Chapter 2- Neglect Not The Gift
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Paul, the Apostle
Paul, in his first epistle to Timothy, gave counsel concerning how to establish a testimony of integrity in the ministry. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (I. Tim. 4:12-16). Given Timothy’s position of influence among the body of new believers, Paul’s counsel expressed concern for both Timothy and for the church.
The instruction, be an example: in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity; speaks towards Timothy’s conduct. Paul’s instruction focused on Timothy’s character and spirit as opposed to instructions on “sermons” that he might have to share. Timothy was a young man, as Paul pointed out while addressing him, but Timothy had spent time traveling with Paul in several of Paul’s missions throughout Asia. This is a point worth mentioning because, even with, perhaps, several years of experience, Paul’s counsel still held to the same line. Paul’s advice could be worded: Be aware of your influence.
Along with the advice, Paul included instruction: give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Timothy had his homework assignment: Give yourself, as a minister of faith, to establishing a solid foundation in Truth. Timothy had access to scripture, he had seen first-hand the works of the Spirit, and he had been taught the principles of the doctrine of Christ by the apostles. Paul encouraged Timothy, give yourself to these things and they will make you an able minister.
The Gift
The gift Paul mentioned, was not human ability, but it was the gift of the revelation of Truth which brought the gift of the Spirit into Timothy’s life. The laying on of hands of the presbytery (which means the acceptance and approval of the apostles) signified that the authority of the Spirit had come unto Timothy. This is not a diploma or a certificate, but rather, it is a seal of approval.
The gift of the Spirit of Truth, a Spirit from God, also referred to as the Comforter, the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost, requires attendance on the part of the recipient. Paul referred to it as a gift that must not be neglected. We must attend unto it, allow it to become our conscience, allow it to become the filter through which we view life.
When Jesus spoke of the Spirit he said: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (Jn. 14:26). Jesus said that this Spirit brings his teachings to our remembrance, or perhaps it could also be stated: The Spirit brings the teachings of Christ into our conscious mind. The Spirit, and it’s work, serves as our filter to process all that we see and all that we experience through the lens of sound doctrine. In order for the Spirit to have that liberty in our life, we have to be attentive to it’s voice. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy was that Timothy would familiarize himself with the work of the Spirit, and in that way, Timothy would be keeping his ear in tune to the “voice” of the Spirit.
Be Content in Godliness
Paul, while concluding his first letter to Timothy, gave him further counsel, writing: If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content (I Tim. 6:3-8). Contending with those who knowingly manipulate Truth is not to our benefit. Paul’s counsel was stated simply: withdraw thyself. There will be no benefit to that interaction, just leave it alone. If we are content then we have no reason to be contentious. Only the malcontents are contentious. Being content in godliness (righteousness) is great gain.
Paul further explained: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (I Tim. 6:9-11). Paul’s advice is appropriate in every generation: avoid vain disputes, follow not after empty pleasures because doing so invites sorrow; but rather, follow after virtue.
The Sluggard
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he begins by encouraging Timothy: 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 (II Tim. 1:6). The thought of Paul towards his coworker is that he would keep his focus on the gift of Truth which came to Timothy by the Spirit. Do not neglect the gift, rather keep it stirred up.
The verses from Proverbs that were mentioned in the previous chapter explained how we become neglectful. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man (Pro. 6:10-11; 24:33-34). On both occasions that Solomon shared this thought he was addressing the slothful. In chapter six of proverbs Solomon began by saying: Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? (Pro. 6:6-9). On this occasion Solomon used an example found in nature, the ant, whose behavior and work ethic indicate that there is never a time for slothfulness. The ant is always busy, diligently working to guard the gift of life. Solomon’s advice was that we observe the ants and learn from their behavior. The ant is instinctually aware of the enemies of life; consequently, they diligently store food to be able to maintain life when there is a time of lack.
On the other occasion Solomon used the example of the field and the vineyard of the slothful. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction (Pro. 24:30-32). In this illustration Solomon uses a human example which indicates the unavoidable consequence of neglect. The wall had fallen down so that anyone or anything had free access to the field and the vineyard. The weeds had invaded, and, with that, the promise of the harvest was lost. Solomon said that he considered it well, and that it gave him instruction. Neglect brought destruction and desolation.
Conclusion
The gift we receive requires work on the part of the recipient to nourish and maintain life. Paul’s counsel is applicable to us all, neglect not the gift that is in thee, on the contrary, stir up the gift that is in thee. The fire has to be stoked, the coals have to be stirred, and wood has to be added to the fire. The gift of life that comes from the Spirit of Truth requires the same attendance as natural life. It must be sheltered, fed, and loved.
Accepting the illustration that the Spirit is our conscience, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy conscience. Our conscience is what keeps us safe, it establishes our value system, and that affects every decision we make. Our conscience is a gift that leads to life. We must not neglect the gift that is in us.