Fanning the flame ∙

Fanning the flame ∙

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. – 2 Timothy 1:6

Hebrews 5:8-14

8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

10 And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.

12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.

13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.
14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who, through training, have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

General William Booth, the founding leader of the Salvation Army, once delivered a timeless message to his followers, saying, “The tendency of fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart.” His words hold a vivid truth. Anyone who has ever kindled a flame knows this well—fire needs care. With neglect, it dwindles and fades to ash. But when we tend it—stirring the embers, adding fuel—it roars back to life, fierce and radiant.

There is a fire that burns within every child of the King. This is no ordinary fire that involves combustible materials; instead, it is a precious gift entrusted to each of us. It is a flame from heaven, ignited by the Father Himself. Such divine fire burned within the prophets of old, compelling them to convey the Father’s messages to His people. Being a prophet is not for the timid at heart. The call often led them into emotional turmoil, conflict, abuse, ridicule, and persecution.

Consider Jeremiah, who faced immense struggles while confronting the rebellious people of Judah. His experiences often left him in tears and deep despair, to the point where he contemplated giving up and never speaking for God again. Yet, in that moment of darkness, a fire within him burned brightly, and he could not go through with it. The word of God became like a fire shut up in his bones, compelling him to speak out. As he expressed in Jeremiah 20:9, “But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire, a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”
As Huey observes, “No other passage in the Bible reveals so clearly the divine compulsion to speak God’s word.”

When we first encounter the Father, it is common to experience His love as a fire burning within us. Our hearts become filled with joy, purpose, and an unstoppable drive to serve. This was the fire that transformed Saul into Paul. Saul was once consumed by misguided zeal, but when the Father touched his life, his human passion was transformed into a holy and righteous compulsion. This change became a blazing testament to God’s love, one that illuminated the world and continues to shine today.

But fires, no matter how bright, can grow dim. Untended fires soon become just a pile of ashes. That’s why we are called to watch the fire within us closely, to keep it alive and vibrant. Just as a fire needs fresh wood, so too does our spirit need fuel—prayer, Scripture, fellowship, etc. Stir the coals with intentionality, fan the flames with worship, and breathe life into your spiritual gifts.

Acts 9:18-22

18 [Saul] regained his sight. Then, he got up and was baptized.
19 Afterward, he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.
20 And immediately, he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
21 All who heard him were amazed. . .
22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus could not refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

Sadly, as time goes on, the initial blaze of spiritual enthusiasm can face threats. Life’s endless demands, distractions, or even disappointments can act like cold water, dampening our spiritual fervor. We forget our First Love and become dull and listless. This is why the Father calls us to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). He invites us to actively stir the coals of our hearts, to reignite the passion for His work, and to guard the fire He has placed within us.

Untended fires soon become just a pile of ashes. The same thing can happen to the fire that burns within each child of the King.

Timothy not only received gifts but was also given a mission. He was spiritually equipped to accomplish the work that God had for him. However, Paul was concerned that Timothy might have lost some of his zeal for the gospel. He urged Timothy to revive and rekindle the flames of the God-given fire within him and to keep that passion alive.

2 Timothy 1:6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

The Greek term translated kindle afresh, renew is anazopureo, from ana – up or again, zoos – alive, and pur – fire. This word is used only once in the entire New Testament. Anazopureo describes the “act of reviving a fire that has gone out.” Literally, regarding a fire, “it connotes to rekindle, revive, and fan into flame.” Figuratively, in reference to spiritual gifts, it signifies “stirring up (into new life),” “reactivating,” or “exciting into fresh activity.”

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.

Timothy, however, Timothy was timid and had held back. In no uncertain terms, Paul reminded him that a spirit of timidity is not from the Father. When the children of the King become fearful and shrink back, remember that it is not the Father’s intention for their lives. He intends to break the bondage of fear and self-deprecation and energize us to do His will.

God never takes away the spiritual gifts He bestows upon us (Romans 11:29), but they can lose their sharp edge of effectiveness through our neglect (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

FDR said it well, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Father, more than once, the fire in my heart has grown dim. Encourage me anew to keep it going and burn brightly. Stir up within me a passion that burns strong and unwavering for You. Remind me of the joy of walking in Your light. May my heart blaze with faith, my steps reflect Your purpose, and my life overflow with Your love.

INSIGHT

2 Timothy 1:12 I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Paul provides a subtle reminder, emphasizing the person of Christ, “I know whom I have believed.”

Paul had an open secret; he was not fearful or ashamed because he knew the Father was faithful and would keep him going until the end. What grounded Paul wasn’t abstract theology but a living connection with the Lord Jesus Christ. His certainty wasn’t based on circumstance but on the unfailing nature of the Savior to whom he had entrusted his soul.

Salvation is not the result of believing certain doctrines, though doctrines are essential. As unbelievers, we are mired in our sins. We are saved because we believe in a Person, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul had deposited his soul in the care and keeping of the Savior, and Paul was sure that the Lord Jesus Christ would faithfully guard that deposit (Wiersbe).

This promise is for us, too. When life feels overwhelming, and doubts creep in, we can hold tightly to the truth that Christ is faithful. The same Lord who walked with Paul walks with us, guarding what we place in His care.

Jeremiah expressed a similar passion in his heart when he declared in Jeremiah 20:9, “But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” Even when Jeremiah felt tempted to stay silent, he could not repress the power of God’s truth alive within him. It was a fire that could not be extinguished, propelling him forward to fulfill his calling.

We are invited to experience the passion and power that come from walking closely with God. When our flame weakens, it serves as a signal to draw near to Him—the Source of all strength and renewal. He is the One who revives us, kindles hope and keeps our hearts steadfast until the day we stand in His presence.

The Father desires not a faint flicker but a radiant blaze. He wants our hearts to burn brightly with love, passion, and purpose. Just as Paul carried the fire of the Gospel to the ends of the earth despite facing opposition and hardship, we are called to bring this same fire into the lives of those around us.

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© Dr. H 2025