Rekindling Spiritual Gifts: Embracing Our Divine Calling

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share a bit about my journey and the importance of rekindling the spiritual gifts God has given us. Growing up in Russia, I was introduced to the gospel by an American missionary, which led me to pursue theological education in the United States. My journey took me from Russia to Ukraine, where I faced many challenges, including the recent war that forced us to flee. Despite these hardships, God has been faithful, and we continue to serve Him, now in Armenia.

Our text today is from 2 Timothy 1:6-12, where Paul encourages Timothy to "stir up the gift of God" within him. This call to "burn bright and burn down" is a reminder that our spiritual gifts are not meant to lie dormant. Paul emphasizes that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. He urges Timothy to share in the sufferings for the gospel, highlighting that our calling is not based on our works but on God's purpose and grace.

Paul's life exemplifies this commitment. Despite numerous sufferings, he remained steadfast because he understood that his calling was divinely ordained before the foundation of the world. He embraced a new life in Christ, counting his past achievements as rubbish compared to the excellence of knowing Jesus. This new life is not just an improvement of our old life but a fundamentally different, eternal life that begins now.

Paul's willingness to suffer for the gospel was driven by his understanding of immortality and the eternal life promised to believers. This perspective allowed him to see death as gain and life as an opportunity to bear fruit for Christ. He lived not for himself but for the progress and joy of others in their faith.

Timothy, on the other hand, was more timid and needed encouragement to use his spiritual gifts. Paul reminded him that he had the Spirit of God, a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. The remedy for fear, Paul suggested, is to jump into the sufferings for the gospel, just as one would dive into a cold pool to acclimate quickly.

In conclusion, we are all called to rekindle our spiritual gifts and join in the sufferings for the gospel. Find those who are passionate about serving God and join them. Burn bright and burn down, and in doing so, become a Paul to other Timothys.

### Key Takeaways

1. Rekindle Your Spiritual Gifts: Paul urges Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him, reminding us that our spiritual gifts are not meant to lie dormant. We are called to activate and use these gifts for God's glory, not out of fear but with power, love, and a sound mind. [45:00]

2. Embrace a New Life in Christ: Our new life in Christ is fundamentally different from our old life. It's not just an improvement but a completely new existence that begins now and extends into eternity. This new life requires us to leave our old ways behind and live fully for Christ. [01:02:04]

3. Understand Your Divine Calling: Paul understood that his calling was divinely ordained before the foundation of the world. This understanding gave him the strength to endure sufferings and remain steadfast in his mission. We too are called with a holy calling, not based on our works but on God's purpose and grace. [58:04]

4. The Power of Immortality: The promise of immortality and eternal life with God should energize us to live sacrificially for Christ. Paul saw death as gain and life as an opportunity to bear fruit for the gospel. This eternal perspective helps us endure present sufferings with hope and purpose. [01:04:13]

5. Overcoming Fear Through Action: Paul advised Timothy to overcome his fears by jumping into the sufferings for the gospel. This proactive approach helps us acclimate quickly to challenges and grow in our faith. Find those who are passionate about serving God and join them in their mission. [01:14:37]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[0:36] - Introduction and Personal Testimony
[36:36] - Education and Early Ministry
[38:18] - Church Planting in Ukraine
[40:11] - The Impact of War
[42:03] - Cultural Challenges and New Mission in Armenia
[43:03] - The Need for Prayer and Support
[45:00] - Reading 2 Timothy 1:6-12
[46:30] - Stirring Up the Gift of God
[48:41] - Hypothetical Call to Mission
[50:30] - Paul's Sufferings and Commitment
[52:08] - The Prophecy of Agabus
[54:43] - Paul's Strength and Willingness
[55:56] - Paul's Conversion and Mission
[58:04] - Divine Calling and Purpose
[01:02:04] - Embracing a New Life in Christ
[01:04:13] - The Promise of Immortality
[01:14:37] - Overcoming Fear Through Action
[01:17:39] - Application and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 2 Timothy 1:6-12

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he tells Timothy to "stir up the gift of God" within him? ([45:00])
2. According to the sermon, what are the three characteristics of the Spirit that God has given us? ([45:00])
3. How does Paul describe his own sufferings and commitment to the gospel in the sermon? ([50:30])
4. What was Timothy's personality like, and why did Paul feel the need to encourage him? ([11:55])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that our calling is not based on our works but on God's purpose and grace? How does this understanding impact our approach to ministry? ([46:30])
2. How does the promise of immortality and eternal life influence Paul's willingness to suffer for the gospel? ([01:04:13])
3. What does it mean to "burn bright and burn down" in the context of using our spiritual gifts and enduring sufferings for the gospel? ([45:00])
4. How can Timothy's example of needing encouragement to use his spiritual gifts relate to our own fears and hesitations in serving God? ([11:55])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. Are there any that you feel have been lying dormant? What steps can you take to rekindle them this week? ([45:00])
2. Paul saw his past achievements as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. Are there any past achievements or aspects of your old life that you need to let go of to fully embrace your new life in Christ? ([01:02:04])
3. How can you develop a perspective of seeing death as gain and life as an opportunity to bear fruit for Christ, similar to Paul's view? ([01:04:13])
4. Timothy needed encouragement to overcome his fears. Identify a fear that is holding you back from fully serving God. What practical steps can you take to confront and overcome this fear? ([11:55])
5. Paul advised Timothy to jump into the sufferings for the gospel as a remedy for fear. Is there a challenging situation or ministry opportunity you have been avoiding? How can you take a proactive step towards it this week? ([01:14:37])
6. The sermon encourages us to find those who are passionate about serving God and join them. Who in your church or community inspires you with their passion for God? How can you support or join them in their mission? ([01:17:39])
7. Consider the idea of becoming a "Paul" to other "Timothys." Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement and mentorship in their faith journey? How can you reach out to them and offer support? ([01:17:39])

Devotional

Day 1: Rekindle Your Spiritual Gifts
Description: Paul urges Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him, reminding us that our spiritual gifts are not meant to lie dormant. We are called to activate and use these gifts for God's glory, not out of fear but with power, love, and a sound mind. This call to "burn bright and burn down" is a reminder that our spiritual gifts are not meant to lie dormant. Paul emphasizes that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. He urges Timothy to share in the sufferings for the gospel, highlighting that our calling is not based on our works but on God's purpose and grace. [45:00]

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What specific spiritual gift has God given you that you have allowed to lie dormant? How can you begin to rekindle and use this gift for His glory today?

Day 2: Embrace a New Life in Christ
Description: Our new life in Christ is fundamentally different from our old life. It's not just an improvement but a completely new existence that begins now and extends into eternity. This new life requires us to leave our old ways behind and live fully for Christ. Paul’s life exemplifies this commitment. Despite numerous sufferings, he remained steadfast because he understood that his calling was divinely ordained before the foundation of the world. He embraced a new life in Christ, counting his past achievements as rubbish compared to the excellence of knowing Jesus. [01:02:04]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What old habits or ways of thinking do you need to leave behind to fully embrace your new life in Christ? What steps can you take today to live more fully for Him?

Day 3: Understand Your Divine Calling
Description: Paul understood that his calling was divinely ordained before the foundation of the world. This understanding gave him the strength to endure sufferings and remain steadfast in his mission. We too are called with a holy calling, not based on our works but on God's purpose and grace. This divine calling is a source of strength and purpose, enabling us to face challenges with confidence and hope. [58:04]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does understanding that your calling is divinely ordained change your perspective on your current challenges? What specific action can you take today to align more closely with God's purpose for your life?

Day 4: The Power of Immortality
Description: The promise of immortality and eternal life with God should energize us to live sacrificially for Christ. Paul saw death as gain and life as an opportunity to bear fruit for the gospel. This eternal perspective helps us endure present sufferings with hope and purpose. Paul's willingness to suffer for the gospel was driven by his understanding of immortality and the eternal life promised to believers. [01:04:13]

1 Corinthians 15:53-54 (ESV): "For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'"

Reflection: How does the promise of immortality and eternal life with God influence your daily decisions and actions? What is one way you can live more sacrificially for Christ today?

Day 5: Overcoming Fear Through Action
Description: Paul advised Timothy to overcome his fears by jumping into the sufferings for the gospel. This proactive approach helps us acclimate quickly to challenges and grow in our faith. Find those who are passionate about serving God and join them in their mission. Timothy, on the other hand, was more timid and needed encouragement to use his spiritual gifts. Paul reminded him that he had the Spirit of God, a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. [01:14:37]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: What fear is holding you back from fully serving God? What specific action can you take today to confront this fear and step into your calling with courage?

Quotes

1. "I was really proud in the things that I've learned from the seminary. I thought I knew everything, like how it should be about church planting and church ministry. So if you really want to know how mistakes not to make, come to me and ask me. I will tell you so many mistakes that I have made in the first years of ministry. But the Lord was good. And eventually, we did plant a church. And we were there in St. Petersburg for 18 years. The church is still there, solid." [36:36] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God. And this is where I get the title, burn bright, to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. And to stir up, in other translations, it says, it's translated to kindle afresh the gift of God, to kindle afresh or to rekindle God's gift, or to fan into flames the spiritual gift that you have, to activate your gift, to stimulate your gift that you have." [45:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "For God has given us not a spirit of fear, not a spirit of fear, but, and I inserted the spirit of power, and a spirit of love, and a spirit of sound mind. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor be ashamed of me, his prisoner, nor, but, but, but share with me. In the sufferings for the gospel, and this is where I get the second part for the title, burn bright and burn down." [46:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "For this reason, I also suffer these things. Nevertheless, I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed and I'm persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him until that day." [47:36] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So hypothetically, I can tell you that, uh, uh, I'm Russian and I'm not welcome there in Ukraine anymore. Uh, but, uh, even though Ukrainians hate Russians, they love Americans. And so, uh, you can go there and you will be really welcomed. And then, uh, you don't even have to have a visa to go to Ukraine. You can just buy a ticket and, uh, if you have a passport, then you'd travel to Ukraine. And right away you are there. So hypothetically, you can go. It's now, it's your time, not my time, your time to go. Will you go? Why not?" [48:41] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So in order to live this new life that we have received, we should lose the previous one. We should be crucified with Christ. The old life and all his past achievements seemed like garbage to him. This is what he says. This is what he says about his previous life. Yet indeed I also count all things lost for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." [01:04:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "But you know, not only Christians suffer in the war in Ukraine. The entire civilian population suffers. So in this war, Ukrainian Christians and Ukrainian Muslims and Ukrainian atheists, they all suffer equally. And there are thousands and thousands of stories like this one in Ukraine. But there is a big difference in the death of Christian people. Christians are promised immortality. Christians are promised eternity with God. God bought this immortality for you. And death, when it comes, has no power over you." [01:07:37] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Do you believe that? To die is gain, actually. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor. So, like, why would I live? I need to bring fruit. I need to continue doing the same thing I was called for. There was a purpose for me in this life, why I was saved. So, but if I live on, he says, in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor, yet what I shall choose, I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." [01:08:31] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. Tell me, who is doing the work of ministry? The saints. So he gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers to equip you. So pastors and teachers and evangelists, they are not to do the ministry for you, right? The only reason we are here is to equip you. And then once you're equipped, all the ministry is yours." [01:15:32] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And then you will burn bright and burn down. But before you burn down, you need to become Paul to other Timothys. Once you are on fire, once you are burning bright, find others and pull them with you. This is how it should work. That's what I wanted to say today. May God bless you." [01:18:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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