STIR IT UP! 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the gracious gift of God.

For Paul, the Gospel is more than Facebook quotes and quippy tweets For Paul, the Gospel is more than Facebook quotes and quippy tweets. It is Christ, himself! Spiritual blessings such as grace, mercy, peace, and even life itself reside in Jesus and are derived from Him. As he is writing to Timothy, he is doing so from a position of his heart, as he is nearing the end of his life. He had personal needs and was very lonely, hoping to see his spiritual son again.

But he was more concerned for the church and Timothy But he was more concerned for the church and Timothy. He wanted to remind him of his responsibilities and to encourage him to give himself wholeheartedly to his calling. Paul was secure in himself. He passionately and powerfully released the kingdom and he disciplined the church.

He also helped the Church fight off attacks of heresy, persecution, complacency, and fear. He probably had concerns over the churches as he was about to die, too. So he wasn’t holding back to his Son. He saw something in Timothy that couldn't stay if he were to become who God called him to be. It was time for Timothy to step into his greatness.

So what was it that Timothy needed to do So what was it that Timothy needed to do? He needed to overcome his fears (he had a history of being timid). How would he do this? By stirring up the gift of God which was in him, and by allowing the Spirit of God to work power, love, and a sound mind in him.

they need to be discovered and Gifts are not given in full bloom; developed through use!

What Are Christ-followers Called to Do? FAITH: (HEB. 11:1 & ROM. 10:6-10) Everybody has faith – either that there is a God, that there is nothing, or there is another form of god. You can't be a follower of Jesus outside of faith.

What Are Christ-Followers Called to Do? (cont’d) FAITH: (HEB. 11:1 & ROM. 10:6-10) To have faith in Christ, you then take the full account of the Bible, the trinity, and the church at face value. We are called to a life of radical faith... there is no other!

What Are Christ-Followers Called to Do? (cont’d) A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE: (ACTS 2) To live by faith is the beginning... then we receive His Spirit by faith.

What Are Christ-Followers Called to Do? (cont’d) A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE: (ACTS 2) This filling of the Spirit of God is pivotal for scripture – God dwelt in tents and tabernacles until the outpouring of His Spirit, because now, in Christ, our spirit is alive, and our body becomes the new temple for God to dwell in!!!

What Are Christ-Followers Called to Do? (cont’d) A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE: (ACTS 2) To live by faith in Christ without the filling is like buying a Lamborghini, but never filling it up with gas! This filling is to be continual, not a one-time event.

What Are Christ-Followers Called to Do? (cont’d) FLOWING OUT (MATT. 28:18-20) We believe by faith... get filled... and now let it flow out. We are filled with rivers of living water which must flow out, drawing others to the King and His Kingdom.

What Are Christ-Followers Called to Do? (cont’d) FLOWING OUT (MATT. 28:18-20) A cup is not filled up until it is overflowing. You play a major part in God's redemptive plan as you let His Spirit flow in and out of you.

2. What Hinders Us? FEAR (2 TIM. 1:7) The spirit of fear may find a place by reason of one's natural temperament, but it is not merely a human disposition; it is NOT from God, and it can immobilize and torment its victims, making them feel powerless and alone.

What Hinders Us? FEAR (2 TIM. 1:7) Indecision or wrong decisions are then made that could give place to bondage and great human suffering.

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) In the face of fear we are to remember our calling from God (stir it up). We have within us: The power of God, through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to no longer be victims The perfect love of God, poured into our lives through Jesus Christ, and His abiding presence The mind of Christ by which we can apply the ways of God in making sound choices

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) FALSE TEACHING/ UNDERSTANDING Maybe you serve the teachings of the American way over the gospel - church and state separation have no place in scripture. This can hold you back if you believe you should be silent about your faith outside of church or your home.

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) FALSE TEACHING/ UNDERSTANDING Dualism (separation of spiritual life and natural life): you can't categorize your life - you are a spiritual being dwelling in a temporary, natural setting... all of which God created and never separated. Maybe you think "ministry" is done, or should be done, by clergy/ pastors/ staff only.

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) PAST HURTS & DISAPPOINTMENTS These can paralyze you. Just because something didn't work out, or someone hurt you, doesn't mean these things will happen again.

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) PAST HURTS & DISAPPOINTMENTS These actually limit and/ or cancel out faith, as we already have a preconceived idea of what might happen. And the bitterness is a poison that destroys you and those around you... and it is contrary to the Spirit of God.

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY (REV. 3:15, 16) Nominal Christianity prompts a warning from Jesus! Why? Because it can deprive you of the blessing of intimacy with Him! Cold springs are refreshing - God is refreshing, and you can be a refreshing heart or voice to others.

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY (REV. 3:15,16) Hot mineral springs are medicinal - they bring healing to others, as Christ brings healing to you!

What Hinders Us? (Cont’d) LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY (REV. 3:15,16) Lukewarmness is extremely harmful! We tend to view "radicals" as that, based on seeing radical followers of false gods. But a radical follower of Jesus will display His character... Which changes the world in the most redeemed ways.

What Can We Do? STEP INTO THE YES & AMEN PROMISES OF GOD! Walk in those personal promises that God has given you. And walk in the promises for all mankind!

What Can We Do? STIR UP THE GIFTS/ FAN THEM INTO FLAME - WHAT IS CURRENTLY INSIDE OF YOU!

LIVE OUT OF THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES: HOW? DRINK OF HIS WELL HUNGER FOR HIM LIVE OUT OF THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES: THE WORD OF GOD PRAYER FASTING WORSHIP FELLOWSHIP/ SERVING THE BODY EVANGELISM REMEMBERING WHAT HE HAS DONE REFILL YOUR CUP POUR IT OUT COME INTO FULL BLOOM!

GOD IS NOT OBLIGATED TO FULFILL OUR POTENTIAL. HE BRINGS THE PROMISE & THE MEANS, BUT IT IS UP TO US TO STEP INTO IT!

STIR IT UP! 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the gracious gift of God