Sermon application questions for personal reflection, and Life Group discussions from 2 Timothy 1:1-7 “Make God’s gift burn like a bonfire”

Read 2 Timothy 1:1-7 again. Have someone review the message (with their notes)

(There is plenty of potential for thought provoking discussion within these 7 verses. Ie.. the idea of passing along the gospel baton, giving thanks while in prison, etc… For the sake of application these questions will focus on vv. 6-7. Even so, there are a lot of questions here. I do not think it is best for you to try and get through them all. Pray, prepare, and trust the Lord to lead your discussion. The last question might be best 1st.)

1. Can you recall the pre-requisites for this instruction?
a. Understand the Ownership and Purpose of a spiritual gift
b. Exhibit humility in exercising a gift
Why is this important?

2. v.6 “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you…..” {Here’s part of Sunday’s message} “Make God’s gift burn like a bonfire. You have a responsibility, for the glory of God, to develop that gift and maximize it for the glory of God. It is God-given to bring attention to Him. The better you use it, the more people will see God, and put their hope in God, and find joy in God.”
a. Is there a gift that you have neglected? Is there a passion that God has put within you that you have let go cold? Why has “the fire” gotten low? What should you do?

b. Is there something that you often see in the church that isn’t done? Is it possible that you see it, because God has gifted you to not only see it, but to be the flame?

c. Do you think Timothy knew his spiritual gifts when he was asked to join Paul’s traveling missionary team as a young man?

3. (from v. 7) Evidently there was something that was holding Timothy back. What fears affect your involvement in things? What can have a “holding back” affect upon you?

4. Respond to this statement: “Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is trusting God when fear is present.” (remember Gethsemane)

5. Review what God has given us, a spirit of power, love and sound mind.
Power = read again Ephesians 1:19-20
Love = read again I John 4:18-19
Sound Mind = the ability to remember & apply God’s Word [how does I Cor 10:13
meet any fears?]

6. Recall the illustration of learning to swim; joining the swim team. “It was in the activity of swimming that I learned to swim.”

7. In what ways will you respond to this message?