Monday, October 24, 2022

WE SHOULD USE OUR GOD GIVEN GIFTS TO HELP OTHERS

PROCLAMATION

“The end of all things is near.  Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace …”  1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Peter, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers who scattered after the crucifixion of Christ. (1 Peter 1:1-2)  Peter began this fourth chapter by telling them that they should live for God.  They should have the same attitude that Christ had.  They should not be surprised when men verbally abuse them for walking away from the pagan lifestyle which they used to live and to now live a life following Christ. (1 Peter 4:1-5)  Then he tells them that the end of time is near and that they should be as Christ-like as possible.  They should use their God given gifts to the best of their abilities to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:7-11)  He ends this chapter by telling them that God’s judgment will begin with His people, and he quotes Proverbs 11:30-31 to them. (1 Peter 4:17-19)

 

APPLICATION

The Judgment Day is coming, and the end of this world is near.  Believers will be judged, not regarding their salvation, but to determine the rewards which they will receive in heaven. (Matthew 10:42, Colossians 3:24, Hebrews  11:6, Revelation 11:18, and Revelation 22:12)  Non-believers will be judged to show that they had the opportunity to accept Christ, but they chose to deny Him. (Matthew 10:33, 1 Peter 4:6 and Revelation 20:12-13)  Believers need to be careful and prayerful, loving and forgiving.  We need to use the talents, gifts, and abilities which we have been blessed with to help others, (Proverbs 11:25) and to show the world that we are faithful stewards of the grace of God. (Matthew 5:16) 

 

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