Stir – Rekindle – Fan
The Gift Is Still There — It Just Needs a Fresh Flame
SCRIPTURE:
2 Timothy 1:6-7 CSB - Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
OBSERVATION:
At the beginning of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he offers timely and powerful encouragement:
“Rekindle the gift of God that is in you.”
Over time, our passion for ministry can begin to smolder. Life’s challenges, disappointments, or fear can make us timid in our calling. But Paul reminds Timothy—and us—that what God has deposited in us is not lost. It simply needs to be rekindled.
Look at how different translations bring this to life:
The Greek word anazopureo means “kindle afresh” or “keep at full flame.”
2 Timothy 1:6-7 CSB - Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
OBSERVATION:
At the beginning of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he offers timely and powerful encouragement:
“Rekindle the gift of God that is in you.”
Over time, our passion for ministry can begin to smolder. Life’s challenges, disappointments, or fear can make us timid in our calling. But Paul reminds Timothy—and us—that what God has deposited in us is not lost. It simply needs to be rekindled.
Look at how different translations bring this to life:
- “Stir up the gift of God which is in you.” – NKJV
- “Rekindle the gift of God that is in you.” – CSB
- “Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” – ESV
The Greek word anazopureo means “kindle afresh” or “keep at full flame.”
There is no necessary suggestion that Timothy had lost his early fire—although undoubtedly, like every Christian, he needed an incentive to keep the fire burning at full flame. – Donald Guthrie
People are at different places. Some don’t need to hear, “Be bolder,” because that’s not their issue. But others—like Timothy—need to hear, “Stir up the gift of God in you; be bold, get going, go for it.”
Sometimes, people who seem bold are just masking insecurity or fear with a tough exterior. What we need isn’t false courage, but real confidence and boldness rooted in Christ. – David Guzik
People are at different places. Some don’t need to hear, “Be bolder,” because that’s not their issue. But others—like Timothy—need to hear, “Stir up the gift of God in you; be bold, get going, go for it.”
Sometimes, people who seem bold are just masking insecurity or fear with a tough exterior. What we need isn’t false courage, but real confidence and boldness rooted in Christ. – David Guzik
APPLICATION:
How do we rekindle the gift of God within us?
We apply the truth of verse 7:
2 Timothy 1:7 CSB -For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
The good news is that God has not given us a spirit of fear. We can be bold in our calling because it is from God, and He, by His Spirit, will give us what we need to do it.
Fear distorts judgment, dims our understanding of God’s power, and hinders love. Yet Paul reminds us that fear doesn’t come from God—boldness does.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve placed within me. Rekindle them. Stir them up. Fan them into flame again. Grant me power to walk in boldness, love to minister with compassion, and sound judgment to serve wisely and faithfully. Help me reject fear and timidity—and live out the calling You’ve placed on my life.
How do we rekindle the gift of God within us?
We apply the truth of verse 7:
2 Timothy 1:7 CSB -For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
- We all wrestle with fear. But God has not given us fear—He has given us:
- Power - to operate in the gifts He’s given us.
- Love - to love those we minister to. To Minister with the heart of Christ, not self-interest.
- Sound judgment – the wisdom and discernment to use our gifts effectively and with maturity.
The good news is that God has not given us a spirit of fear. We can be bold in our calling because it is from God, and He, by His Spirit, will give us what we need to do it.
Fear distorts judgment, dims our understanding of God’s power, and hinders love. Yet Paul reminds us that fear doesn’t come from God—boldness does.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve placed within me. Rekindle them. Stir them up. Fan them into flame again. Grant me power to walk in boldness, love to minister with compassion, and sound judgment to serve wisely and faithfully. Help me reject fear and timidity—and live out the calling You’ve placed on my life.
God didn't give you a spirit of fear — He gave you power, love, and sound judgment, so stop letting fear smother what He deposited in you and start fanning it back into flame.
Posted in 16 - 2 Timothy
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