Notes of Faith May 18, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
March 30, 2003
“CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY”
II Timothy 1:6-7
And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
At times we all fall short in our work of the ministry God has given to us. It is in these times that we need to challenge and encourage one another. And how is the best way to do this? In today’s passage Paul shows us how.
First we are to encourage each other to rekindle or “fan into flames” our spiritual gift, given to us by God (v. 6)! Each of us that have trusted Christ as our Savior has received at least one gift for service. I Peter 4:10 tells us, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Discouragement, feelings that no one is interested in or wants our ministry, or just plain timidity can cause our spiritual gift to “freeze up”. When we see a brother or sister in Christ floundering, we need to come alongside and help them “fan into flames” their spiritual gift. We should never underestimate the power of spiritual gifts which here is likened to fire and we all have seen what a blazing fire can do!
Secondly we are to remind each other of the resources we have in Christ (v. 7).
What God has not given us is a spirit of fear and timidity. If there is fear and intimidation in our lives, we can’t trace that to God. Fear puts a chain around us. There is nothing more pitiful than to see an animal, designed to be free, locked in a cage. We as Christians are not to be locked in a cage of fear, totally helpless to be of service to anyone.
What God has given us are three divine assets which are necessary and essential to get the job done that God has called us to do; three assets which govern the effectiveness of our service. They unfreeze the function of our gifts and unlock the cage of fear.
• Power – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses . . . Acts 1:8. This power is the inward dynamic of the Holy Spirit, the ability to make an impact, and the capacity to be of influence. (CF Acts 17:2-4, Acts 9:22)
• Love – And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5. Love is the capacity to see and understand others through the heart of God. Love frees us from intimidation.
• Discipline or a “sound mind” – A mind that quickly generates self-control in all circumstances.
So, beloved, we do not need any new spiritual ingredient in our lives. We just need to fan into flame that which God has already given us and encourage each other to do the same. Remember, encouragement is like a peanut butter sandwich – the more you spread it around, the better things stick together! God bless and happy fanning!
Love to all,
Pastor Charles Covington
Luke 3:16
John answered and said to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
John 14:26
the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
Acts 1:8
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.
2 Tim 1:14
Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit
Jude 20-25
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Love God! Love others!
Pastor Dale