Fan Da Flame

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Fan Da Flame!! No.. I am not talking about making flamb'e souffle or trying to start a fire in your fireplace. I am talking about each of "you" believers! While eating at Quiznos, I decided to read the second letter to Timothy. Apostle Paul (he's my man!!) wrote to a young preacher named, Timothy, a letter of encouragement/exhortation. Here's the quote from the Scriptures:

"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." 2 Timothy 1:6 (niv)

Was there a dying Spirit? Was there lack of faith in action? Was something wrong with young Timothy? Apparently, something happened where Timothy was. How did Paul know? It could be that a word was sent to Paul while he was in chains (prison) in Rome that Timothy may have been overwhelmed with the work there. Paul didn't want anything to happen to Timothy for many reasons: 1. Timothy was young. 2. He may have been disrespected by those who are older and perhaps more wiser. 3. Timothy is an outsider coming into a church where no one knows who he really is.

As I read this passage, this does remind me of alot of churches in the world today. In other letters of Paul, there are Christians who have left the faith, who opposed the truth, caused quite a stir among the brethren, evil and lazy. God has entrusted the marvelous task to those who are hungry to spread His gospel! Here are a couple of Paul's points in his letter to Timothy:

1. God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power (love and self-discipline) (1:7)
2. ..join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (1:8)
3. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed.. (1:11-12)
4. What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. (1:13)
5. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (1:14)
6. ..entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2:2)
7. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2:3)

I love these verses! While we're in Christ, we have the power! We're disciplined to be ever committed to God! We're suffering for the gospel of Christ Jesus! How sound is our teaching to others about Jesus Christ? We're not compromising by blending the truth with culture? God has trusted us to carefully pass around the good news. The question is, are we qualified to teach others? We're warned not to vaguely give the truth but tell the truth with confidence.

Here's an interesting point Paul makes with Timothy about others within His body, the church:

"Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen." 2 Timothy 2:14 (niv)

1. Their teaching will spread like gangrene.. (2:17)
2. ..who have wandered away from the truth.. (2:18)
3. ..they destroy the faith of some.. (2:18)
4. Flee the evil desires of youth,.. (2:22)
5. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.. (2:23)

I have said this many times but some of us are so naive about these things. Jesus approached many religious leaders during His day. Many of them were believers of God but their faith and example did not match God's will for their lives. We can be a very pious Christians but never completely following the Lord's will (Bible). I am not saying that we're a perfect church. Of course, there's no such thing as a perfect church but a church that closely follows the Lord's will.

Many of us will, every now and then, experience what I am going to call, "FLAME-BUSTERS". Our lack of commitment, daily Bible reading and prayer, and fellowship will sway us away from the Way & the Truth & the Life!

"..who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." 2 Timothy 3:6-7 (niv)

In order to fan into flame the gift of God, we must ever be learning and growing in the knowledge of the truth:

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (niv)

So fan da flame the gift of God in you. Don't let Satan douse away the fire you have for God!! It's very easy to do just about nothing with God and hard to get back into the Way of the Lord!! And, hey!!! It's Valentine's Day!! Remember your first love with God (Revelation 2:4). When God first touched your heart His great love for you through His Son, Jesus, you gave your life and heart to Him. And that, don't forsake this "first love"!!