Fan Into Flame The Gift Of God
The Apostle Paul began 2nd Timothy by offering him the grace, mercy, and peace of our Lord. He also encouraged him to fan into flame the gift that God had given him.
This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Timothy 1:6
Let’s look at the verse before the one we just read to see why Paul reminded Timothy.
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 2 Timothy 1:5
Timothy had the fortunate pleasure of living his childhood under the influence of Christian guidance. Not everyone though can relate to that type of upbringing.
Maybe you are one of those people. If you are, your Christianity is just as genuine as anyone else’s, It doesn’t matter if you were raised in a Christian home or not.
Paul’s compliment to Timothy wasn’t based on the faith of His mother or grandmother. The apostle only compared Timothy’s strong faith to that of those two women.
According to our verse for today, after Paul prayed for this young man he received a spiritual gift. Now the apostle was encouraging him to fan into flame that gift of God.
Every Christian Receives a Gift from God
Maybe you’re wondering if you even have a gift or gifts from the Lord. Peter and Paul both separately answered that question for us.
- God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10
- A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7
Let’s note the three distinct things they said in these verses. First, every Christian has a gift from God that they can fan into flame. Some might even have more than one.
The second thing to note is the number of gifts mentioned. Peter said God has “a great variety of spiritual gifts.” The following chapters contain some gifts available to us.
Scriptural Texts
In my opinion, I believe the list goes well beyond the 20 or so gifts listed in these chapters.
Peter, in his epistle, didn’t make a list of gifts. Instead, he divided them into just 2 categories, speaking and helps.
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? 1 Peter 4:11
The third thing to take note of concerns the purpose of the gifts. One said to serve one another and the other said to help each other, essentially meaning the same thing.
How does a person fan into a flame of the Gift God? What exactly does that look like? Let’s consider the life of Timothy and his function in the church.
We know even at a young age, Paul appointed Timothy to lead or pastor the church in Ephesus. Hence it was the gift of God encouraged by Paul to fan into flame.
After the apostle told Timothy to fan into flame his spiritual gift, he continued by instructing him how.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
What Gift of God can You Fan into Flame?
A sad assumption plagues many Christians about spiritual gifts. Many feel they lack enough spirituality to have a gift from God.
Spiritual gifts have nothing to do with how spiritual a person can act or look. They have everything to do with our relationship with God and our willingness to obey Him.
Many gifts must be developed, which means the more we use them the better we can serve God with them.
Why do you think Paul told Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God? You must use the gift God has given you to serve others and glorify the Lord.
Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 1 Peter 4:11
Are you ready to fan into flame the gift God has given you? You’re not sure what your gift is? Then seek him! He wants you to know and He wants you to glorify Him with it.
Lord, reveal to each of us the gift you have for us. Help us to fan that gift into flame to bring glory to you, God.
Check out related posts of things we can receive from the Lord.
- Are You Ready For A New Beginning?
- How To Experience Victory, Healing And Life
- Jesus Became The Ultimate Sacrifice For The World
- Perfect Peace In An Imperfect Situation
- How To Receive A Great Inheritance In The Lord
- The Grace Of God, The Most Amazing Gift Ever
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