6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:6-7 KJV)
The Spirit God gave us
Paul exhorts Timothy to remember his duty (2 Timothy 1:6): “I remind you…” Even the best people need reminders, for what we know we must be stirred up to practice (2 Peter 3:1). He urges Timothy to stir up the gift of God that was in him—like rekindling a fire from dying embers. This refers to the gifts and graces God gave him to equip him for his ministry—spiritual gifts conferred by the laying on of the apostle’s hands. He must exercise these gifts so they grow stronger, for “to him who has shall be given” (Matthew 25:29). Whether this gift was ordinary or extraordinary (though it seems the latter), Timothy must stir it up or risk letting it fade.
This gift came through the laying on of Paul’s hands, likely distinct from his ordination by the elders (1 Timothy 4:14). The Holy Spirit in His extraordinary power was conferred by the apostles’ hands, and Timothy, thus equipped, was later ordained by the presbytery.
The greatest obstacle to using our gifts is fear. Paul therefore warns Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear caused the unfaithful servant to bury his talent (Matthew 25:25). God has armed us instead with “a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.” Power gives courage to face difficulties; love for God and for souls enables us to endure trials; and a sound mind brings calmness and discipline, helping us overcome imagined fears.
The Spirit God gives His ministers is courageous and loving. They speak in the name of the One who has all power in heaven and on earth, and love to God and others should inflame their service. They must also have soundness of mind, speaking the words of truth and sobriety (Titus 2:8).