“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.” 2 Timothy 1:6
Dear Ones:
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he wrote: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” (4:7) He went on to say that God “…gave gifts unto men.” (v.8) These “gifts” are spiritual and natural capacities, which when exercised according to, and by the Spirit, will result in “….the manifestation of the Spirit …given to every man…for the benefit, and edification of all in the body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:7) The teaching on spiritual gifts should lift us up to new heights to see what God, in His wisdom, and grace, has done in order for there to be the greatest manifestation of His presence and glory in the church. Though gifts are not an end in and of themselves, and are certainly not to be boasted in, they are a means by the Spirit, through which God works in and through His church for edification, and the evangelization of the world. If we are to use well the gifts from heaven, then we need to understand certain things.
First, we need to see, understand, and grasp that these are truly “gifts,” or capacities, from heaven, given WITH Jesus Christ, in order that God’s will be done on this earth. Never are we to boast, or think in the least, that we have anything to do with the kind, measure, or nature of these gifts. As the hymn-writer wrote: “Every virtue that we possess, every victory won, every thought of holiness, is Thine, and Thine ALONE.”
Secondly, we need to realize that the gifts correspond to our specific calling. Though our supreme calling is to fellowship, or communion, with Christ (1 Cor. 1:9), we all have a “calling,” purpose and grace, “….which was given us in Christ Jesus BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN.” (2 Tim. 1:9) Paul writes to the Corinthians that every one of these gifts are the result of the sovereign wisdom, and choice of God for each individual. (1 Cor. 12:8) He also adds, “But all these (the gifts) work that one and the selfsame (very same) Spirit, dividing to every man severally AS HE WILL.” (v.11) If these gifts and capacities are according to the sovereign purpose and will of God, who are we to say that we have done something to obtain them, or that they are the result of our own devising?
Lastly, we must see that we are responsible to God for the use of these gifts. Paul told Timothy: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” (1 tim. 4:14) In his second letter to Timothy, he said: “Stir up the gift of God.” (1:6) What does he mean by these declarations? By what Paul tells Timothy concerning teaching, the use” and knowledge of doctrine, and preaching, there is not doubt with regard to what these gifts are. But secondly, he deals with an attitude of heart that is necessary for Timothy to have if he is to discharge his responsibilities: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto you are also called.” (1 Tim. 6:12) He then adds, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:8)
Dear Father, give us to be as Paul instructed Timothy, “…strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Enable us to see, and understand our calling, first to Thyself, and then concerning the work that You would have us to do. Show us clearly the gifts and capacities that You have given us, and the grace to trust You for their use. Then there will be the manifestation of Your Life and presence, as we serve Thee by the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad