What did Paul mean by reminding Timothy to 'kindle anew the gift of God' in him?
Can all of us stir the Holy Spirit in this way? How?
2 Timothy 1:6
ESV - 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.
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Asked March 03 2017
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Ben Amanambu
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
Every Christian who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit has the power to either quench the Spirit (that is, to diminish its activity and influence in their life) (1 Thessalonians 5:19), or to fan it into flame (that is, promote its activity in their life, and, in turn, in the lives of others), based on their actions. As Paul indicates in the following verse (2 Timothy 1:7), the active presence of the Spirit is characterized by boldness or power (in sharing and spreading the gospel message), rather than timidity in doing so; by exhibiting the love of Christ in one's actions toward other people; and by self-control in one's own actions through an avoidance of deliberate or persistent sin. It is also marked by exhibition of the fruits of the Spirit (as discussed by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23) in one's life, as well as by employment of whatever spiritual gift(s) may have been granted to a person by the Spirit, as discussed in passages such as Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; and Ephesians 4.
Norine Williams
Supporter
Paul is speaking "To Timothy, his beloved son..." (II Timothy 1:2) in Christ, passing the torch on to him. Paul remembers the faith that is in Timothy "..which dwelt first in his grandmother, and his mother, and was persuaded that was in him as well" [paraphrasing II Timothy 1:5). In II Timothy 1:6 Paul was praying for Timothy by "putting his hands on" Timothy to "stir up the gift of God" that was in him" [paraphrasing]. As an anointed apostle, Paul had "Power" (Acts 1:8) which makes one appear "drunk" (Acts 1:13) when "laying on of hands" and also "kindles the gift that is in another" (II Timothy 1:6)! Blessings
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