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 (2 Tim. 1:6 ESV).

The Bible often refers to fire as a metaphor to describe the activity of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever heard the words “a Christian on fire for God”? This common phrase refers to the Biblical metaphor of fire to describe the passion, or zeal, in a Christian.

Two related ideas are also used. You can either quench fire, or fan the flames to burn more! What happens when you throw water on fire? It extinguishes the flames, right? What happens when you pour gas on fire? The flames go wild! Now imagine what happens when you blow air on a piece of burning wood. The wood glows, and the flames gain momentum. This is what it means to fan into flames, as used in the scripture above.

The aged Apostle Paul instructed his spiritual son, Timothy, to fan into flame, the gift God gave him. Paul told Timothy to keep blowing, with the wind of the Spirit, so that his gift would glow continually brighter. God wants this for your spiritual life as well. Your zeal and hunger for God, your spiritual gifts, the fruit of the Spirit in your life, should continually glow in flames.

MEDITATE

Think of two things you can do to fan the flames in your life. Additionally, think of two things you should not do, so God’s fire does not grow cold in your life.

APPLY THE WORD

If your fire has grown cold, fan it to flames by seeking God in the Word and prayer. Also seek fellowship with other brethren, so you will bless and support each other in your gifts.

PRAY

Ask the Father to help you fan the fire of the Spirit in your life, so the flame never grows cold.

Recommended Read: Growing in his presence

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