Stir Up The Gift Of God In You

STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD IN YOU

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 1:3-7

"I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

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."

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Proverbs 18:16, Matthew 25:14-30

INTRODUCTION:

Every believer has been gifted by God with spiritual abilities meant for kingdom impact and personal fulfilment. However, gifts left dormant or unused will bring neither glory to God nor blessing to men. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he reminds him of the legacy of faith and the spiritual deposit that resides within him. Yet, there was a need for Timothy to stir up that gift, to activate it, and to overcome timidity and fear.

Many believers today sit on untapped potential, paralysed by fear, distraction, or spiritual laxity. Yet, just like Timothy, we are called to fan into flames the gifts God has deposited in us. These gifts are not for show; they are for service. They are not for comparison; they are for contribution.

Let us explore the message of this passage and discover how we can activate the grace and gifts within us for effective and impactful living.

1. RECOGNISE THE FAITH LEGACY YOU CARRY

Before stirring the gift, you must recognise the spiritual heritage God has blessed you with.

a) Spiritual legacies are powerful foundations

(2 Timothy 1:5) Timothy's faith was linked to his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois.

b) Faith can be modelled and transferred

(Deuteronomy 6:6-7) Parents are commanded to pass down their faith to their children.

c) Your background in the faith gives you a solid footing

(Proverbs 22:6) A godly foundation remains, even in turbulent times.

d) Honour those who helped shape your faith

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember those who taught you and follow their example.

Biblical Example: Samuel was raised in the house of God by Eli and became a prophet who heard God's voice (1 Samuel 3:1-10).

2. IDENTIFY AND VALUE THE GIFT OF GOD IN YOU

Every believer has been gifted uniquely by God for a purpose.

a) Gifts are divine deposits for service

(Romans 12:6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us.

b) Your gift is part of your divine identity

(1 Peter 4:10) As every man has received a gift, even so minister the same one to another.

c) Neglecting your gift leads to spiritual dryness

(1 Timothy 4:14) Paul warned Timothy not to neglect the gift given through prophecy.

d) Your gift is not for you, but for others

(1 Corinthians 12:7) The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Biblical Example: Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God for craftsmanship to build the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-6).

3. STIR UP YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS THROUGH ACTION

Spiritual gifts require intentional nurturing and activation.

a) Stirring up means rekindling or fanning into flame

(2 Timothy 1:6) The gift must be kept burning through use.

b) Prayer and Word study fuel the fire

(Jude 1:20) Building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

c) Service is the platform for growth

(Matthew 25:29) To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given.

d) Accountability and mentorship help you grow

(Proverbs 27:17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Biblical Example: David developed his gift of worship and warfare in the wilderness before rising to national prominence (1 Samuel 16:14-23).

4. CONQUER FEAR WITH POWER, LOVE, AND SOUND MIND

Fear is one of the greatest enemies of divine expression.

a) Fear cripples divine assignments

(Exodus 4:10-13) Moses tried to avoid his calling due to fear and insecurity.

b) God has equipped you with power

(Acts 1:8) You shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.

c) Love motivates and sustains your gift

(1 Corinthians 13:2) Without love, even the greatest gifts are meaningless.

d) A sound mind gives clarity and boldness

(Philippians 2:5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

Biblical Example: Joshua overcame fear to lead Israel into the promised land after being strengthened by God (Joshua 1:6-9).