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 a person reads the text, they may ask, “How does a person stir up their spiritual gift?” The Koine Greek word in reference to ‘stir up the gift of God,’ is anazópureó, which means, “to kindle anew, rekindle or resuscitate, in context of a fire.”
The gift in this verse is in reference to a spiritual gift that builds up, edifies and encourages the church by empowering the individual to share God’s work with others, whether Christian or non-Christian. Timothy’s spiritual gift was already within him and was part of his faith similar to his mother and grandmother’s. 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). 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). Paul 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.
With this in mind, here is how you can stir up your spiritual gifts as revealed in 2 Timothy 1 …
- Remember to stir it up and use it (2 Tim. 1:6). Paul was reminding Timothy about what God has done in him, so you can think back to when and how He saved you and filled you with His Spirit, or when hands were laid on you and prophecies were spoken over you and 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 the apostolic office, staying with them through the good and bad of ministry, sharing in all things. It is the power of God that is prevalent through this.
- Stay true to sound teaching (2 Tim. 1:13, 2:15). Study and listen to Scripture often as well as lessons from biblical teachers, getting 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, to use it joyfully for its intended use. Treasure it, protect it, and walk humbly with it, all the while glorifying Jesus.
This is not an exhaustive list, but its truths are foundational when stirring up your spiritual gift. The purpose of these things is to glorify God and to encourage, edify and comfort His precious bride, the church. Stir up the gifts within you by the power of His Spirit!
Jared Laskey is starting Destiny Open Bible Church in Virginia Beach, VA. He served in the Marine Corps from 2006-2011 and ministers living to see Jesus awaken this generation to the power of His Holy Spirit. You can follow him on twitter @jaredalaskey, or contact him through his website, www.firebornministries.com. He has recently co-authored a book called Veronica’s Hero, which you can find on lulu.com. The book tells the story of how God worked in a young woman who received news that her husband paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
