Rekindle the Flames

2 Timothy 1

“Neither prayer, nor praise, nor the hearing of the word will be pleasant or profitable to persons who have left their hearts behind them.” C.S. Spurgeon

Psalm 127:1 CSB

Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.

Prayer

Message

T.Y. to fire master

If given the job to be responsible for starting and maintaining a campfire, what would you need? How would you do it?

You need the proper materials and some skill, right?

Some would have a hard time and do too little. Rubbing 2 sticks together

Others - little too extra and burn down Randall County (Cameron stories)

However- with the right materials and skill, we could have a great campfire

a fire that keeps us warm (b/c 90 degree weather, you’re cold)

a fire that gives light.. light that dances on the faces of everyone around

all else is dark, the light that shines in our circle is comforting and inviting

Discovering our God-given gifts and abilities takes the same careful attention as starting and maintaining a campfire.

gotta know what starts the fire. gotta know how to keep the fire kindled.

Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Timothy’s fervor and devotion has cooled some

Timid Timothy

Rekindle - keep the fire alive. Make it burn bright and strong

Paul is helping Timothy to keep burning hot for God- helping him not be ashamed of Christ

It isn’t “kindle”- because it is already there. God has already started that fire! The fire is from Him. He started it. Just “rekindle” it.

A fire left to itself will always burn out, but God wants us to keep our gifts burning strong for Him (Guzik)

“the gift of God”

What is the gift of God?

Talent and/or ability of grace

spiritual gifts. Romans 12 & 1 Corinthians 12

Every ability and talent is a gift from God.

Given to us by God

No one should brag or boast. Like new shoes or clothes- it’s daddy’s money (2 wks in a row I’ve said daddy in a lesson)

Used to glorify God and serve others

Gift from the families- Elle got gift cards (Texas Roadhouse, United Supermarkets, Bear’s, etc.) Take me with you!! I got footballs, volleyballs, a pickle-ball set, etc.

The continual giving of a gift. Gift keeps on giving.

Everything we are, everything we have is a gift of grace from God ready to glorify Him and serve others

“in you through the laying on of my hands”

Is Paul wanting to throw hands with Timothy? Is Paul mad, bro?

No- Paul had prayed for Timothy. (laying his hands on in prayer). We can imagine Paul had prayed that Timothy receive Jesus and His powerful Holy Spirit, that Timothy grow in Christ, that Timothy receive and put to work the gifts God had given Him, & many other prayers.

Paul wasn’t special. not spirit-sprinkle hands

But with sincere prayer and urgency that Paul longed for Timothy to rekindle his gift within him and keep it ablaze

“not a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgement”

Yes- but how? How do you rekindle the flame?

Remember and use your divine resources.

Story of Michael in 5th grade. Basketball stud, had a mustache. Wait- he is on our team???

It isn’t really about what you have… but Who you have.

You have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you!!

The Gift of all gifts- Himself! The Gift from which all others flow

Dunamis - great energy - dynamite Tao Cruz bby

Can be too extra with a campfire, especially during a burn ban, but God hasn’t been too extra towards us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. He never could be!

Timothy may be naturally timid, but God had plenty of fire for him. He does for you, too.

God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). A jealous God who is Holy and Just. He has consumed whole cities and countless animals in His justice and righteousness. Yet He poured out His consuming fire on His Son Jesus so the guilt of sin would be consumed. The penalty of His wrath and righteous judgement was consumed in Jesus at the cross.

Now the only fire that consumes the believer in Jesus is the fiery radiance of His love and His Holy Spirit (Acts 2)

He gave you life by the fire of His Spirit. He gave you light by the fire of His Spirit. He gave you hope by the fire of Spirit. Have you received it? Do you need to rekindle the flames in you so your gift may work powerfully for Him?