We are called to keep the fire burning this year at SEU.
The phrase “Fuel the Fire” is a reminder and a call to be intentional about what God is doing in our lives, and it is also this year’s Word of the Year. It comes from the first chapter of 2 Timothy and the sixth chapter of Leviticus.
In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” While Timothy received the Holy Spirit without effort on his own account, Paul tells him he must now continue to fan and cultivate it, to grow it from a spark into a flame.
In Leviticus 6, God gave his people commandments instructing them how to make burnt offerings, grain offerings and sin offerings. The priests were called to keep the altar fire continually burning and were charged with a responsibility to never let it go out.
This year at SEU, we must be intentional about cultivating the gift God has given us just as Timothy did, and we must fan this flame of His Spirit just as the priests were called to do in the temple. For we are God’s temple, and as such, we have a calling to put in the hard work, focus and discipline to keep His fire burning within us. But we don’t have to do it alone — the Holy Spirit will give us the power to do so.
So how can we begin fanning the flame?
1. Cultivate strong convictions.
In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul speaks of Timothy’s faith “which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” While Timothy’s family believed in Christ and were faithful, Timothy had to take ownership of his faith himself and make it his own. We must do the same!
Paul also tells Timothy that the Spirit God gave him does “not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Paul reminds Timothy that he does not have to continue growing his faith in his own power, as God will give him the love, power, and self-discipline he needs to do so. God has given you that same power!
In order to begin growing what God has placed within you, you must first take ownership of your faith and have your own relationship with Jesus Christ. Once you have accepted Christ and received His Spirit, He will give you the power and ability to maintain that gift and begin fanning it into flame.
As you cultivate what God has placed within you, you need to stand firm in your faith, despite the opposition you may face. Do not be swayed by the culture and the world, instead, “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1-2).
God promises in Proverbs 2 that when you seek Him and His wisdom, He will give it to you, and “you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you” (Proverbs 2:9-11).
When you stand firm in your faith and dedicate your life to serving Christ, He will give you the wisdom to know His will, along with the power and self-discipline to carry it out.
2. Participate in community.
In 2 Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy to not be ashamed of the testimony of God or of Paul’s life as a prisoner, but instead to “join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8). Paul also encouraged Timothy to keep the pattern he learned and heard from him, and to guard what God entrusted to him with the help of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
As you begin to cultivate what God has placed within you, it’s key that you find other believers who can encourage you. Just as Timothy was invited to follow Paul’s example and learn from him, be intentional about finding mentors around you whose example you can model, who can speak into your life, and can encourage you and help you grow.
Be intentional about finding a community of believers you can worship with at church, community chapel and in small groups. Seek out strong friendships that will point you back to Christ. Encourage those around you to follow Christ — and let your flame inspire others to burn brighter, whether it’s by hosting a Bible study, being a student leader, or getting involved in a small group. Your example matters!
3. Be faithful to God’s call.
In Leviticus 6, God instructs the priests that “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” He repeats this three times, highlighting the importance of their call and responsibility to never let the fire go out on the altar.
It’s crucial to be faithful to God’s call and will for you, whatever that looks like. Pay attention to what He’s doing in your life and ask Him how He wants to use you. You have a specific purpose to fulfill in your generation, just as King David did in his day (Acts 13:36). God wants to use you just as powerfully to be a bright light and a fire to those around you. You are a solution to a problem, a people group, and an issue in this world — it’s time to answer God’s call!
One way you can begin doing so is by showing God’s love to those around you. You can glorify God by being a great friend, mentor, role model and encouragement to others. If you’re working a job or serving in a volunteer position, do it as an act of worship to the Lord and use it as an opportunity to bless and serve others. If you are in a place of leadership at work, in your family or on campus, lead with character, humility and integrity. If we can all step into alignment with God’s call, we will fan the flames within us, and in doing so, allow it to spread to the world around us and beyond.
At the end of his encouragement to Timothy, Paul recalls what he has been called to do and says that he has no reason to be ashamed. Why? He writes, “because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). As we begin to step into all that God has called us to, let us not be ashamed of God’s call on our lives, but instead, take pride in His grace and purpose for us. And, let us place our confidence in Christ because of who He is — for He is trustworthy and faithful to keep us as long as we live.