“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” (2 Timothy 1:6).
TEXT — 2 Timothy 1:6-12
Message
One reason so many people experience self-doubt and a sickening sense of insecurity is their lack of proper knowledge of who they are and the latent potential within them. This ignorance is also responsible for poor performance, stagnation, and lack of progress. It is responsible for missed opportunities, lack of purpose and sense of direction, failures, and frustration in life and ministry. Not knowing what you have is bad enough, but knowing and failing to use it is worse.
Paul, the apostle, cautioned young Timothy against this danger in our text today. He took it upon himself to remind Timothy of the great gifts and potentials the Lord endowed him with, which are essential to fulfilling his ministry. Beyond reminding Timothy of his gifts, Paul told him of his responsibility to stir them so they don’t remain dormant and die off.
Many Christians are either ignorant of or have forgotten the gifts of God in them. They allowed fear to stifle these gifts and hinder them from exercising their abilities to the glory of God and the blessings of men. For others, it is a wrong association and undue comparison of themselves with others. These make them look down on themselves in shame and despise the gifts and ministry God has given them. Unfortunately, these gifts that would have been used to bless the world are left unused, and the church is at a loss.
We should remind ourselves as Christians that God has endowed us with so many gifts to be used for His glory. Having been saved, the Spirit of God indwells us with so much power. And when we become sanctified and baptised in the Holy Ghost, God’s presence and power in us become more prominent and preeminent. However, we must deliberately and conscientiously fan this fire of God’s gifts in our lives into a flame. Put them into use. Do not allow fear, doubt, or shame to stop you. God has not given us the spirit of fear. Associate with the right group of people that will keep your fire burning. Avoid cold, lethargic, unbelieving and worldly-minded company. Rich daily devotions, prayers, fellowship, and practical use of our gifts in evangelism and soul-winning will keep the fire burning constantly without ever going out.
Thought for the day
If you keep stoking the fire, it will never go out.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
2 comments
Jesus Christ God of our father pastor w.f kumuyi Every power of barrenness in my marriage, family Work, out in Jesus name Amen
Thank Lord for today’s daily manna, and the lessons accruable from it. Please Lord, help me to keep stoking the fire of your gift and potentials in me, to enable me fulfil my destiny to your glory in Jesus name, Amen.
Jesus Christ God of our father pastor w.f kumuyi Every power of barrenness in my marriage, family Work, out in Jesus name Amen
Thank Lord for today’s daily manna, and the lessons accruable from it. Please Lord, help me to keep stoking the fire of your gift and potentials in me, to enable me fulfil my destiny to your glory in Jesus name, Amen.