Do not ever neglect the gift you have, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the elders’ hands.
Immediately when we read this we’re drawn to the prophecy and laying on of hands. That makes sense; those things seem other-worldly and out of our experience as believers.
I’ve already treated the subject in some detail. See here.
To sum up, though, it suffices to say that the Apostle Paul, with other pastors, laid hands on Timothy to commission him as a pastor and evangelist, and that when they did, God gave them things to say about Timothy and gave Timothy particular giftings related to preaching and pastoring.
Such things are not commanded nor described as normative, and the apostles are all dead; therefore, these things are not directly applicable to us.
That said, there are a good deal of commonalities that our situation has with Timothy’s.
1) Every Christian still has a spiritual gift. See these passages.
2) Thus, every Christian is to seek to use their spiritual gifts regularly, never neglecting their use – especially pastors.
3) God may not have given prophecy about us or about our pastors; however, the Scriptures describe service to God in every realm of service, for every good work. As Paul here reminded Timothy of the prophecies made about him to give him strength to persevere in service, we must gather strength from what the Scriptures say about service for our perseverance in our service.
4) The elders commissioned their fellow elder, Timothy. The roles of pastor and deacon, we see, and thus other roles Scripture mentions (like evangelist), should be roles that the local church decides – not the individual by himself.
Some questions must then be asked.
1) Are you seeking to regularly operate in your gifting?
2) If you don’t know what your giftings are, are you regularly serving so that you can find out what they are? If you’ve not regularly served, you probably have no idea what your gifts are.
3) Do you gather strength and courage from the Scriptures to operate according to your gifting? Or are you depending on your own abilities?
4) If you’re in full time ministry, have you been sent by the elders of a local church?
5) Are you living in submission to the elders of your local church?
Father, I confess to you that I sometimes avoid serving according to my gifts because I’m tired, lazy – and sometimes because service is difficult and taxing. I confess that I often rely on my own ‘track record’, abilities, and strength to serve you when I do – as if the building up of your Church was by my strength – not Christ’s. I confess to you that I’ve not feasted on the Scriptures for the sake of your public glorification.
I confess that by my self-dependence, I’ve made a god of myself and forgotten you.
Thank you for the forgiveness purchased in Christ’s cross for me, and the justification secured in his resurrection! His work is perfect and has perfected all his sheep. Thank you for giving us gifts to joyfully serve you. Thank you for the gifts you’ve given others so that we can know you more fully. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and thus, to be relationally connected to you. Thank you for the Scriptures, in which you remind us of your great power towards us who believe – of your Spirit who gives not only salvation, but strength to serve you. Thank you for appointing the office of pastor so that we can be served well from your word – reminded every Lord’s Day of the great salvation you’ve given us through Jesus.
Cause me and your people to gather strength from the Bible, be reminded of all you’ve done for us in Christ and given us in the Spirit, and to move forward, relentlessly serving you, because the time is short. Strengthen us to proclaim your glory throughout this world!
In Christ Jesus I pray,
Amen.
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