Stir Up Your Spiritual Gift

“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.”
— 2 Timothy 1:6 (ESV)

Introduction

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul encourages the young minister to actively “fan into flame” the gift that God had placed in him. This vivid image speaks of rekindling a fire, not letting it die out. It’s a reminder to every believer: spiritual gifts are not self-sustaining—they must be stirred, nurtured, and put to use through faith and action.

1. Spiritual Gifts Are Given, Not Earned

The Bible teaches that every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit at salvation:

Romans 8:9 (ESV) – “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

This means that if you belong to Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in you—and He brings spiritual gifts with Him.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (ESV) – “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

Spiritual gifts are sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit. You didn’t choose your gift; God did. And He gave it for a purpose—to serve others and build up the body of Christ.

2. Gifts Must Be Stirred, Not Shelved

While the gifts are divine in origin, they are not automatic in function. They must be stirred, activated, and strengthened:

2 Timothy 1:6 (ESV) – “Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…”

Just as fire requires oxygen and fuel, spiritual gifts need faith, obedience, and discipline. If left unused, they fade—not because God removes them, but because we neglect them.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV) – “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come…”

This verse urges us to serve God early and earnestly. Don’t wait until your strength is gone—start now while you have time and energy.

3. Gifts Grow Through Discipline

Paul often likens spiritual life to athletic training:

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (ESV) – “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things… I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Just as an athlete trains daily, believers must cultivate their gifts through:

Study of the Word
Persistent prayer
Consistent practice

Discipline brings depth, clarity, and maturity to the use of spiritual gifts.

4. The Word of God: Fuel for the Fire

Spiritual gifts cannot grow apart from God’s Word:

Romans 12:2 (ESV) – “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Jeremiah 20:9 (ESV) – “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones…”

The Word of God renews our thinking, directs our steps, and ignites holy passion. A believer who neglects Scripture cannot expect to walk powerfully in spiritual gifting.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) – “All Scripture is breathed out by God… that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

The Bible equips us to use our gifts effectively and faithfully.

5. Prayer and Fasting: Power for Effectiveness

Spiritual power flows through prayer and fasting:

Matthew 17:21 (ESV) – “But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”

Some spiritual challenges can only be overcome through intense spiritual discipline. Fasting sharpens our focus, and prayer aligns us with God’s purposes.

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV) – “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Through prayer, we receive fresh strength, direction, and boldness to exercise our gifts rightly.

6. Use It or Lose It

God expects us to act on what we’ve received:

James 1:22 (ESV) – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

The principle is simple: if you don’t use your gift, you risk losing its effectiveness. When we step out and serve—even in weakness—God strengthens us.

Ephesians 4:11–13 (ESV) – “He gave… apostles, prophets… to equip the saints… until we all attain… maturity.”

Your gift has a place and a purpose within the Church. Regular use brings growth—both for you and for others.

7. Don’t Compare or Wait for Perfection

Many believers hesitate to use their gifts because they feel unworthy or not as gifted as others. But remember:

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) – “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”

God is not waiting for you to be perfect—He is inviting you to be faithful. Step out, even if your beginnings are small or uncertain.

John 14:26 (ESV) – “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

The Spirit Himself will guide and train you. You’re not walking alone.

8. Let Love Be the Foundation

1 Corinthians 13:1–2 (ESV) – “If I speak in the tongues of men… but have not love, I am a noisy gong… If I have prophetic powers… but have not love, I am nothing.”

Spiritual gifts without love are empty and ineffective. Love must be the motivation and expression of every gift.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (ESV) – “Strive to excel in building up the church.”

The ultimate purpose of all gifts is to edify the body of Christ, not to elevate ourselves.

9. Final Encouragements

1 John 2:14 (ESV) – “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you…”

Young or old, strong or weak, if the Word of God abides in you, you are already equipped to overcome the enemy and walk in your calling.

Practical Steps to Stir Up Your Gift

Immerse Yourself in Scripture
Let the Word teach, challenge, and equip you daily (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Commit to Prayer and Fasting
Cultivate a life of intimate communication with God, seeking His strength and wisdom.
Use Your Gift Faithfully
Serve actively—whether on a stage or behind the scenes. Be faithful in small things.

Conclusion

Fan your gift into flame. Don’t let it grow cold. God wants to use you in this generation—for His glory and the strengthening of His Church. Trust Him, obey Him, and step out in faith.

May the Lord richly bless you and empower you as you stir up the gift He has placed within you.

Please share this message with others and encourage them to do the same.

Stir Up Your Spiritual Gift