The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:6,
"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."
Here is an interesting verse! Paul reminds Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God..." We are told that each of us are given what Scripture calls "gifts". These are particular enablements, special talents, specific abilities that are given us by the Holy Spirit when he comes to dwell within the hearts of believers.
These gifts are to be used for the welfare and benefit of all in the fellowship. We read in Romans 12:6-8, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
Here is a fascinating passage that speaks of these gifts, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines." 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
What I note this morning is that although it is the Holy Spirit working within the hearts of believers that produces these "gifts", as it is he who gives them, we have a responsibility to utilize them. The Holy Spirit does not do it all, we have a very important part to play. Apparently, these gifts can lie dormant if not utilized by the believer. Paul tells Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" he had received. The Holy Spirit gave the gift, but it is up to Timothy to employ it.
Peter makes a similar comment about our responsibility in this matter, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10. This is very important for each of us as Peter further observes, "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." Verse 11.
"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."
Here is an interesting verse! Paul reminds Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God..." We are told that each of us are given what Scripture calls "gifts". These are particular enablements, special talents, specific abilities that are given us by the Holy Spirit when he comes to dwell within the hearts of believers.
These gifts are to be used for the welfare and benefit of all in the fellowship. We read in Romans 12:6-8, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
Here is a fascinating passage that speaks of these gifts, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines." 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
What I note this morning is that although it is the Holy Spirit working within the hearts of believers that produces these "gifts", as it is he who gives them, we have a responsibility to utilize them. The Holy Spirit does not do it all, we have a very important part to play. Apparently, these gifts can lie dormant if not utilized by the believer. Paul tells Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" he had received. The Holy Spirit gave the gift, but it is up to Timothy to employ it.
Peter makes a similar comment about our responsibility in this matter, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10. This is very important for each of us as Peter further observes, "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." Verse 11.
We have all received something from the Holy Spirit to serve others. What is it the Lord has enabled you to do? Might there be something he has worked within your heart you have still to discover? Are you employing what the Lord has given you? These are all questions I ask of myself.
Our participation in the kingdom of God begins in this life and we all have a part to play. I love how the Lord works through us in each other's lives. He didn't have to do it that way, but that is exactly what he does. How amazing he looks to us to exercise our own wills to employ in the lives of others, (expressing his love), the gifts he gives us!!
What has the Lord dropped in your pocket?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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