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 the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7

It was described as a “bold fashion choice” when Taylor Swift recently wore an oversized Chief’s shirt as a mini dress to a football game. Bold political opinions fill social media accounts. Bold art fills galleries. Boldness is the trait that drives pioneers and risk takers, entrepreneurs and go-getters.    

For those of us who want live lives of lasting impact, and fulfill God’s purpose in our lives, the Bible also tells us to be bold. We’re called to boldly use the gifts God has given us to do his work, even when it’s difficult. When we don’t, we miss out on amazing opportunities to be vessels of God’s power, make a lasting difference in the lives of others, and do the only real work that truly matters forever.

But it’s rarely easy to keep pressing on with boldness in this broken world. Opposition and difficulty are daily nuisances at best.

A glimpse into the second letter from Paul to Timothy shows us we’re not the only ones who need fresh motivation to boldly fulfill our God-given calling. Young Timothy, tasked with the huge responsibility of taking over Paul’s ministry, could have easily responded with fear. In fact, he likely did. It’s a natural response when the stakes are high and the opposition is great (after all, Paul was writing from prison and awaiting execution for his faith in Christ). It’s generally thought that Timothy was naturally timid in his demeanor.

Whether we’re naturally bold or timid, opposition understandably creates fear and the very real temptation to shrink back and quit. Difficulty inspires me to pursue ease, comfort, and a tropical vacation by myself.  But Paul reminds Timothy that is not what God has called him to. Instead, he’s been called to boldly press on and use the gifts he’s been given to further God’s kingdom.

And so have we. We do this the same way Timothy did: we depend on God for boldness.

1. Faith in Christ is the Catalyst for our Boldness

Paul opens his letter by remembering Timothy’s sincere faith in Jesus (vs. 5). Without true faith in Christ, there can be no true or lasting boldness for the things of God. If our boldness comes from what we bring to the table, our experience, or talent, or with a goal to serve ourselves, it will dissipate with the first hint of incompetence, discomfort, or personal regression. True and steady boldness doesn’t come from a burst of adrenaline or caffeine. It comes from true and steady faith in Christ.

2. Fan the Fame

To fan means to “kindle afresh” or “to keep in full flame.” Like a muscle with no exercise, an unused spiritual gift will atrophy and wither. Paul tells Timothy to fan the flame of the spiritual gift he’d received and keep the fire strong.  

This gift is different from the gift of the Holy Spirit’s initial indwelling upon salvation. Paul, here, is referring to a specific gift the Holy Spirit imparted to Timothy to help him in his call to minister and build up the people of God.   

God has also given us spiritual gifts to help us serve him with boldness.  We aren’t meant to barely keep the spark alive, but to feed it and fan it. To nurture and use it.  

 3. Receive what God Gives

Paul makes it clear that fear does not come from God. Instead, God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (or a sound mind). It’s the power of God that enables us to love and serve others. It’s a sound mind that helps us overcome fear of rejection, confrontation, loss, or missing out on what the world tells us to pursue. We don’t need to manufacture this power, love, or sound mind. They’re a gift from God through the Holy Spirit.

Boldness mattered to Paul because it matters to God.  God graciously invites us to participate in his work on Earth, then gives us what we need to do so boldly and without fear each and every day. Because of who Christ is and what he’s done for us, we can come to him in faith and boldly use the gifts he’s given us to serve him, knowing this is how we fulfill God’s purposes in our lives.

Questions for Reflection:

What fear prevents you from using your gifts to boldly serve God?

How does knowing power, love, and a sound mind are gifts from God impact you today as you step forward in faith?