S) "6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline."
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NASB)
O) Paul was writing to Timothy again, and he begins this letter with a lot of encouragement for Timothy directly. We don't know exactly how much time had passed between the two letters, but vv.3-14, which is most of this opening chapter, show us that Timothy had apparently been struggling with doubts about his own right to be a believer (v.5), his calling (v.6), becoming somewhat fearful (v.7), and embarrassed about his discipleship under Paul (v.8). While Paul is encouraging him, he still keeps the focus on the goodness of God (v.1), the reality of Christ (vv.9-10), and the validity of the Way (vv.13-14). He didn't simply leave it about Timothy's abilities, or his own authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He didn't base his encouragements on anything natural, or according to the flesh in any way. The verses above are a vital instruction and a great promise, but they are both rooted in who Timothy was as a believer, and that is rooted in who God is.
A) The first and easiest thing to break down and apply in this passage, is verse 7, because it's a pretty straightforward promise about who we are in Christ. He didn't make us cowardly. It is noteworthy that we do not have power alone, but it is with love. It is also noteworthy that we do not have power and love alone, but they are with discipline (or sound judgment). That is the reason we are bold. But moving back to verse 6, Timothy was told to "kindle afresh" the gift of God. However, Timothy wasn't really told how to do this. We know that he received a spiritual gift for ministry, (1 Timothy 4:14), but we don't know exactly what that was (or they were, since there could have been several). The gifts of the Spirit are listed in many of Paul's letters, though, and the common theme among them is that they are all things we do. They are teaching, healing, discernment, etc. Like other abilities, other verbs, practicing them makes them stronger. Lack of use makes a skill diminish. Also, this is something that requires prayer. Spiritual gifts are spiritually given, and spiritually used, and the help to rekindle them should be spiritually saught. In my own life, there are certainly times when I feel like I'm not using the gifts God gave me. The rekindling of those gifts is about remembering who I am in Christ, and allowing Him to put me to work again. I cannot allow the enemy to steal my purpose or my confidence.
P) Father, thank You for giving good gifts. Thank You for making me the way You have. I'm sorry for not using the gifts I have as often as I should. I'm sorry for neglecting them at times. I want to rekindle the gifts You have given me. As I move into a new area in my life, as we seek a new church in Montana, help me to be mindful of the gifts You have imparted. Lead me by the Holy Spirit, so that I am able to be used according to Your will and for Your glory. Help me to be bold, walking in power and love, with self-discipline. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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