Main Text: 2 Timothy 1:6–9
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time....
📖 Scriptures to Read and Ponder
2 Timothy 1:14 – Guard the good deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:16 – I am not ashamed of the gospel…
Acts 1:8 – You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
1 John 4:18 – Perfect love drives out fear.
Jeremiah 1:5 – Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you.
Romans 8:11 – The same Spirit who raised Jesus lives in you.
📝 Sermon Recap
🔥 Introduction: Fan the Flame
Paul writes from prison to his spiritual son Timothy, urging him to rekindle the fire — the spiritual gift within him.
In the ancient world, fire was preserved overnight. Every morning, the embers were swept clean and fanned into flame again.
The hearth is your heart. You are the firekeeper of your spiritual life.
1️⃣ Remember Who You Are (2 Timothy 1:5–6)
Faith has a lineage – Timothy’s sincere faith was inherited from Lois and Eunice.
Paul urges him to take hold of his identity and legacy.
The word sincere comes from a root that means without a mask — no performance, just genuine faith.
Like holding a cherished photograph, Paul clings to the memory of Timothy’s real, unmasked faith.
2️⃣ You Have Received a Gifted Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7)
God has not given us a spirit of fear (deilia – cowardice, shrinking back), but of:
Power (dunamis) – supernatural enablement; the power of resurrection, witness, and endurance.
Love (agape) – self-sacrificial love that empowers boldness. You are brave for what you love.
Sound Mind (sōphronismos) – disciplined, sober, Spirit-governed thinking. A steady mind in chaos.
3️⃣ Boldness Leads to Witness (2 Timothy 1:8)
Paul, in chains, calls Timothy to join him in co-suffering for the gospel.
Fire leads to witness — fear leads to silence.
We must be unashamed of the gospel and embrace the cost of boldness.
Witnessing is not always comfortable — it may invite misunderstanding or suffering.
4️⃣ Remember Your Calling (2 Timothy 1:9)
You are saved and called — not because of works, but by God’s eternal purpose and grace.
Your calling is holy — weighty, sacred, and timeless.
Grace was given before time began — your calling echoes from eternity into today.
Conclusion: Guard the Fire
The Spirit in you is not scared. He is not silent. He is FIRE.
You have been entrusted with a sacred deposit — protect it, feed it, fan it.
God didn’t call you to survive — He called you to BURN.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“The hearth is your heart. You are the firekeeper of your spiritual life.”
“Fear is not in your spiritual DNA.”
“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” – Karl Barth
“You are not an accident — you are a pre-ordained purpose of God.”
“Love makes you bold. You’ll fight for what you love.”
“God didn’t call you to survive. He called you to burn.”
❓ Questions for Discussion
What are the “ashes” that may be covering your spiritual fire today? How can you begin to clear them away?
In what ways have you experienced fear trying to silence your voice or witness?
Which of the three gifts in 2 Timothy 1:7 — power, love, or a sound mind — do you most need to rekindle right now?
How does remembering your spiritual lineage (like Timothy’s) help you walk in boldness today?
Paul says our calling is “not based on our works.” How can we live more fully in God’s grace rather than performance?
What does it mean for you personally to “guard the deposit” entrusted to you?
Reflect on a time when someone’s bold faith inspired you. What impact did it have?
📚 Further Reading & Resources
Scriptures:
Hebrews 12:1–3 – Run with perseverance. Fan the flame of endurance.
Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work will carry it on to completion.
Matthew 5:14–16 – Let your light shine before others.
1 Corinthians 2:4–5 – Not with persuasive words but with power.
Books & Resources:
Forgotten God by Francis Chan (on the Holy Spirit)
Wildfire sermon series by Jon Tyson (Church of the City NYC)
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer (formation and spiritual disciplines)
🙏 Prayer Points
Fire of the Spirit – Pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit to stir up every dormant gift.
Courage over Fear – Break agreement with timidity and ask for supernatural boldness.
Love that Moves – Ask God to stir your heart with agape love that compels action.
Sound Mind & Clarity – Invite the Spirit to renew your mind with peace, focus, and clarity.
Calling & Identity – Pray to walk in the calling that was spoken over your life before time began.
Guard the Deposit – Ask for strength to protect what God has entrusted to you — no compromise, no dilution.
Witness & Fire – Pray that your life becomes a flame that draws others to the gospel of Jesus Christ.