Author: BCI Step by Step

“Given Thee by Prophecy”

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

The phrase “given thee by prophecy” in 1 Timothy 4:14 comes from Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. Here’s the full verse in the KJV for context:

> 1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV)

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”

Explanation of “given thee by prophecy”

1. “Given thee”

This refers to a spiritual gift or ministry role that Timothy received. Paul is reminding Timothy not to ignore or set aside this gift.

2. “By prophecy”

This indicates that the giving or recognition of Timothy’s gift came in connection with prophetic revelation — that is, through a prophetic word or message from God, likely spoken by inspired leaders or prophets. It doesn’t necessarily mean the prophecy caused the gift, but that the gift was identified or confirmed by prophecy.

3. Biblical background

In the early church, prophets often played a role in guiding church leadership and confirming spiritual callings. This seems to have happened when Timothy was being commissioned or set apart for ministry.

> Compare 1 Timothy 1:18 (KJV):

“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.”

This supports the idea that Timothy’s calling was confirmed through prophecy — possibly during a church gathering or ordination event.

4. With the laying on of hands of the presbytery

This refers to the elders (presbyters) of the church laying hands on Timothy, a biblical act of commissioning, blessing, and setting apart for ministry (similar to ordination today). The gift was recognized during this moment of prayer and prophecy.

—

Summary

“Given thee by prophecy” means that Timothy’s spiritual gift or ministry role was confirmed or revealed through prophetic words during a formal church setting, likely accompanied by the laying on of hands by church elders. Paul is urging Timothy to steward that gift seriously and not neglect it.

How to overcome fear?

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
  1. Understand your life’s purpose. — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
  2. Realize your goals and direction in life. — Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
  3. Meditate on God’s Word always –– There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:5-9)
  4. Trust God always –– And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)

Overcoming Our Fears

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Timothy 1:7)

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
(Psalms 56:11)

REASONS FOR OVERCOMING OUR FEARS

FEAR WILL ENSLAVE US

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
(Proverbs 29:25)

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(Romans 8:15)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(Galatians 5:1)

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
(Galatians 4:9)

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(2 Peter 2:19-20)

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
(John 8:34)

WE HAVE FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
(Romans 6:13-14)

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
(Romans 6:17-18)

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
(1 Corinthians 7:21-23)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
(Psalms 111:10)

WE NEED TO GROW SPIRITUALLY

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
(2 Peter 3:18)

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:13-14)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(James 1:22)

And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
(Genesis 30:27)

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
(Romans 5:4)

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
(Ecclesiastes 1:16)

WE CAN OVERCOME FEAR BY FAITH

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:29-31)

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
(Philippians 1:14)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:13)

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
(Mark 9:23)

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
(Joshua 1:6-9)

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)

“Good Tidings” means good news or joyful messages. The phrase is often associated with happiness, hope, and positive announcements. It is prominently mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, where an angel announces the birth of Jesus Christ to shepherds:

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10, KJV)

This announcement of “good tidings” refers to the joyous news of the birth of the Savior. The message announced by the angel in Luke 2:10–11 is a message of hope for all people in the world. Here’s why:

ALL MEN ARE SINNERS, SEPARATED FROM GOD, AND ARE BOUND TO ETERNAL PUNISHMENT

All men are sinners

All men are separated from God because of sin.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:23)

Man’s efforts to reach God and salvation by his good works, keeping the law, living a good life, religion etc. have failed. No one is good enough to save himself. All men are condemned to eternal fire.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT OUR ONLY HOPE IS IN JESUS.

God loves us and He sent Jesus for our salvation.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(John 3:16)

Christ died for our sins.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)

Jesus is the only way to the Father.

The only hope of salvation is Jesus

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
(Romans 15:13)

Without Christ, we are hopeless and miserable

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
(Ephesians 2:12)

TO BE SAVED, YOU MUST RECEIVE JESUS BY FAITH AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR

What must you do to be saved?

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
(Acts 16:30-31)

Admit that you are a sinner

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
(Luke 18:13)

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:10)

Realize that your good works cannot save you

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
(2 Timothy 1:9)

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
(Isaiah 64:6)

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
(James 2:10)

Acknowledge that the only basis of salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
(Hebrews 9:22)

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
(Hebrews 10:10)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
(1 Peter 1:18-19)

Repent, that is change your mind from going on your sinful way.

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
(Luke 13:3)

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
(Isaiah 55:7)

Believe in your heart that Jesus died for you to pay for all your sins, and that he rose from the dead

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Romans 10:9-10)

Call on the Lord, receiving Him by faith

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Romans 10:13)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(John 1:12)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(John 5:24)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
(John 6:47)

There is rejoicing for every sinner that repents and trust in Jesus as Savior.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(Luke 2:10)

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
(Luke 15:7)

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
(John 15:11)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)

Here below are some lessons that you can answer:

The greatest gift that you can receive

The Way of Salvation

BELIEVING IN GOD’S GOODNESS

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

By Ptr. E. J., Saturday, July 25, 2015

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

–Psalms 34:8

The Christian life starts by faith and continues to live by faith

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?  –Galatians 3:1-3

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. –Galatians 3:11

It takes faith to truly believe in God’s goodness

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

–Psalms 34:8

When we fail to believe in God’s goodness…

  • We doubt and sin

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. –Romans 14:23

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

–James 1:6-8

  • We are inclined to rely on our own and depart from God.

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.  –Jeremiah 17:5-6

  • We become proud and rely on our own goodness and works.

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? –Obadiah 1:3

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

–Isaiah 64:6

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. –Daniel 4:30-32

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. –Deuteronomy 6:24

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God. –Deuteronomy 12:28

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

–Deuteronomy 26:11

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

–Deuteronomy 8:2                       

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

–Deuteronomy 8:16

Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. –John 6:31

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. –Matthew 4:4

GOD IS GOOD EVEN IN TIMES WHEN WE FAIL

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

–Deuteronomy 31:6

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

–Psalms 37:23-25

               For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

–Psalms 100:5

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

–Psalms 25:8

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

–Psalms 103:8-11

GOD IS GOOD EVEN IN TIMES OF TRIALS

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

–James 1:2-4

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. –2 Corinthians 8:2

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: –1 Peter 1:7

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

–1 Peter 4:12-13

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  –Romans 8:28

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

–1 Thessalonians 5:18

GOD IS GOOD EVEN IN TIMES OF CHASTISEMENT

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? –Hebrews 12:5-9

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

–Proverbs 3:11

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. –Proverbs 15:10

He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

–Proverbs 10:17

GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE HE IS FAITHFUL

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

–Numbers 23:19

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

–Romans 3:4

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:  –Hebrews 6:17-18

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. –Isaiah 55:11

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

–Revelation 22:6

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

–2 Timothy 2:13

RESULTS OF SEEING GOD’S GOODNESS

Worship and sing praises because God is good.

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;

–2 Chronicles 5:13

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

–Ezra 3:11

Do what the Lord requires you and be humble

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

–Micah 6:8

Trust and Find Protection in Him

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

–2 Samuel 22:3