Paul expounds on this in his second letter to Timothy. “God hath not given us the spirit of fear.” (1:7) “stir up the gift of God.” (1:6) This can be translated, “Fan the flame.”

How are we to fan the flame?
Rake the ashes. You have been lethargic; you have not attended to the fire; we must shake it and rake it.

Make sure there is a plentiful supply of air and wood—prayer and study of The Word.

Remind yourself of the gift that is in you. The Holy Spirit of God is in us. “Put on the whole armour of God (to) be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)

“Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” (Acts 1:8)

Remind yourself of the work to which you have been called. “We are workers together with Him.” (2 Corinthians 6:1) “Ye are the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

“Serving the Lord”
We are nothing but servants. “Know ye not that…ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) “And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) This is not our cause; it is not our business. It is not OUR church; it is the Lord Jesus Christ’s! (Acts 4:24-27)

Think of the privilege of being given a part in this work at all. (1 Timothy 1:13) (2 Corinthians 6:2)

(4) It is a wonderful way to show your gratitude to our Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:10) (Psalm 116:12) (Psalm 68:19)

(5) Honor is involved in all this. It is Our Lord’s church; we just need to get in on what He is doing.

(6) Because we are serving the Lord, His eye is always upon us. (Psalm 33:13)

(7) We must never be slothful, in order that we may not be ashamed at His coming. (2 Corinthians 5:10) (John 14:6) (Acts 16:31).