6 “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you. When I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News” —2 Timothy 1:6-8 NLT
1. What was Timothy’s spiritual gift and how should I be inspired by it?
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 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? 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 4:10-11 NLT
2. What does it mean to “fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you”?
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” —Philippians 2:13 NLT
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished….” —Philippians 1:6 NLT
3. Why was it important for Timothy to “fan into flames” his spiritual gift?
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV
4. How do we “fan into flames” our spiritual gift?
A) Hearing His Word - Fuel
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” —Romans 10:17
B) Receiving His love - Heat
1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. —1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT
C) Activating the Holy Spirit - Oxygen
“It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” —Zechariah 4:6 NLT
Let’s Connect
- What is your favorite thing to do during summer?
Let’s Talk About It
After two years of lockdowns and shutdowns, millions of travelers will hit the road this summer in search of an adventure. Jesus invites us into an even greater lifelong adventure as we follow Him. When we encounter unexpected bumps in the road, detours, and interruptions, Jesus shows us how to navigate the unexpected realities of life and maintain joy in the journey.
2 Timothy 1:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 40:29-31; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Zechariah 4:6
- Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention, or challenged you?
- Read the main scriptures used in this message. What does this scripture tell you about God? How does this apply to your life now?
- What is your spiritual gift?
- Why is it important to keep your spiritual flame burning?
- What do you need to do to fan into flames your spiritual gift?
Take a Step
What step can you take this week to put this message into practice?
SOAP reading: Download the Grace Honolulu app to view this week’s SOAP reading. It’s in the “Bible” section at the bottom banner of the app.
Here’s My Prayer
- Lord, thank You that I can bring my concerns to You, knowing that You care about every detail of my life. Teach me how to fix my thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Fill me with the joy that comes from dwelling in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.