Jr High | Stir It Up (2 Timothy 1:6-7) | Tate Cox

Main message: Paul urges Timothy (and believers) to rekindle the spiritual gift God has given them, refusing fear and instead walking in the Holy Spirit’s power, love, and self-control. Believers should trust God, step into their calling, and act confidently even when fear is present.

Key points:

• "Stir up the gift" means rekindle or revive a gifting that has been neglected, not that love for God has failed.
• Timothy struggled with fear/timidity and needed Paul’s exhortation to regain confidence in his calling.
• The "spirit of fear" is not from God; believers are repeatedly commanded in Scripture not to fear because God is with them.
• God gives Christians a spirit characterized by power (dunamis), love (agape), and a sound mind/self-discipline through the Holy Spirit.
• Practically: expect fear when God calls you, but step forward in obedience—God equips those He calls and will provide what you need.

Scriptures mentioned: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Proverbs 25:11, 1 Timothy 4:12-14, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:11, Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, 1 John 2:9-11