Matt. 22:1-14, Timothy: Don’t Neglect Your Gift

There are things Timothy was called upon to take heed of, to draw near to.  These had to do with the word of God: reading it, exhortation (preaching it) and doctrine (understanding and teaching it). At the same time there was something he was not called to focus on but which he needed to be sure not to neglect it altogether.  The word is defined as to be careless of:—make light of, neglect, be negligent, no regard.  There are some critical truths for us as we consider what we should or should not neglect.

·       Mt. 22:5: When the invitation went out for the wedding supper of the rich man, many made light of it.  So remember this: to neglect something means you don’t think it needs much consideration or attention.  According to the Bible, if you neglect the gospel the consequences are eternally disastrous.

·       1 Tim. 4:14: This refers to some blessing conferred on Timothy by the elders of the church, perhaps the one at Ephesus or perhaps in Antioch where Paul was tied to and Timothy would have attended with Paul.  It had to do, not with knowing the word but the means by which Timothy ministered the word.  Several of the gifts were “speaking” gifts (teaching, preaching, encouragement). Perhaps he needed to seek the Lord’s help to better communicate the word.

·       Heb. 2:3: How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. 

·       Heb. 8:9: When Israel did not keep their part in the Mosaic Covenant the LORD disregarded them.  That’s pretty powerful.

·       2 Peter 1:12: Peter was faithful not to neglect reminding his readers of things they already knew.  For pastoral ministry that is important.  The “sermon” does not need to be new and exciting every week.  And not intentionally ever!  Reminders are critical.  The pastor and people both need to keep this in mind.  If the sermon is “new truth” someone needs to check up on the pastor.

In the process of focusing on what you think the Lord has for you to do, don’t fail to neglect other things.  Submit to Christ daily and be open to His reminders of things to consider.  Sometimes it comes in the form of a “criticism.”  Don’t always reject these things.  Ask the Lord if you are neglecting something.