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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S GIFT OF SALVATION AND REWARDS
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“Given Thee by Prophecy”
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.
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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.
Characteristics of an Immature Christian
JUSTIFICATION OF ABRAHAM
How to overcome fear?
- Understand your life’s purpose. — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
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)
BELIEVING IN GOD’S GOODNESS
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
Intercessory Prayer
The word “Intercessory” from the dictionary (Thesaurus) is an adjective which means “having the function of interceding”. The word “intercede” is a verb that means “to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition”. We know that prayer is talking to God, expressing our appreciation and praises of Him, thanksgiving, supplication, and confession. God speaks to us through His words, the Bible. Thesaurus dictionary defines prayer as “a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession”. Its simple definition is, “a petition; entreaty”. So, we can have a clearer grasp of what intercessory prayer is, we need to understand the meaning of the words. It simply means “praying for others” or “praying on behalf of others”.
Jesus valued prayer. In fact, it is the backbone of His ministry. Early in the morning he rose up to pray:
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)
He usually went to a place where he would not be disturbed. Where he can have time alone with the Father. Prayer is essential in the life of our Lord Jesus during his earthly ministry. Especially when he makes a very important decision in how he would spend his life and with whom he spends much time in prayer.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)
It is a question to us if we ever give much time to prayer when we make important decisions in our lives and our ministries, on how we should spend our time, talent, and treasure to impact more people and influence them for the Lord. Do we consider how we can be a blessing to many, by praying for God’s laborers and their outreaches? Do you ever pray for the salvation of the lost? Your prayer can be a blessing to many.
Prayer is most important in the ministry of our Lord Jesus. He brought salvation for us by his death and resurrection. But after he ascended to heaven, he continued to minister to us by intercessory prayer.
But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)
Jesus continues to save lost people and “he is ABLE TO SAVE them to the uttermost that come unto God BY HIM”. It is clear in this passage that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus. This is related to Ephesians 2: 8-9:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalms 3:8)
Man cannot be a Savior, only God is the Savior. Jesus saves and he always prays for us, believers and for the lost.
In John 17 we find Jesus praying for believers and for the lost.
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
(John 17:15-20)
In Luke 19: 10 we find that the very purpose of Christ is to seek and to save that which was lost.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
(Luke 19:10)
Do you find it a great privilege to talk to God in prayer and intercede for others, for those who reach out for the lost and for the lost people to respond to God’s message through them?
Consider these Scriptures:
And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. (Isaiah 63:5)
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:10-11)
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
(Luke 22:31-32)
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18)
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
Take time to pray today… Praying for you 🙂 God bless — E. J.
Grow Spiritually Through Prayer
How can you grow closer to the Lord? Prayer is communicating with God and it is through constant communication with Him that you will be closer to Him.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
(James 4:8)
PRAYER PROMOTES SPIRITUAL GROWTH
You grow by self examination.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
(Psalms 139:23-24)
You grow by acknowledging and confessing your sins to Him.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
(Psalms 51:2-3)
You grow as you ask for wisdom
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
(James 1:5)
You grow as you study God’s word.
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
(Psalms 119:18)
You grow as you apply God’s word and your life changes.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
May you continue to grow in Him. 🙂
STEP BY STEP 