Text: 2 Timothy 1:6 “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
Introduction:
In the life of every believer, there is a divine deposit — a holy fire that is meant to burn continuously. Paul, in writing to Timothy, was not introducing a new idea but was calling him to rekindle what was already within — the fire of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of God, the zeal for God’s work.
This message is a call to every believer to stir up the fire within — not to allow the flame to die, not to grow lukewarm, but to burn brightly for the Lord.
1. Understanding the Fire in a Believer
Biblical Symbolism of Fire:
Fire represents God’s presence — Exodus 3:2 (Burning bush)
Fire symbolizes the Holy Spirit — Acts 2:3 (Cloven tongues like fire)
Fire represents zeal, passion, and purification — Jeremiah 20:9 (“…His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones…”)
The Fire in a Believer Includes:
a. The presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11)
b. Spiritual gifts given for service (1 Peter 4:10)
c. Passion and hunger for God’s Word and work (Psalm 69:9)
2. The Responsibility to Keep the Fire Burning
Paul said, “Stir up the gift…”
This shows intentionality and personal responsibility.
Leviticus 6:12-13: “The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out.”
The priest had to ensure the fire on the altar was continually fed.
Likewise, we must feed our fire through prayer, the Word, and obedience.
Romans 12:11 (NIV): “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Don’t allow routine, offense, or spiritual laziness to quench your fire.
3. Causes of Fire Diminishment in Believers
a. Sin and disobedience — 1 Thessalonians 5:19: “Do not quench the Spirit.”
b. Neglect of spiritual disciplines — Luke 18:1: Men ought always to pray.
c. Offense and bitterness — Hebrews 12:15 warns of a root of bitterness that defiles.
d. Worldly distractions — Mark 4:19: The cares of this world choke the Word.
4. Rekindling and Sustaining the Fire
a. Through Consistent Prayer Jude 1:20: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”
b. Through Fellowship Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpeneth iron…” (You can’t burn alone for long.)
c. Through the Word Luke 24:32: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us…?”
d. Through Service 2 Timothy 1:6: Use your gifts! Fire dies when unused.
5. The Impact of a Burning Believer
When the fire is alive in a believer:
a. Souls are touched: Acts 4:13: They saw boldness in Peter and John.
b. The kingdom advances: Mark 16:20: The Lord worked with them confirming the Word.
c. Darkness is overcome: Matthew 5:14-16: A burning believer is a light in a dark world.
d. Lives are transformed: Zechariah 2:5: God becomes a wall of fire around them.
Conclusion:
Beloved, God has placed a fire in you. It is your responsibility to stir it, feed it, and protect it.
Don’t settle for coldness or lukewarmness. This is the hour to burn for your generation, for your family, for your calling.
Like Timothy, God is reminding you today:
“STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD!”
The Rev. Muyiwa Ogunkoya is the Minister-in-Charge Trinity Methodist Ikota, Diocese of Ereko, Lagos State. He can reached on +234 815 201 3583
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