Untitled Sermon

2 Timothy 1:6

It is not a coindence that we have all come to Stark College and Seminary to learn more about the word of God. What normal person after having being out of school for some time has now decided to go back to further his or her education. Putting in those late nights completing assigments. Making sure all of the sources have been cited correctly. Why are we doing this? because, we have answered a call that has been put on our lives that we can not ignore anymore.

A call to preach, teach and share the word of God to anyone and everyone. Whether you are a Pastor, a lay minister, an associate minister, a chaplain, even the staff and faculty here at stark, the call has been put on your life. And glory to God you answered His call. As Jeremiah said it was probably like fire shut in your bones and you had to do something with it.

And we have a text here today that is filled with encouragement and wonderful advice. Paul wrote these words....(read 2 timothy 1:6) As Paul sat in prison in Rome, he had his son in the ministry, Timothy on his mind. Paul makes this a personal letter to young timothy because he wanted timothy to equip himself as well as possible for his great call and to fulfill the task that God had planned for him. This is why we are at stark today, to equip ourselves for the tasks that God has put on our lives. Once again its not by accident you are here. But God has made a way for us to be equipped so we can fulfill the plans he has for us.

Everyone may not have had the spiritual background that Timothy had as Paul stated in verse 5. From his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, Timothy had been around some true believers and Paul knew it was inside of him as well. However what we can take away from that is, God knows what is inside of you and what you are capable of. A pastor friend mine uses this line, that God doesnt call the qualified but he qualifiys the called. In other words if He has called you, he will make a way for you.

But Paul knows what is in Timothy and he understands his time is coming to an end and now he needs to encourage Timothy for his work ahead of him. Timothy remember that God has given you gift and that gift is inside of you and please remember to keep stirring it up and never letting it die down. Brothers and Sisters in Christ lets remember that God has given us so many gifts and has placed something inside of every one of us and lets stir up that gift and pour it through the preaching of His word.

The gift of God, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit gives to every believer the spiritual gifts needed to equip the believer to minister. One good thing about this is that we do not have to do it ourselves. God told Jeremiah I will put my words in your mouth. On the day of Pentacost, the Spirit touched everyone and equipped them for their tasks. And Paul was letting Timothy know that God had given him a gift and family we need to know that He has given us a gift. For the sake of the topic for the semester, a gift to preach His word. Whether they want to hear it or not, preach. He has given us a gift.

And where is that gift, inside just waiting to burst out. Waiting to be let loose. As I stated earlier, it doesnt matter your background. In my short time here, I have had the privileged of hearing some wonderful stories from fellow students. Students that grew up another demonination. Students that may have grew up an household that they didnt go to church. Whatever, it was but that doesnt mean God can not use you. But now Students have answered the call and know the burning that is inside of them and are ready to let it loose.

So we recognize that God has given us all a gift and that gift is inside just waiting to be let out. Now we must stir up that gift. We must continue to fan the flame and keep the fire hot. As we learn and grow, we must continue to stir up that gift. I have a cousin that puts so much sugar in her tea that you can see it settle at the bottom. If that sugar just sits there it may never serve it purpose and sweeeten up the drink. But if it is stirred up and mixed properly, how sweet that drink will be. Family lets continue to stir up the gift that God has placed inside us. Lets continue to sweeten it up with the wisdom and knowledge that He has provided for us through Stark. And lets be prepared to pour it out to the masses through the art of preaching. Preach I say, preach I say....in season and out of season. And lets give God all the glory that is due him and thank HIm for the gift He has given each of us.

But we need to be especially thankful for the greatest gift that He gave. Jesus Christ, (quick close)

READ 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 AGAIN.... lets remember that God has given us all a gift and that gift is inside waiting to be let out. And we need to constantly be stirring up that gift. We not have any one laying hands on us but we do have people investing in us, lets take that and continue to stir and pour it out through preaching.

To God be the glory....be blessed, closing prayer