

4. Evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.

Being justified by faith. Rom 5.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Heb 11.

For we walk by faith, and not by sight. 2 Cor 5.

With the heart man believeth to righteousness. Rom 10.

The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind, which is called trust or confidence, exercised towards the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior.

Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God.

Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God.

Faith is a firm, cordial belief in the veracity of God, in all the declarations of his word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because he has declared them.

5. The object of belief; a doctrine or system of doctrines believed; a system of revealed truths received by Christians.

They heard only, that he who persecuted us in times past, now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. Gal 1.

6. The promises of God, or his truth and faithfulness.

shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? Rom 3.

7. An open profession of gospel truth.

Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Rom 1.

8. A persuasion or belief of the lawfulness of things indifferent.

Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Rom 14.

9. Faithfulness; fidelity; a strict adherence to duty and fulfillment of promises.

Her failing, while her faith to me remains, I would conceal.

Children in whom is no faith. Deu 32.

10. Word or honor pledged; promise given; fidelity. He violated his plighted faith.

For you alone I broke my faith with injured Palamon.

11. Sincerity; honesty; veracity; faithfulness. We ought in good faith, to fulfill all our engagements.

12. Credibility or truth. Unusual.

The faith of the foregoing narrative.

Looking at all of these definitions of the word faith we can see how there is some confusion which can come about. We can change the meaning of a verse if we apply the wrong definition. There is a difference between using the definition related to the fidelity of an individual, as opposed to looking at it from the perspective of the belief/thought process of someone, which is what the Apostle Paul is making a reference to here. It is important for us to be looking at things from the intent of the author and not trying to put our thoughts in there or to try to use 21^st century definitions of words.

We see the Apostle Paul is utilizing the faith of Timothy as a starting point for what he is going to bringing up to him in this final epistle. As the members of the Body of Christ, we know where faith comes from:

Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The source of faith can only be the Word of God. This is what actually produces changes in an individual and what it is we are building up in ourselves. It is the reason we have been told to study (2 Timothy 2:15) and why the Apostle Paul held up the individuals in Thessalonica as an example (1 Thessalonians 2:13). The problem for many individuals is they do not truly study. They are allowing others to do their studying for them and are just putting their trust in what someone else believes. We are to be studying for ourselves and building up the doctrine to make the changes needed.

This is what the Apostle Paul knew Timothy had been doing. We see how Paul speaks to him in the first epistle:

1 Timothy 1:3-5

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, [4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. [5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

Paul knew Timothy was applying the doctrine to himself. This has already been seen when we looked at how Paul had said there was nobody likeminded. The charge becomes to make sure this is being taught and there is no stoppage in this process. Paul speaks about how in this dispensation there is an end to the commandment (the law) and the last piece of this speaks of the faith which is present. He is reminding Timothy of this, as he has seen how individuals have tried to put themselves under something which is not applying to them. We can see this today, as how many individuals think they are supposed to be under a performance-based system. They are not building themselves up according to the faith.

1 Timothy 1:18-20

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; [19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: [20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

He is telling Timothy here that he is going to need to hold onto the faith which has been he to him. Paul has instructed him in things related to the Word of God for this dispensation and he is warning Timothy he is going to need to hold onto it. There have been instances where Paul has seen those who had an understanding of the doctrine walk away from the truth which they had. They had backed away from the commitment which had been given to them related to the Word of God.

This is something we see often today as well. Individuals grab onto things which they think the Word of God has instructed us in this dispensation and follow after their own thinking process. This leads to many problems in their lives and keeps them from being effective ambassadors, which is the role we are supposed to have.

As the Apostle Paul continues writing to Timothy here we see how he starts to speak about the impact family had on him. This is an important issue, as it shows the role the family is supposed to have. We see this start to be mentioned in the book of Acts where we meet Timothy for the first time:

Acts 16:1-3

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: [2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. [3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

We see it mentioned here that his mother was a believer. She was part of Israel's program and those who were around them knew who she was and that she was a believer. This led to the position of where Timothy was well reported of, as he had been taught things of what the Word of God said and was following these things in order to be described in this manner.

Timothy would have been taught things of the Word of God because his mother would have been wanting to do the following:

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

It is important to give the proper information to children as they are growing up. This demonstrates the importance of things. By giving Timothy the information related to the Word of God from his youth he would have seen the need to be following these things, which is why he is in the position he is later in life of where he is still following the things of God. When someone starts doing things as a child it becomes a big part of who they are, which is why the Word of God instructs us to be doing this.

We see this also taught in this dispensation:

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

In the practical sections of these two epistles we see some instructions on the proper way to raise children. He tells the assembly in Ephesus that they are to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. This would be occurring by the instruction related to the Word of God and building them up in the information contained in it.

It is interesting that Paul does give this information to the fathers, as this is not the situation Timothy was brought up in. Timothy received the instructions related to the Word of God from his mother and grandmother. There is no indication of what was the thought process of his father. We see situations like this today, as women tend to be the ones who are seeking after the things of God and then end up eventually bringing their husbands along as they are being built up in the things of the Word.

We see that Paul stated he was persuaded that Timothy received this as well. We can see a way Paul used this term:

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We see how Paul speaks about the understanding he has that nothing can separate him, or us, from the love of God. Webster's 1828 Dictionary provides the following definition:

Persuaded

Influenced or drawn to an opinion or determination by argument, advice or reasons suggested; convinced; induced.

The issue of being persuaded is that the facts demonstrate whatever is being looked at. In the verse above everything is showing how the love of God cannot be broken. Paul has been able to look at Timothy and be able to see how the faith has been passed down. This would have come not just by the words which he was speaking, but also seeing how Timothy was living his life. The following verses show what Timothy would have been doing that would have been enough to convince Paul of this.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

The starting point is always how does someone utilize the Word of God. The Apostle Paul saw Timothy was taking everything he was being given as the Word of God and was allowing it to actually work in him. This is what we need to be doing in our lives and what unfortunately many people do not want to have happen.

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Not only would he have been accepting it as the Word of God, he would have also been allowing it to dwell in him. Some people will read the Word of God and take it as only facts to memorize. They would be able to win some form of a trivia game where they could name all sorts of things from the Bible. However, they would not be able to show the evidence of the Word dwelling in them by any sort of change in their lives.

Paul was able to see the evidence of the Word actually working. He saw the life Timothy was living and could say that it was the grace of God which was causing what we was seeing. This is what we see from the following passage:

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

It is the grace of God which produces the changes. Individuals think they need to put themselves under the performance system of the law, which only produced failure. The law worked on trying to change our body and motivate someone through the fear of what would happen when they did something wrong. This type of motivation only goes so far and ends in failure because people will make mistakes.

The grace of God works through the transformation of the mind (the spirit) and motivates someone through love. We see from this passage in Titus how it is that we should live in this manner. Timothy would have been living this way because of the Word working and this is what Paul would have seen:

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

When a member of the Body of Christ is allowing the Word of God to work out of them as the changes are being made by the Word, this is where the Lord Jesus Christ is living in them and through them. This is what is intended by God for us. The problem so many people have is they are trying to do things themselves, feeling they have an understanding of everything and they are going to be able to do it on their own. This is where they get themselves into trouble, as they need to be relying on the doctrine.

The issue of calling to remembrance is the fact Paul is charging Timothy to do something. This is something we see him doing several times throughout the two epistles to him:

1 Timothy 1:18

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

1 Timothy 5:21

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

2 Timothy 4:1

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

We see the issue of having to charge him because of what Paul sees going on around him related to the Body of Christ. There are many individuals who are walking away from the truth of this dispensation and are starting to follow the things of this world, which are controlled by Satan. As Paul is seeing this and realizing how few people there are which are remaining with him he charges Timothy to make sure he is going to remain faithful to these things.

Calling these things to remembrance is what helps to keep the focus on the things of the Word of God. This is where we are to be focusing on and he wants to make sure this is what Timothy is going to do as well. It is only by doing this that there is going to be the continued growth and functioning needed.

As the Apostle Paul continues speaking to Timothy he mentions the issue of stirring up the gift that is in him. It is not the first time he would have spoken to Timothy about the issue of gifts in his ministry:

1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

It is apparent that Timothy had some of gift that was given to him as part of the ministry. The gifts were part of the program in the early part of this dispensation, as we will see throughout this section. Paul mentions the issue of wanting to give a gift to those who were in Rome when he went to see them (Romans 1:11). During the Acts period we see how these gifts came about:

Acts 19:4-6

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

When the believers at this time were believing they were to undergo a water baptism as part of their identification. As this was going on we see Paul putting his hands on them and then they are demonstrating these gifts. This is why we see individuals think this is part of what the Apostle Paul is doing, as we see our Apostle demonstrating this during the early part of his ministry. Verse 11 of the same chapter shows that there were special miracles which were being done as part of what was going on and these were being done by God.

There was a reason why the gifts were present at this point:

1 Corinthians 1:22-24

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; [24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

The sign gifts were part of the program for Israel. They needed to see God doing things based on the promise of physical blessings. Because their program was fading away, the gifts were still present and Paul had to show these things in order to provoke Israel to jealousy and show them that God was now dealing with the Gentiles.

As we go through Paul's epistles we start to see how the issue of gifts is being done away with. In his first epistle to the assembly in Corinth we see how Paul lists out these gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. [2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. [3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. [4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

By stating that he did not want them to be ignorant of these things we see how he is telling them it is going to be part of what they are doing. He makes it clear that he is speaking to Gentiles here, which is going to be important as we continue looking at what Paul says about the issue of gifts. He lists out a number of specific gifts they would be demonstrating to make sure that they understood the extent of what is being spoken of here related to the gifts. These gifts were things which had been present as God was dealing with Israel and now were still here during the beginning of the dispensation of grace.

This is where some of the confusion comes in for individuals, as they think these are still to be here. The feeling is they are necessary and if they are not present something is wrong. Paul explains what was going to happen to the gifts in two separate passages:

1 Corinthians 13:8

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Ephesians 4:11-13

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

These two passages show how the gifts were going to cease at a point after Paul was finished writing. He identifies there is something perfect coming and also there would be a unity of the faith. The issue of something perfect coming means there would be something which would be completed. Paul is speaking about how the Word of God would be brought to completion. He is referencing the information he has been writing to the Body of Christ. Once he finishes the epistle he is writing right now, which is the last of his writings, the perfect thing would be here and these gifts would be ending. This would also bring about the unity of the faith, meaning the gifts he is speaking about in Ephesians 4 would be ceasing as well. It is why later in this epistle he speaks about Timothy doing the work of an evangelist and not speaking about how he would be utilizing the gift (2 Timothy 4:5).

While people today think these gifts are still present, Paul was witnessing them starting to fade away. We see how towards the end of his ministry he is not able to utilize the issue of the gift of healing and he makes references to other things which are going on:

1 Timothy 5:23

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

2 Timothy 4:20

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

Paul actually prescribes a medicine to Timothy. He tells him to use wine for the illnesses he has been dealing with. This means the gift of healing was not as prevalent and was going away as had been stated. Timothy would have been able to have been healed by someone and now needs to be doing things to take care of himself. We see this today by the fact we have to go to the doctor when we are not feeling well and are prescribed medications to take care of certain conditions.

Paul also left Trophimus behind when he left Miletum. I have seen individuals decide to come be around other members of the Body of Christ when they are not feeling well and expose them to whatever it is they have. The reason for being left behind was so that Trophimus could get better and then he would be able to carry out the ministry as intended.

2 Timothy 4:5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Another statement about the gifts is Timothy was going to have to do the work of an evangelist. Earlier in this article we listed out the gifts in Ephesians 4 and saw how the issue of evangelist was a gift which would be present until the unity of the faith. Paul knows this is coming, as he is finishing the last epistle and that his time is short, as he is about to die. Since he knows the gifts are going to cease he is reminding Timothy he is going to have to do this now as a work. He was going to have to put some effort into this in order to preach the gospel to others and have them receive the salvation which God intends for all in this dispensation.

Paul mentions how we are not given the spirit of fear. Fear can be use in a couple of different manners, as seen from the definitions in Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

FEAR, n. [See the Verb.]

1. A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.

Fear is the passion of our nature which excites us to provide for our security, on the approach of evil.

2. Anxiety; solicitude.

The principal fear was for the holy temple.

3. The cause of fear.

Thy angel becomes a fear.

4. The object of fear.

Except the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me. Gen 31.

5. Something set or hung up to terrify wild animals, by its color or noise. Isa 24. Jer 48.

6. In scripture, fear is used to express a filial or a slavish passion. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. This is filial fear.

I will put my fear in their hearts. Jer 32.

Slavish fear is the effect or consequence of guilt; it is the painful apprehension of merited punishment. Rom 8.

The love of God casteth out fear. 1 John 4.

7. The worship of God.

I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Psa 34.

8. The law and word of God.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever. Psa 19.

9. Reverence; respect; due regard.

Render to all their dues; fear to whom fear. Rom 13.

FEAR, v.t. [L. vereor.]

1. To feel a painful apprehension of some impending evil; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotions of alarm or solicitude. We fear the approach of an enemy or of a storm. We have reason to fear the punishment of our sins.

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Psa 23.

2. To reverence; to have a reverential awe; to venerate.

This do, and live: for I fear God. Gen 42.

3. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach by fear, or by a scarecrow. [This seems to be the primary meaning, but now obsolete.]

We must not make a scarecrow of the law, setting it up to fear the birds of prey.

FEAR, v.i. To be in apprehension of evil; to be afraid; to feel anxiety on account of some expected evil.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Cor 11.

Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen 15.

FEAR, n. A companion. [Not in use. See Peer.]

Many times when individuals are studying the Word of God, they want to utilize the issue of fear as reverence. While this is one of the definitions which are listed above, this does not fall in with what the Apostle Paul is saying here. Why would he tell us that we are not given a spirit of reverence towards God? He has to be telling us we are not given the feeling of anxiety related to something bad which would potentially happen to us. The Word of God spoke of these things, particularly in Time Past because there were consequences which would occur when someone was going against the things of the law, which was how God was dealing with man.

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Apostle Paul tells us here we have not received the spirit of bondage which would lead to fear. Because we have been removed from being under the law system there is nothing for us to fear in this manner. God has demonstrated His love towards us, which is supposed to be the motivation for us, which we will cover shortly.

Israel had fear because of the things of the law. The following verses are a sample of what was said to them:

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Psalms 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

These three passages give us an idea of what was going on with Israel. There was a fear because a judgment could come at any time when they had done the wrong thing according to the law. Some things they did wrong even led to death. It is very easy to have that fear when you know you could die immediately for a transgression.

The members of the Body of Christ have been made free from the law. We have seen the love of God, which is to be shown:

Colossians 1:7-8

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; [8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Epaphras saw the law love they were showing for other individuals. He was able to report this to Paul to show how the assembly in Colossae was functioning properly. This was an encouragement to Paul and a pattern for us on how we should live.

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The love of God is to be shown by the members of the Body of Christ. This is why it is listed as the first part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We should be showing these things in our interactions with others.

All of this comes from the renewed mind we are to have:

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.