Fan Into Flame

Last Sunday I preached about the Apostle Paul's second letter to a young pastor named Timothy. In this letter Paul wrote:

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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

When Timothy was ordained as a pastor, the Holy Spirit gave him a spiritual gift to use in his ministry. The Holy spirit also enabled him to use this gift with power, love, and self-discipline.  However, Timothy had neglected to use his spiritual gift. And so, Paul calls him to "fan into flame" the gift he had been given. Just like someone would fan into flame a fire that has become smoking embers.

All of us have been given a gift from the Holy Spirit to use in the ministry to which God has called us. If we're honest with ourselves, there are times when we have neglected to use these gifts. There are times when we need to fan into flame the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us. 

Fanning into flame involves confessing to God that we have been neglecting to use the spiritual gift we have been given. Then we need to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us anew with His power, love, and self-discipline. After this, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the opportunity to use your gift. 

When Timothy did this, he was able to join Paul on his missionary journeys. Later in life, he became the pastor of the church in Ephesus and eventually a bishop. At the end of his life, he was martyred for preaching about the Resurrection of Jesus.

Let us fan into flame the gift of God we have been given. Just imagine what God will do through us when we are on fire for Him.

In Christ,

Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!