June 22, 2021: SOAP #4219:  2Kings 8,9; 2Chronicles 21; 1Timothy 4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

OBSERVATION: Timothy had been left in Ephesus to minister to the church.  Paul sends him this letter to encourage and instruct Timothy in ministry. 

In the verses above Paul uses two very strong words and very different words:  neglect and diligent.  Timothy was to be careful not to neglect the gifts and responsibilities imparted to him when he was set in ministry; he was to be diligent in ministry matters.    

As a young minister, he had much to learn.  He was not expected to be perfect.  His weaknesses would not be hidden. They would see where he was weak, but they would also see improvement as he matured.  People would be able to see his progress. 

APPLICATION:  Today, I should take the direction of the Lord very seriously.  I should not neglect the calling God has to serve Him.  I should not neglect the gifts and talents he has placed in my life.  I should be diligent to improve so my progress can be seen by others. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I need your help.  Show me when I start to neglect my relationship with Jesus.  Show me things about which I should be more diligent to improve.  May I never get too old to improve.  May I never get too old to learn new things.  May new revelation of the Living and Written Word continue to excite me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!