USING OUR GOD GIVEN GIFTS

Proclamation:

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.  If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are The Holy Spirit inspired words written by the apostle Peter to the believers in order to expose, counter, and thwart the false teachers of his time.  His point was that every man has received a gift from God, and he should use that gift to the benefit of others and to the glory of God.  Some have been given a combination of various gifts blended uniquely for each individual for the benefit of others within the body of Christ.

Application:

As we study The Word of God we learn that we each were uniquely and wonderfully made by God. (Psalms 139:14)  We each have a unique and different set of God given abilities, talents, and gifts.  We are blessed with them according to our ability to handle them. (Matthew 25:15)  We were not blessed for us to brag or boast or for the exaltation of ourselves.  We each should use what we have as best we can to be a blessing to others, for by blessing others we will be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)  As we help and bless the less fortunate, Jesus said that we have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)  In all that we say and do, we should use our abilities, gifts, and talents as if we are using them for The Lord God, to please Him and to give Him glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)  We should be good stewards over the abilities, gifts, and talents which God has given us.  Let us also remember that to whom much is given, much will be required. (Luke 12:48)  We need to use our blessings wisely for one day we will have to give an account of our stewardship. (Romans 14:12)