2 Timothy 1:6 - Stir Up the Gift of the Spirit.
2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV) Therefore I remind you
to stir up the gift of God which is in you
through the laying on of my hands.
INTRODUCTION
Fan into flames: The Spirits work is not
automatic"it must be cultivated. [NLT SB 2008]
Fan into flame the gift of God. Gifts are
not given in full bloom; they need to be
developed through use. [NIV SB 2008]
Fan into flame the gift of God. Gifts tend
to fade in strength when they are not used and
encouraged. [ESV SB 2008]
The Greek word rendered stir up
literally means to kindle up, to fan into flame.
Chrysostom brings home the great lesson taught by this
word, which belongs to all Christs people
alike, when he quotes 1Thessalonians 5:19,
Quench not the Spirit; for it is in our power
both to quench this Spirit and also to fan it
into flame. The gift of God here alluded to
is that special gift of the Spirit conferred on
Timothy at his ordination, and which included, in
his case, powers necessary for the performance
of the many and important duties to which he
was in the providence of God called, especially
those gifts of ruling and teaching which are
necessary for the chief pastors office.
[Ellicotts Commentary]
At the time of his ordination, Timothy
had received special gifts of the Spirit to
enable him to serve the church (see 1 Timothy
4:14). In telling Timothy to "fan into flames the
spiritual gift God gave you," Paul was encouraging him
to persevere. Timothy did not need new
revelations or new gifts; he needed the courage and
self-discipline to hang on to the truth and to use the gifts
he had already received (see 1:13, 14). If
Timothy would step out boldly in faith and proclaim
the Good News once again, the Holy Spirit would
go with him and give him power. When you use
the gifts God has given you, you will find that
God will give you the power you need to
accomplish whatever task he gives you.
Paul mentions three characteristics of
the effective Christian leader: power, love, and
self-discipline (v. 7). These are available to us because
the Holy Spirit lives in us. Follow his leading
each day so that your life will more fully
exhibit these characteristics. See Galatians 5:22,
23 for a list of the byproducts of the Holy
Spirit living in us. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARLS
One of my favorite summertime activities
is to tent camp. Theres nothing like a
campfire in the morning when you get up. And the
smell of those sizzling eggs and baconyum.
Shortly after breakfast my husband, Ken,
will let the fire die down. Then at suppertime
Ken has to start the fire again. But this is an
economical man. Instead of starting from scratch, Ken
will poke the coals, searching for the tiniest
spark of life. Sure enough, way down in the ashes
there will usually be a glowing coal left over
from the morning campfire. He nurtures it with
dry grass and leaves until its roaring once
again. It seems that no matter how small the spark
or how dim the flicker, Ken can bring a fire
back to life.
Its the same with the Spirit of Christ
in our lives. Sometimes the spark may be small,
but if there is the tiniest ember, the slightest
hint of obedience in our Christian life, its
not too late to be revived.
God has given us light, knowledge, and a
new heart. He has given you and me grace and a
new nature - and he has deprived us of every
excuse if we do not live for his praise. So if we
are not holy, whose fault is it but our own? If
we do not appear sanctified, who can we blame
but ourselves?
How about you? Do you feel the ashes
smoldering, even if faintly? Do you sense life within,
even if feeble? Nurture it. Gently fan the spark
- follow through on the nudge to obey, spend a
little time in prayer, revive yourself in Gods
Word. Dont neglect the grace, the heart, and
the new nature God has given you. Poke around
and get the fire of the Spirit going in your
life.
Forgiving Father, I pray with the
psalmist, Renew a steadfast spirit within
meRestore to me the joy of your salvation. Joni and
Friends Daily Devotional June 3, 2020
EARLIER VERSION OF THE SAME; BOTH GOOD AND
UNIQUE
Nothing compares to the coziness of a
snapping, popping campfire in the morning by a misty
lake or a rushing stream. And when you've got
coffee percolating and bacon sizzling over the
flames, well, it's a little slice of heaven on
earth. In the evening, when you come back to the
ashes, there are usually a few glowing coals that
can be coaxed back to life with fresh fuel and a
little blowing on them. Before long, you've got a
roaring campfire again. It's the same with the
Spirit of Christ in our lives.
Today's Scripture reads, "Fan into flame
the gift of God, which is in you." This isn't a
suggestion; it's a command. We must constantly do this,
or the flame within us may flicker, fade, and
die. Look for those sparks, those glowing embers
in your soul. If there is the slightest glow,
the faintest hint of faith, take heart! It's not
too late to catch fire.
Lord, please find the coals in my heart
and blow on them. Restore the bright flame of
Your presence and Your joy. Forgive me for
letting the fire burn low. Help me to use the gifts
You have given me for the good of Your people -
just because I know it pleases You. [A Spectacle
of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby
re 2Ti. 1:6, 7]
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio (currently live):
https://bible.awr.org/the-warning/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
