2 Timothy 4:5-7 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.  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, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Brothers and Sisters, I’m eager to continue to walk through the New Testament with you today.  Today’s message is an important one that I think is missed by many in today’s Church.  Faith that is alive is a faith that is working.  James 2:17 says it this way – “faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead” and again in James 2:26 – “as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”  

Paul is writing to Timothy, his disciple, encouraging Him with assurance of a true faith that dwells in Him.  Paul even explains the route God used to instill faith in Timothy through His grandmother, to his mother, and then on to Timothy.  (This is a great encouragement to preach the gospel in our homes often, but that’s another message for another day).  I’ve known some of you for 7-8 years, even longer for some, and even if I don’t see you all the time, or even if I never see you, I am encouraged by all of you.  It’s a great thing to participate in the people of God, to see God at work in people over time, through good times and bad times, and how God is drawing us all ultimately to Him.   That’s me getting sappy for a moment, but it’s true – every one of you is a gift of God, and your faith is an encouragement to other believers, and not meant to be kept private.

Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God that was given to Him.  Each of you is unique.  One of the beautiful things about being involved in a small group at Church, is you get to see how God has uniquely gifted different people.  I’m not artistic at all, but others are, and I can see God glorified in their exercising those gifts.  Some people are just great encouragers – I see them reach people who are suffering and depressed even in a powerful way that can only be described as God speaking through them to touch the heart and soul of another.  Some are gifted with hospitality – eager to invite others into their home, welcoming them, manifesting the love of Christ in that way.  That is powerful, because many people do not believe God will accept them, and those with this gift manifest that – “Yes, God wants all of you.”  I could go on about those who are generous, those who serve in great ways, those who speak with authority from God’s word, those who teach, those great comforters among us, etc.

Here is my point.  God does not intend for you to have faith only to “believe”, but God has uniquely created and gifted you for works.  Your works should flow from your belief.  You are gifted at something, and God intends to use that gifting to declare the gospel to the Church first, and also to those outside.  Do you know how you are gifted?  If not, maybe ask one or two of your friends what they think.  If you do know, how are you using those gifts to serve those within the church and without?  It is by exercising the gifts that God will create a fire in you that will sustain your faith.  Do not be afraid to step out in new ways with your giftings, but remember that you have the power of Christ in you, and He is with you as you work.  In all things exercise self-control and work as an overflow of the love of Christ that has been extended to you.  In so doing you will both bless those around you, and guard your own faith.

Grace and Peace,

Adam