Strengthened by GraceSample

Fan into Flame

A flame within? As believers in Christ, we are given eternal life, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, and we receive the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion. We become a part of the body of Christ, and in Him we receive new hearts along with natural and spiritual gifts, and are empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry. These gifts and this power from the Lord are given to each member according to God’s plan and His authority. Pause for a moment and thank the Lord for all He has given to you in Christ.

Paul encourages Timothy with this truth as he urges him to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Tm. 1:7 ESV)—the Holy Spirit. Timothy received the Spirit at his conversion. Later, he received the calling, authority, and power to be a preacher, teacher, and minister of the gospel, which was affirmed through the laying on of Paul’s hands. This everlasting flame, the Holy Spirit, is his and our source of strength, peace, grace, mercy, wisdom, and much more. The Spirit dwells within us, giving life (Rom. 8:11 ESV). Our God, the One who raised Jesus from the dead, dwells in us! We must not neglect, take for granted, or ignore this precious, priceless treasure. We, too, must fan into flame the gift of God that we have been given.

Believers are far more than who they are from their DNA, upbringing, education, relationships, or training. At the moment of conversion, an everlasting flame is lit in the heart, a fire that will never go out. God calls each of us to a particular role, which Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12, "the same Spirit apportions to each one individually as he wills."

Why would Paul need to encourage Timothy to fan the flame? Why do we need the same encouragement? All those who have placed their trust in Christ have been given many spiritual gifts; however, our body of sin remains! Not only is sin still within, but it also actively opposes us in our faith. Theologian John Owen warns, “Sin does not only still abide in us, but it is still acting, still laboring to bring forth the deeds of the flesh.”

Be encouraged by these words. Thank the Lord for leading you to seek Him in this reading plan! Ask Him to help you“fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Tm. 1:7 ESV) so you can do the work He has called you to do.