⏱ 5 min read

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (KJV)

Yesterday, we established how many believers, like Timothy, face seasons where zeal fades and service feels heavy. Though he faced numerous pressures, Paul’s response was not for him to withdraw but to rekindle his spiritual flame.

Paul’s Remedy: Stir Up the Gift

Amid all these challenges, Paul’s counsel was not primarily to change circumstances, but to rekindle spiritual fire. “Stir up the gift of God” implies intentional spiritual renewal, to keep the inner flame of the Spirit alive through intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

• The “gift of God” refers to the Holy Spirit Himself, who empowers believers for service (Acts 1:8).
• The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–7) and equips us to carry out the ministry we’ve received.
• To stir up the gift, then, means to keep yielding to the Holy Spirit, allowing His fire to burn away fear, doubt, complacency and anything that will prevent us from making full proof of the ministry.

Just as a fire dies down if not tended, our spiritual passion wanes without prayer, word study, and communion with the Holy Spirit.

Paul reminded Timothy that the Spirit within him was not one of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. These three describe the Spirit’s empowering presence:

• Power – divine ability and boldness for service (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49).
• Love – the nature of God flowing through us to others (Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 13:1–3).
• Sound Mind – discipline, wisdom, and self-control guided by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~ Gal 5:22–23

How to Stir Up the Gift:

Like Timothy, we are called to fan our spiritual fire into flame. Here are a few practical ways to do so:

1. Prayer and Fasting: Build intimacy with the Holy Spirit through consistent communion (Jude 1:20, Acts 13:1-3).

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

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2. Study and Meditation on the Word: The Word of God fuels faith and rekindles conviction (2 Timothy 2:15, Romans 10:17, Acts 20:32, Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1).

“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." ~ Acts 20:32

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3. Fellowship and Service: Serving and staying in godly fellowship keeps your zeal burning (Hebrews 10:24–25).

4. Obedience and Faithfulness: As you act on God’s instructions, His grace increases (Matthew 25:21).

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25:21)

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5. Fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit: Deliberately spend time with the Holy Spirit – who is our helper, opens us up to His ministry (2 Corinthians 13:14, John 14:16 AMP).

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—  (John 14:16 AMP)

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• No matter how weary, fearful, or uncertain you feel, the same Spirit that empowered Timothy dwells in you.
• He will rekindle your passion, renew your strength, and enable you to fulfill your ministry with courage and joy. 
• Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Fan your relationship with the Holy Spirit into flame – and be effective in your ministry! ~ Minister James Deke

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