Stirring Up Spiritual Gifts
Second Timothy 1:6-7 (MEV) says, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.”
When reading this text, have you ever asked, “How do I stir up my spiritual gift?”
The Koine Greek word referencing to ‘stir up the gift of God,’ is anazópureó. It means, “to kindle anew, rekindle or resuscitate, in context of a fire.” The gift in this verse is referring to a spiritual gift that builds up, edifies and encourages the church by empowering the individual to share God’s work with others. It blesses Christians and non-Christians.
Timothy’s spiritual gift was already within him and was part of his faith. The prophetic presbytery that laid hands on him identified and confirmed his spiritual gift latent within him. And then Timothy began to walk in its authority (1 Timothy 4:14).
Apostle Paul was encouraging him to continue to use this gift as he was charged to raise up leaders within the local churches he oversaw. Paul wanted to remind Timothy to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (verse 8). He was encouraging his spiritual son to preach the gospel as well as to raise up disciples and leaders within the local churches he was entrusted to shepherd. Timothy had to use his spiritual and organizational gifts, keeping the fire of the empowering Holy Spirit lit within him.
Four Ways You Can Stir Up Your Spiritual Gifts
As revealed in 2 Timothy 1, you can stir up your spiritual gifts by…
- ‘Remembering’ what God has done (2 Tim. 1:6). Paul was reminding Timothy about what God has done in him. So you should remember when and how He saved you. Remember when He filled you with His Spirit. And remember when hands were laid on you and prophecies were spoken over you. Then use your gift often and intentionally.
- Share in the sufferings of the gospel (2 Tim. 1:8). Share the gospel with others, staying close to those in apostolic and ministerial offices (Ephesians 4:11). Be sharing with them through the good and bad of ministry, sharing in all things. It is the power of God that is prevailing through this.
- Stay true to sound teaching (2 Tim. 1:13, 2:15). Study and listen to Scripture often as well as learning lessons from biblical teachers. Becoming intimately acquainted with the treasures within the Bible.
- Guard your gift (2 Tim. 1:14). Paul told Timothy to “guard it,” which is not to use it haphazardly. But instead, use it joyfully for its intended use. Treasure it, protect it while walking humbly with it. All the while be glorifying Jesus.
These four ways to stir up your spiritual gifts are not an exhaustive list. But these truths are foundational when stirring them up. The purpose is to glorify God while encouraging, edifying and comforting His precious bride, the church. And impacting the lost, bringing them into the Kingdom of God.
Stir up the gifts within you by the power of His Spirit!