Fan Into Flame: A SOAP Journal Based on 2 Timothy 1

S = 2 Timothy 1:1, 6-7, 8-9, 11
•    v.1 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…”

·         v. 6-7 “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.”

·         v. 8-9 “be not be ashamed…but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace.”

·         v. 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher which is why I suffer as I do.

O= When faced with suffering I need to be reminded how I got here, why I am here, and what resources I have available to me.

·         Paul was an apostle by God’s will…not his own power.

·         Timothy had been gifted by God…not by his own talents.

I wonder when I am tempted to give in to fear that what I do makes no difference in the kingdom, when I am tempted to become cynical about people and their motives and ability to change, when I am tempted to give in to my laundry list of subtle appetites that I can so easily forget the nature of the Spirit that God has given me (v.7).

It is by that Spirit…the Holy Spirit that enables me to trust, to love, and to obey—that I am to guard what good deposit has been entrusted to me. And not only to guard it, but to overcome any fear of discovery or ridicule to fan into flame that gifts he has placed in me that I might give others the benefit of light and heat in what might be dark and cold times. The church is not complete without every person stepping up to be whom God has called us to be…together (Ephesians 4:16; 1 Cor. 12:8-11)!

A= I am here because God put me here. I am called because of his purpose and grace, not my abilities. I am His not my own and it is for His glory not my own! So I am to embrace the suffering that may come—he is in it! I need to stop being afraid to be used of God. Just because others might have made fun of me for my love for Christ and my efforts at obedience is no reason for me to stop functioning as a part of the church body. What is the vision God has put on my heart? Am I walking in light of it or settling to sit in the corner and hope no one calls on me?

P= O Lord, thank you for your plan. Help me to follow you boldly, faithfully, in love and purity—empowered by your Spirit today!