Today’s New Covenant nugget is from 1 Timothy 4:13-15
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
In this passage, Paul is encouraging Timothy and his church to focus on their personal spiritual progression. He encouraged them to study the Word, to exhort themselves and others, to get revelation on doctrine, or right believing, and to develop the gifts of the Spirit that had been imparted to them, that their spiritual PROGRESS would be noticeable to everyone around them.
I don’t think that believers (generally speaking) invest enough time or effort into themselves personally to grow spiritually. Many ministers spend most of their time focusing on ministry and the needs of others… many believers are so caught up in daily life that that they NEGLECT the gift that has been deposited in them by the Holy Spirit.
I want to encourage you today as Paul did to Timothy… “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, give attention to studying the Word, to exhortation, and to doctrine. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”
The Passion Translation says it this way, “Be diligent in devouring the Word of God, be faithful in prayer, and in teaching the believers. Don’t minimize the powerful gift that operates in your life, for it was imparted to you by the laying on of hands of the elders and was activated through the prophecy they spoke over you. Make all of this your constant meditation and make it real with your life so everyone can see that you are moving forward.”
Take time to INVEST in yourself spiritually… make time to allow the Holy Spirit to coach you and to develop you. Seek fresh encounters with the Lord, and press in for more of God.
When you attend a church service, press in, open yourself up for spiritual encounters, awaken your spiritual appetite for more of God and EXPECT to not leave the same way that you came. I am reminded of the woman with the issue of blood… many were touching Jesus and received nothing, but she touched Him in FAITH, believing to receive, and by FAITH, she DREW anointing out of Him and was forever changed.
Why develop and progress spiritually? Because as you grow spiritually and PROGRESS, you will be able to PROCESS tests into testimonies, battles into victories and trials into triumphs… as a spiritually DEVELOPED, mature believer, your gifts will operate more effectively and your life will be a continual overflow of joy, peace, victory and blessing to those around you. Just think about the difference between an infant and a strong, healthy, wise, successful adult… the infant is totally dependent and can only survive if others care for it, an adult is not only equipped to survive, an adult is equipped to thrive…
Take the time to invest in your personal spiritual progress and joy in believing, and discover life on another level!
In His amazing love, Nick
