June 25, 2021: SOAP #4222:  Joel 1-3; 2Timothy 1

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was writing to his son in the Lord.  That Timothy succeed was important to Paul—not so much that he would succeed in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of the Lord!  So, he instructed Timothy in things that would encourage and empower Timothy’s ministry. 

Paul did not tell Timothy to attend a series of meetings by the Apostle Peter, or a church growth seminar led by James the brother of Jesus and now the leader of the Jerusalem church.  Paul did not encourage Timothy to hold on until he, Paul could come for a visit and stir his spirit.  No, Paul’s direction to Timothy was to do what Timothy could do.  This was Timothy’s responsibility. 

Timothy was to “fan into flame the gift of God!” “Stir up the gifts…” (KJV)  Paul said, “I remind you to fan into flame…” 

APPLICATION:  A campfire may be started with a small flame, even a spark will do.  But keeping it burning takes work.  Someone must take the responsibility to ensure there is a sufficient supply of dry tree limbs.  Someone must be responsible to check it regularly and to place more wood in the flame.  If the fire is to continue, it takes a continual supply of fuel. 

It is my responsibility to “keep the fire burning.”  Reading the Bible EVERY DAY keeps the fire burning as God reveals new truth that becomes fuel for the fire.  Daily prayer and worship are other ways to “fan into flame” what God has given.  And being faithful to join other believers for worship and hearing the Word helps me keep the fire burning. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I know it is my responsibility to keep the fire burning, but I need your help.  Teach me truth as I read the Word.  Give me fuel for my flame.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!