◄ What Does 2 Timothy 1:6 Mean? ►

As Paul neared the end of his life, the wisdom he proffered to Timothy is as relevant today as the day on which he picked up his quill to pen his final message as God's chosen apostle to the Gentiles. Having joyfully recalled his trust in Jesus, as well as the sincere faith of his mother and grandmother, Paul called on Timothy to: "Fan into flame the gift of God, which was in him."

Christ was the final revelation to man, and the God-breathed Scriptures contain all that we need for life and godliness in our current generation. And though apostolic authority ceased with the last apostle, all God's children are gifted by the Holy Spirit as He sees fit, and like Timothy we too are called to: "Kindle afresh the gift of God that is in us."

It is the Holy Spirit that sealed us and baptised us into the Body of Christ at salvation, and it is the Holy Spirit that enables and empowers us to serve the Lord as we grow in our spiritual life.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives to each of God's children the spiritual gift or gifts that each requires to fulfil the role to which we have been called, and it is the Holy Spirit Who works in us all: "To will and to do of HIS good pleasure."

Let us kindle afresh the gift of God which by His grace we have received, but let us do it in LOVE, for if we function in the gifts of the Spirit without LOVE it profits us nothing, and dishonours our Lord.

Heavenly Father, in the power of Your Holy Spirit, I pray that I may fan into flame the spiritual gift that You have given me, by Your grace. May all I say and do be done in love so that Christ may be formed in me. In Jesus' name, AMEN.