Fanning Faith In A Fearful World

This study is based on the sermon titled Fanning Faith In A Fearful World by Matthew Maher below.

Faith is like a muscle—it must be exercised and nourished to grow. In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Paul reminds Timothy to "stir up the gift of God," urging him to actively engage in his faith and calling. This act of "kindling afresh" reflects the necessity of keeping our spiritual gifts and faith vibrant through intentional practice. Just as fire needs fuel to keep burning, our faith is fueled by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17), prayer, and service to others. Neglecting the gifts God has given us not only diminishes our ability to serve but also disregards the grace and purpose God has entrusted to us. Faith calls for discovery, development, and deployment—living out God’s purpose with boldness.

Paul also addresses Timothy's apparent struggles with fear, reminding him that God has not given us a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind. Fear can paralyze, but faith energizes. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live courageously, balancing strength with love and maintaining self-discipline. Power without love can be reckless, while love without boundaries can lose its integrity. Paul's reminder is a call to harness God's gifts in harmony—using His power for His purposes, guided by love and self-control. Practicing these virtues in our daily lives enables us to confront challenges with faith, not fear, and reflect God’s character to the world.

Ultimately, the key to maintaining a vibrant faith lies in what we choose to focus on. Paul warns that we can fan either the flames of faith or the flames of fear, but not both. By meditating on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), we can renew our minds, silence the noise of fear, and live with clarity and purpose. Faith is not static—it requires intentionality. When we actively engage with God’s Word, practice our gifts, and rely on His Spirit, we not only overcome fear but also shine as stewards of His grace in a fearful world.