2 Timothy 1

This is our Sunday teaching from Senior Pastor, Tom Thompson. Recorded live at our service in Harris Academy Purley, Croydon on Sunday 25th May, 2025. Below you can find the full talk audio, and a summary article.

Want to lead a Connect Group session on this teaching? The notes are here

Talk Summery - Fan into Flame: Stepping into God's Call in a Season of Awakening

It feels like something is stirring. Across the UK, there are growing signs of God activating his church—sparking faith in fresh ways and drawing people to Himself. We’ve heard so many stories recently - from a viral Bible giveaway in Birmingham to a spontaneous new church gathering in a Kent village, stories are emerging of spiritual hunger and unexpected growth. And we’re seeing it here too—ten people baptized last week in a single Sunday, more than ever before, and a hundred more people joining us weekly than this time last year. Could it be that God is doing something new in our nation?

In this message, we looked at how God activates us. Not just “others” in revival stories—but you and me. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1, we see Paul writing from a prison cell, facing death, and yet full of purpose, joy, and courage. His circumstances screamed fear, but his spirit was alive with love, power, and self-discipline.

We explored the contrast between a “spirit of fear” and the Spirit God gives us. Fear isn’t always obvious. It often looks like apathy, discouragement, busyness, or self-sabotage. But Jesus came to set us free from that kind of captivity. Paul’s call to Timothy—“fan into flame the gift of God in you”—is a call for us too. Even the tiniest spark of faith can become a life-changing fire when we deliberately choose breathe life into it.

How do we do that? First, by remembering that God has called us. Each one of us has a unique purpose. Engaging with Scripture daily reminds us of that truth and gives God fuel to encourage and guide us. Second, we activate our calling through loving people deeply and praying for them. Revival isn’t just about stadiums or big moments—it’s loving your flatmate, praying for your colleague, showing up for your neighbour.

So, whether you’re raising kids, driving for Uber, studying, or leading—your context is your calling. Fan that flame. Feed it with Scripture. Pray for others. Love the ones in front of you.

And if fear is holding you back, we believe Jesus can break that today - it’s what He comes to do.