On Earth as it is in Heaven: Tools not Trophies
In Part two of our three-part sermon series on spiritual gifts, we’re diving deeper into the purpose and power of spiritual gifts. This week, we’re focused on what it means to “fan into flame the gift of God” and how to grow in spiritual responsibility.
Let’s begin with Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This power is given not for spiritual pride, but for purpose—to be His witnesses. Gifts Are for Effectiveness, Not Superiority
Spiritual gifts aren’t marks of spiritual superiority. They’re not badges of honor or exclusive privileges. They are tools for spiritual effectiveness—meant to equip us to carry out God’s work in the world.
In 2 Timothy 1:5–6, Paul reminds Timothy of his family’s legacy of sincere faith, and then gives this charge:
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Gifts are given by grace—but they require intentional cultivation.
In 2 Timothy 1:5–6, Paul reminds Timothy of his family’s legacy of sincere faith and then gives this charge.
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Gifts are given by grace—but they require intentional cultivation.
When Do We Receive Spiritual Gifts?
A few people have asked recently: When do we actually receive spiritual gifts?
The answer is simple and biblical: when we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation.
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit…” Ephesians 1:13–14
At that moment, the Spirit of God comes to dwell in us. From that moment:
We begin to bear fruit (Galatians 5)
We receive spiritual gifts
Just like fruit must grow and mature, so too must the gifts be wielded and developed to be effective.
Tools, Not Trophies
The gifts of the Spirit are not display items. They’re tools, not trophies.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
Imagine someone putting a rake and a spade on the mantle like art pieces. It might look neat—but that’s not what they’re for. These tools were designed to dig, to break ground, to bring about growth. Likewise, your gift is meant to be used, not admired from afar.
God has given you a gift—so use it to serve others.
How Do We Grow in Our Gifting?
Some ask, Does the gift itself grow?
The gift is given, but our proficiency, obedience, and faith can and should grow.
“According to the grace given to us, let us use them…” Romans 12:6
Faith is like a muscle—it strengthens through use. Take prophecy, for example. Someone grows in that gift as they:
Learn to hear and discern God’s voice more clearly
Grow in confidence to speak what they hear
Develop clarity and wisdom in delivery
Growth happens in two main areas:
1. Spiritually
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
The more we consume God’s Word, the clearer our understanding of Christ, and the stronger our faith becomes.
2. Practically
If your gift is:
Hospitality – Learn to cook and host with excellence
Giving – Grow your financial stewardship and ability to generate resources
Leadership – Take on responsibility, even if it starts with coaching a kids’ soccer team
God has done His part in giving the gift. Now it’s our responsibility to fan it into flame—to build around it with learning, stretching, and stepping out in faith.
Avoiding Spiritual Silos
A key warning: don’t let your awareness of your primary gift become a spiritual silo.
Yes, you may be more gifted in one area—but all believers are called to exercise most gifts at some level.
Healing? Lay hands on the sick.
Evangelism? Do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim 4).
Teaching? We’re all called to share truth, even if few are called to be teachers.
Hospitality? It’s not optional—it’s a hallmark of Christian living.
We may operate more powerfully in certain gifts, but that doesn’t excuse us from walking in obedience in others.
Your Kingdom Come
So what does it look like when we say, “Your Kingdom come”?
It looks like believers dusting off their gifts, using their tools, and stepping into every opportunity God presents. It looks like a Church equipped—not with self-serving spiritual pride—but with humble, powerful, effective service. It looks like revival and reformation in our land.
So ask yourself:
Are you fanning into flame the gift of God?
Or is it sitting on a shelf collecting dust?
Let’s get to work.
Missed Part 1 of our Sermon Series? Click here.
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