Fan into flame the gift of God
Andy Nagahara
A. Persons who introduced the faith in God to you (1-6)
1) We are supported by prayers (1-5)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.
5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
2) We have inherited the gift of God (6)
6 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.
B. Fan into flame the gift of God for you (7-10)
1) For living wisely (7, 8)
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,
2) For introducing Jesus to others (9, 10)
9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Summary
God is preparing a special and wonderful life for each of us. God also gives us people who introduce Jesus and support us with prayers, as well as the special abilities called "gifts" for making our life wonderful. We have different gifts because God’s plan is different for everyone. The gift of God is the fuel for giving impulse to our life. The fuel itself cannot be the power. When we ignite and fan, the gift of God will become our power to follow Jesus.
For Discussion
1) From whom and how did you receive the faith in God?
2) For what purpose or reason does God give us gift?