Text: 1 Timothy 4:14a
By: Bro. Marvis Kaine
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Each individual Christian that makes up the body of Christ is given a gift by grace and must use this gift to aid the functioning of the body (Church) because he or she is part of the body. The body cannot function properly when parts of it are not functioning well. It will be foolish for a Christian to neglect this God’s given gift or not make use of it like the servant given one talent in the parable of the talents. (See Matthew 25:14-30)
This admonition is aimed at reminding us of our God given gift (talent) that was given to each one of us at the point of baptism to aid the proper functioning of the Church. Apostle Paul in His first letter to Timothy in verse 14a of chapter 4 urge the young evangelist not to Neglect the gift that is in Him.
Gift (noun) means natural abilities or qualities. It is to possess unusual innate ability in some field or activity. The VINES dictionary puts it as “God endowments upon believers by the operation of the Holy Spirit in the Churches” – 1 Cor. 1:7.
Apostle Paul, in his teaching by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit appeals to Christians to make use of their gifts given to each one of us accordingly as it is given. Romans 12:6-
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us. Let us use them. NKJV”
Neglect on the other hand was translated from the Greek word “ameleo” means “be careless’’ or be unconcerned.”
Some in the church are negligent because they just don’t care. They do not care whether they attend all the services, break the bread, sing songs, give as prospered, clean the meeting place, visit the weak, those that put to birth and the sick, so many but a few to mention. Paul through his message to Timothy and by implication to all Christians is saying treasure this gift, use it and develop it. Paul later encourage Him.
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through laying on of my hands. NKJV. The old adage regarding talents and abilities applies here: use it or lose it.” Many a time we hear Christians running away from responsibilities within the body saying “it’s not my calling.” we must realize that this gift Paul was talking about is not a miraculous gift as many assumed. It may have been but nothing in the context forces us to that conclusion. In the New Testament it is used in a variety of ways as recorded in Romans 12:6-8 which refers to the gift of salvation and also in 1 Peter 4:10, 11.
As each has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace God. 11 if anyone speaks, ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God maybe glorified through Jesus Christ to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever Amen NKJV.
We do not live in the age of miracles, but all preachers and Christians by implication have gifts (talents or abilities) from the Lord to aid the proper functioning of the Church I Timothy 12:4- For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another NKJV
Some of us have the gift of preaching or teaching, some personal evangelism. Some have the gift for relating with people. Some have the gift for helping and comforting others. If you are a Christian, determine your gifts. If you here today and you are not sure what your gift is ask a few trusted friends, the bishops or the evangelist thereafter, take care not to neglect them. All Christians have strength and weaknesses. Work on your weakness while not neglecting your strengths. Paul is saying “Christians live up to your God-given potential.” We all have gifts (Romans 12:6) and these gifts is been given by grace and for the working of the church.
Take note, members can be gifted in ordinary ways, although it is recognized that every gift comes from God. These gifts are not given in order of importance as listed in Romans 12:6, except possibly for “prophecy” (propheteia) which begins the list. All were sufficiently important for the functioning of the church for it to gain Paul’s attention. This gift is not limited to only this seven, whatever you can do to aid the functioning of the church do not neglect it. (See for example the other list in 1 Cor 12:8-10, 12:27-30). The Gift Of Prophecy (Propheteia) refers to the charisma of prophetic proclamation which God by the spirit gave to the primitive (early stage of development) Church. Prophecy is useful for building up the church; Prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Prophecy means “to be inspire to preach and interpret” the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching.
The Gift of Ministry/ Service- Ministry, service translated from the Greek word “diakovia”(noun feminine- diakonia) is used as of domestic duties see- Luke 8:1-3 (women who minister/serve the Lord with their substance) or of religious and spiritual ministration. That is of apostolic “ministry” see Acts 1:17; Rm 12:7, I Cor 12:5.- there are differences of ministries but the same Lord NKJV. This gift of ministry/service may or refer to an administrative function through which service as an attendant (as in attendance department), cleaning of the meeting place or logistical movement of equipment to open air venues, visitation, or in capacity in which assistant is rendered. A deacon in the church would likely serve in this capacity. Looking at the word “diakona” here means any rendering of service that is done with love and respect.
The gift of teaching- Those who have the gift of teaching should demonstrate this by the action of teaching. This means that, this teaching is to be done for the betterment of the church and not to teach the commandment of men- Rom 12:7, 15:4; Mtt 15:9, Mk 7:7, Eph4:14, Col 2:22, I Tim 4:1,6; Icor 14:19.
The Gift Of Exhortation (Parakaleo)- This gift (parakaleo & parakelesis), have to do with the ability to instill courage, encouragement in others by exhorting them. This gift is also demonstrated by the act of using the gift. The bereaved were to receive this attention, the dying, victims of injustice, those afflicted by all kinds of misfortunes (such as blindness, flood etc). Acts of encouragement and comfort may sum on the surface to be unimportant but in the scripture they are no small matter. Rom 12:8a.
The Gift Of Giving- The one who give (metadidomi) is to do it with liberality (haplotes that is simplicity, sincerity) – 2 Cor 8:2, 9:11,13. What is given should be presented without grudging. The suggestion here is that those who give should do it with simplicity “without string attached” and without any hidden agendas- Rom12:8b.
The Gift Of Leadership– He who leads that is “proistemi” has the obligation to do it with diligence (persevering determination to perform a task). Those with this gift whether to lead a group to visit the sick, absentees, or zone as the case may be must act with an earnest commitment to take care of their obligation. Take note the bishop or elders are not exempted. Rom 12:8, 1 Thes 5:12, I Tim 3:4,12 5:17, Titus 3:8.
The Gift Of Mercy (Eleeo) Those that have it must do it with cheerfulness (hilarotes). Mercy is the outward manifestation of it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it. This is one of the great Christian virtues and is powerful when displayed (Luke 10:37) and those who have it are to practice them with gladness, wholeheartedness and graciousness.
Conclusion – Brethren, let us awake to our duties. “Neglect not the gift that is in thee” for “how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?”(Hebrews 2:3). Instead of neglecting this God given gift, Christians are to nurture them (that is, keep growing) give your whole attention, all your energies, to these things- 1 Timothy 4:15.
God gave them to us for His Glory and to build up His Church. (Ephesians 4:11, 12, 16). We should develop them, striving always to improve in our service for the Lord.
Thank you and God bless you all.
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