Every believer is a minister …
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Neglect Not The Gift
1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Gill Commentary:
Neglect not the gift that is in thee,…. What qualifies men for the work of the ministry is a gift from God:
it is not of nature, nor is it mere natural abilities and capacity;
nor is it any thing acquired, it is not human learning, or the knowledge of languages, arts, and sciences;
nor is it special saving grace;
for a man may have all these, and yet not be apt to teach, or fit for the ministry;
but it is a peculiar and distinct gift, it is a gift of interpreting the Scriptures, and of dispensing the mysteries of grace to the edification of others;
which, when it meets in a man with all the rest before mentioned, makes him very considerable:
and this gift is in a man;
it is a treasure put into earthen vessels, a good treasure in the heart, out of which a good minister of Christ brings forth many good things, things new and old, both for the delight and profit of men:
and this gift is by no means to be neglected;
this talent should not be hid in the earth, or wrapped up in a napkin;
it should not lie dormant and useless, but should be stirred up, cultivated, and improved, as it may by reading, meditation, and prayer.
JFB Commentary:
Neglect not the gift—by letting it lie unused. In 2Ti 1:6 the gift is represented as a spark of the Spirit lying within him, and sure to smoulder by neglect, the stirring up or keeping in lively exercise of which depends on the will of him on whom it is bestowed (Mt 25:18, 25, 27, 28).
Matthew Henry Commentary:
The doctrine of a minister of Christ must be scriptural, clear, evangelical, and practical; well stated, explained, defended, and applied. But these duties leave no leisure for worldly pleasures, trifling visits, or idle conversation, and but little for what is mere amusement, and only ornamental. May every believer be enabled to let his profiting appear unto all men; seeking to experience the power of the gospel in his own soul, and to bring forth its fruits in his life.
He charges him to beware of negligence: Neglect not the gift that is in thee, v. 14. The gifts of God will wither if they be neglected.
Observe, (1.) Ministers are to be much in meditation. They are to consider beforehand how and what they must speak. They are to meditate on the great trust committed to them, on the worth and value of immortal souls, and on the account they must give at the last. (2.) Ministers must be wholly in these things, they must mind these things as their principal work and business.
PEACEMAKERS 