A note from our Pastor:

”Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”

1 Timothy 4:14

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week the Apostle Paul continues with thoughts for Timothy if his return to Ephesus is delayed or does not occur. These instructions were true for all times but were especially needful when Timothy would be functioning without his mentor present and communication was not immediate.

At the core of the verse is a straightforward instruction — do not neglect the gift that is in you. What is that gift? It is the gift of God that creates an ability to understand scripture, to use that understanding to create teachings for God’s people, and to deliver those teachings through the preaching of the gospel. The ability to perform this work does not occur by nature and is not based merely on natural abilities. Likewise, the skills and abilities cannot be acquired and cannot be taught by human learning. They are gifts of God and are placed in man by the Holy Spirit.

Beyond the core message of this verse are a couple of other items, one of which was unique to Timothy and the other early ministers in the churches of God. First, the Apostle says the gifts for ministry that Timothy possesses were given by prophecy. This does not mean a prophecy placed the gifts in Timothy but rather that the gifts were recognized early on by prophecy.

In Ephesians 4:11 the Apostle explains the church was given apostles, prophets, evangelists, and then pastors and teachers. The first two gifts – apostles and prophets – expired after a generation. Paul was given the role of Apostle with special gifts and authority. At Ephesus, there must also have been one given the gift of prophecy. A special ability to understand scriptures but to also recognize gifts. This one with the gift of prophecy highlighted the ministerial call and gifts within Timothy.

Finally, those gifts were noted by the leadership of the church in Ephesus and possibly other apostles and ministers with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. This official ceremony did not place the gifts in Timothy as those were placed by the Holy Spirit but it recognized the gifts in him and formalized his role as a minister. This same ceremony is still performed by churches today for the same purpose.

The message of the Apostle Paul to Timothy was a reminder that many had seen the gifts of God in Timothy and it was his duty to not neglect those gifts.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah