Make Use of your Gift.2 Timothy 1:6-7.
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 God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Dear Saints of the Most High,
Paul encourages Timothy to make full use of the gift of God in him. Here we see a contrast between two approaches to public ministry:
Flame (v. 6). Fanning to flame means to put to full, openly visible use. The threat of intimidation or bad publicity notwithstanding, the gift ought to be put to use. In a sense, the gift is like a glowing ember. It must be fanned to flame through use. Many gifts smolder in the Christians to whom they are entrusted because they are not used. While not saying what gift it was, Paul reminds Timothy that he (Paul) laid hands on Timothy and that is how he received this gift. It could be that Paul had done this on his own, or he could have been part of a team that ordained Timothy. Many believers are endowed with spiritual gifts at the time they receive Christ as savior but Timothy seems to have received a gift for public ministry at his ordination. This is not to say that we should expect everyone who is ordained to receive a gift at the ordination, but neither should we be surprised if it happens.
Fear (v. 7). Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit who has been given to every believer. This Spirit is not of fear, which limits the exercise of the gifts of God, but of “power and love and self-control,” a combination that ensures that we do God’s work with sensitivity, even to those who oppose us. The Holy Spirit never drives us in competition. Love is the reason Jesus came, it is the reason we reach out.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.