Gifts From God

I Timothy 4:14-16

One of my students asked me this week, "Coach Ray, when did you know you wanted to be a teacher?" I responded, "When I was about 30". They were surprised that I didn't say some time when I was in school. Truth is, I never wanted a job talking in front of people when I was growing up. I thought I might be interested in coaching, but I really thought I was going to go into the medical field.

When I tell people I was shy in school, they often find a hard time believing it. Most people are more acquainted with me now from either church or the school. In those settings I have to talk. It comes with the job. Many are surprised to know that I am still most comfortable alone and when it is quiet. It is almost like I am two different people. When God called me to preach, He had to change me. Not only was there the sanctifying that had to take place, but there was also the equipping to do the work He called me to.

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“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

I Timothy 4:14-16

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Paul told Timothy that he should not neglect the gifts that were given to him. Those gifts were what he needed to do the work that God had called him to do. They were received by prophesy. Many people make a big deal about the word prophesy, but prophesy is never supposed to be about the one bringbringing the message. Rather it should be about the message itself, and the One from whom the message came. Timothy received this gift from God, and it was sealed upon him from the laying on of hands and the prayers of the elders. I know the word prayer is not in the verse, but God called me to pray for those who are entering into the ministry. I remember my ordination. The most special part of the service was when all the elders came, laid hands on me, and prayed for me. I must confess, I would love for that to happen again. There is just something about that time of prayer. You truly feel equipped for the journey you are about to embark upon. You feel equipped because you are.

We are called to meditate upon the doctrines of verse 13, but also upon our calling and the gifts we have received. We need to remember that the journey we are on as pastors, and others who are obeying the voice of God, is a journey ordained by God. If He calls us, He will give us what we need to do the job. We must remember that. When times get hard, and we begin to rely on our own understanding, we need to remember Who called us and that He equipped us.

We must remember that the work of salvation was completed on the cross, but it is not completed within us yet. At the moment of salvation we are 100% justified. There is no chance of us ending up in hell or being condemned by our sins. However, the sanctification part of our salvation is ongoing. We are continually being made into the image of Christ. Then, the word of glorification will occur in heaven. That is when salvation's work is completed in us. We will be completely free from the curse of sin and the death that it brings. In other words, for the redeemed, justification occurred in the past, sanctification is occurring in the present, and glorification will occur in the future. So, when Paul says that Timothy will save himself, he means the ongoing work of sanctification, and not being justified by works. We also proclaim the gospel by which others are redeemed and sanctified.

Father, You chose to use imperfect people to do Your perfect work. We are unworthy and incapable of doing the work without You equipping us. What a comfort that You do just that. Thank You for giving us what we need to fulfill Your calling on our life. May we always remember that, and may it encourage us to keep going when things get difficult.