STIR IT UP!
2 TIMOTHY 1:6
That is why I would remind you to stir up
(rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and
keep burning) the gracious gift of God.
For Paul, the Gospel is more than Facebook
quotes and quippy tweets. It is Christ,
himself! Spiritual blessings such as grace,
mercy, peace, and even life itself reside in
Jesus and are derived from Him.
As he is writing to Timothy, he is doing so
from a position of his heart, as he is nearing
the end of his life. He had personal needs
and was very lonely, hoping
to see his spiritual son again.
But he was more concerned for the church
and Timothy. He wanted to remind him of
his responsibilities and to encourage him to
give himself wholeheartedly to his calling.
Paul was secure in himself. He passionately
and powerfully released the kingdom and
he disciplined the church.
He also helped the Church fight off attacks
of heresy, persecution, complacency, and
fear. He probably had concerns over the
churches as he was about to die, too. So he
wasn’t holding back to his Son.
He saw something in Timothy that couldn't
stay if he were to become who God called
him to be. It was time for Timothy to step
into his greatness.
So what was it that Timothy needed to do?
He needed to overcome his fears (he had a
history of being timid).
How would he do this? By stirring up the
gift of God which was in him, and by
allowing the Spirit of God to work power,
love, and a sound mind in him.
developed through use!
Gifts are not given in full bloom;
they need to be discovered and
1. What Are Christ-followers Called
to Do?
FAITH:
(HEB. 11:1 & ROM. 10:6-10)
Everybody has faith – either that there is a
God, that there is nothing, or there is
another form of god.
You can't be a follower of
Jesus outside of faith.
1. What Are Christ-Followers Called
to Do? (cont’d)
FAITH:
(HEB. 11:1 & ROM. 10:6-10)
To have faith in Christ, you then take the
full account of the Bible, the trinity, and
the church at face value.
We are called to a life of
radical faith... there is no
other!
1. What Are Christ-Followers Called
to Do? (cont’d)
A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE:
(ACTS 2)
To live by faith is the beginning... then we
receive His Spirit by faith.
1. What Are Christ-Followers Called
to Do? (cont’d)
A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE:
(ACTS 2)
This filling of the Spirit of God is pivotal for
scripture – God dwelt in tents and
tabernacles until the outpouring of
His Spirit, because now, in
Christ, our spirit is alive, and our
body becomes the new temple
for God to dwell in!!!
1. What Are Christ-Followers Called
to Do? (cont’d)
A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE:
(ACTS 2)
To live by faith in Christ without the filling
is like buying a Lamborghini, but never
filling it up with gas!
This filling is to be continual,
not a one-time event.
1. What Are Christ-Followers Called
to Do? (cont’d)
FLOWING OUT
(MATT. 28:18-20)
We believe by faith... get filled... and now
let it flow out.
We are filled with rivers of
living water which must flow
out, drawing others to the
King and His Kingdom.
1. What Are Christ-Followers Called
to Do? (cont’d)
FLOWING OUT
(MATT. 28:18-20)
A cup is not filled up until it is overflowing.
You play a major part in God's redemptive
plan as you let His Spirit flow in and out of
you.
2. What Hinders Us?
FEAR
(2 TIM. 1:7)
The spirit of fear may find a place by reason
of one's natural temperament, but it is not
merely a human disposition; it is NOT from
God, and it can immobilize and torment
its victims, making them feel
powerless and alone.
2. What Hinders Us?
FEAR
(2 TIM. 1:7)
Indecision or wrong decisions are then
made that could give place to bondage and
great human suffering.
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
In the face of fear we are to remember our
calling from God (stir it up). We have within
us:
• The power of God, through the Holy Spirit,
enabling us to no longer be victims
• The perfect love of God, poured into our
lives through Jesus Christ, and His abiding
presence
• The mind of Christ by which we can apply
the ways of God in making sound choices
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
FALSE TEACHING/ UNDERSTANDING
Maybe you serve the teachings of the
American way over the gospel - church and
state separation have no place in scripture.
This can hold you back if you
believe you should be silent
about your faith outside of
church or your home.
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
FALSE TEACHING/ UNDERSTANDING
Dualism (separation of spiritual life and
natural life): you can't categorize your life you are a spiritual being dwelling in a
temporary, natural setting... all of which
God created and never separated.
Maybe you think "ministry"
is done, or should be done,
by clergy/ pastors/ staff only.
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
PAST HURTS & DISAPPOINTMENTS
These can paralyze you.
Just because something didn't work out, or
someone hurt you, doesn't mean these
things will happen again.
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
PAST HURTS & DISAPPOINTMENTS
These actually limit and/ or cancel out faith,
as we already have a preconceived idea of
what might happen.
And the bitterness is a poison that destroys
you and those around you...
and it is contrary to the
Spirit of God.
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY
(REV. 3:15, 16)
Nominal Christianity prompts a warning
from Jesus! Why? Because it can deprive
you of the blessing of intimacy with Him!
Cold springs are refreshing God is refreshing, and you
can be a refreshing heart or
voice to others.
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY
(REV. 3:15,16)
Hot mineral springs are medicinal they bring healing to others, as Christ
brings healing to you!
2. What Hinders Us?
(Cont’d)
LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY
(REV. 3:15,16)
Lukewarmness is extremely harmful!
We tend to view "radicals" as that,
based on seeing radical followers of
false gods. But a radical follower of
Jesus will display His
character... Which
changes the world in the
most redeemed ways.
3. What Can We Do?
STEP INTO THE YES & AMEN
PROMISES OF GOD!
Walk in those personal promises that
God has given you.
And walk in the promises for all
mankind!
3. What Can We Do?
STIR UP THE GIFTS/ FAN THEM INTO
FLAME - WHAT IS CURRENTLY INSIDE
OF YOU!
HOW?
DRINK OF HIS WELL
HUNGER FOR HIM
LIVE OUT OF THE SPIRITUAL
DISCIPLINES:
THE WORD OF GOD
PRAYER
FASTING
WORSHIP
FELLOWSHIP/ SERVING THE BODY
EVANGELISM
REMEMBERING WHAT HE HAS DONE
REFILL YOUR CUP
POUR IT OUT
COME INTO FULL BLOOM!
2 TIMOTHY 1:6
That is why I would remind you
to stir up (rekindle the embers of,
fan the flame of, and keep burning)
the gracious gift of God