USE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU

PROCLAMATION

“And The Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, ‘When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for you;’ then thou shall say unto Aaron, ‘Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.’ ”  Exodus 7:8-9 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the words of God which were revealed to and written by Moses under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After Moses spoke to The Lord God and said that he had made things worse for the people (Exodus 5:22-23) and God gave him a message for the people (Exodus 6:1-8) but the people would not listen to Moses. (Exodus 6:9)  Then He told Moses and Aaron to go back to Pharaoh, and Moses questioned Him by asking, if the people will not listen to me why should Pharaoh listen to me? (Exodus 6:28-30)  Then The Lord God said, ‘I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. (Exodus 7:1)  He said that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart and even after multiple signs he will not let the people go.  But eventually the Egyptians will know that He is The Lord God and will let the people go. (Exodus 7:2-5)  Moses and Aaron did as God had told them to do, and yet Pharaoh would not listen to them. (Exodus 7:6-25) 

 

APPLICATION

The staff of Moses became a snake and consumed the staffs of Pharaoh’s officials which had also become snakes. (Exodus 7:10-12)  Later Moses used his staff to turn the Nile River into blood. (Exodus 7:20-21)  Moses believed and he used his staff to perform miracles.  Sometimes we feel that because we don’t have much that we can’t do very much.  However, The Lord God has given each of us a gift. (1 Corinthians 7:7; 2 Timothy 1:6; and 1 Peter 4:10)  The Holy Spirit of God has given every man a gift (1 Corinthians 12:7-12) so that we can work within the body of Christ.  We just need to use what we have been given to do what The Lord God has for us to do.  If, by chance, you are unaware of your gift, pray and ask God to reveal it to you, and to give you the courage to use it to His glory.

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) 

 

MONEY CANNOT BUY THE GIFTS OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“When Simon saw that The Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability to that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive The Holy Spirit.’  Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!’ ”  Acts 8:18-20 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that on the day that Stephen was stoned to death, a great persecution of believers began in Jerusalem.  Saul began to destroy the church putting believers in prison. (Acts 8:1-3)  The disciples, except for the twelve apostles, scattered throughout Judea and Samaria but they preached the gospel wherever they went. (Acts 8:4-7)  In Samaria a man named Simon, who practiced sorcery, heard the gospel, believed, was baptized, and began to follow Philip wherever he went. (Acts 8:9-13)  When Simon saw that the apostles could lay their hands on people and give them The Holy Spirit, he offered them money to give him that ability.  Peter told him that he had no part in their ministry because his heart was not right. (Acts 8:18-23)

 

APPLICATION

Simon did not want the ability to heal others, he wanted the power to give others the ability to heal.  This causes his motives to be questioned.  The gifts of God cannot be bought nor earned.  The Lord God gives them to us, or to whomever He chooses, based upon our ability to handle them. (Matthew 25:15)  Unfortunately there are people in the church today who are like Simon.  They claim to believe and have been baptized but their heart is not right.  Some people think that they can get whatever they want with money.  People like that hurt the church from the inside.  The love of money can control and ruin a person. (1 Timothy 6:10)  Remember, Judas was an insider when he betrayed Jesus, The Christ, for money. (Matthew 27:3)  We need to make sure that our service for The Lord God is not for personal or financial gain.  Our service should be done because we love of God and want to glorify Him.

 

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 life style which they used to live and following Christ. (1 Peter 4:1-5)  Then he tells them that the end 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 by telling them that judgment will begin with God’s people, and he quotes Proverbs 11:30-31 to them. (1 Peter 4:17-19)

Application:

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 that they will receive in heaven.  Non-believers will be judged to show that they had the opportunity to accept Christ but didn’t.  Believers need to be careful and prayerful, loving and forgiving.  We need to use our talents, gifts, and abilities which we have been blessed with to help others and to show the world that we are faithful stewards of the grace of God. (Matthew 5:16) 

REGULAR BELIEVERS CAN BE FULL OF GOD'S GRACE AND POWER

Proclamation:

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”  Acts 6:8 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Because the complaining and murmuring of the people that some of the widows were not being served food, the twelve apostles gathered all of the disciples together.  They asked them to select from among themselves seven men, who were full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom, to whom they could delegate this responsibility. (Acts 6:1-4)  Stephen was one of the seven men selected. (Acts 6:5)  These laymen are considered to be the first deacons.  They were well versed in The Word of God and spoke well. (Acts 6:10)  Stephen was full of God’s grace and power, and was able to perform signs and great wonders.  It is possible that all seven of these men were blessed with the ability to do this.  However, Stephen was such a powerful witness of the gospel that he incurred the hatred of the Sadducees and they plotted against him. (Acts 6:11-15)

Application:

It is important to note that Stephen and the other six men were selected out of the group of disciples, the students of God’s Word.  They were not priests or apostles, but they were full of wisdom and The Holy Spirit, (Acts 6:3) and full of God’s grace and power. (Acts 6:8)  If we truly believe and are committed to The Word of God, each of us can be used by The Lord God to be a powerful witness.  It is not just the preachers that God can use to do His work.  We all can do great things for Him, if we are willing to be used by Him.

OUR GIFTS CAN OPEN DOORS FOR US

Proclamation:

“A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”  Proverbs 18:16 (NASB)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here he states that a person’s God given gift will make room for him.  It will make a way for him, it will enlarge his presence and gain respect for him among men.  It will also open doors to the presence of great men and allow him to keep company with influential people.  It will get him the opportunity to speak to, and gain the favor of, them that are esteemed and thought well of.  The same is also true for our tangible gifts, or monetary gifts, which can open doors and influence people.

Application:

The Lord God has blessed each one of us with at least one gift, which if we are wise we will use to His glory.  The gifts of The Holy Spirit of God are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits (discernment), speaking in tongues (in languages that one has neither learned or understood), and interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)  These are not gifts which we give away but which we use for the benefit of others.  We are also each blessed with different individual talents and abilities which we should use for the glory of God.  These gifts, along with our tangible and monetary gifts, can also be used for the benefit of others as well.  Jesus, The Christ, said that as we do things to the poor and needy, we are doing it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)  We should use our gifts and our influence in order to benefit others.

WISDOM KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ARE GIFTS FROM THE LORD GOD

Proclamation:

“For The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”  Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb, like all of the proverbs, was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to provide instruction and guidance to the people of God.  This second proverb also addresses wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  It begins by encouraging the People of God to accept The Word of God and to keep His commandments on their mind and in their heart. (Proverb 2:1)  Those who listen to The Word of God and apply it, will receive the insight and understanding they seek. (Proverbs 2:2-5)  Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are all gifts for God. (Proverbs 2:6)   He also determines who He will allow to succeed and who He will protect. (Proverbs 2:7-8)  He allows us to understand that which is right and just.  With wisdom in our heart, knowledge will be pleasant to our soul, and discretion will protect us. (Proverbs 2:9-11)  They will keep us from the ways of the wicked who delight in doing wrong (Proverbs 2:12-15) and from the adulterous woman whose ways lead to death. (Proverbs 2:16-19)  Only those who walk in the ways of the good, who keep on the path of the righteous, and who are upright and blameless will live. (Proverbs 2:20-22)

Application:

Those of us who earnestly seek heavenly wisdom will find it. (Matthew 7:7-8)  Wisdom is a gift from The Lord God. (Proverbs 2:6)  All we can do is pray and ask for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in addition to discretion and discernment.  We should also pray for His guidance and direction so that we choose the right path and the right way. (Psalm 31:3, Psalm 112:5, and Luke 1:79)

WE ARE ALL CALLED TO SERVE GOD

Proclamation:

"I keep asking that The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you ..." Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this prayer were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Ephesus.  Paul prayed that God would bless them to know Him better, and that they would embrace that which The Lord had set forth for them to do for His glory.

Application:
God has a special purpose for each one of us. (Jeremiah 29:11)  We are not all called to preach the gospel or to teach it.  However we are all called by The Lord God to serve Him in some capacity.  We are not all given the same gifts or abilities, but we all have been blessed with at least one gift that we can use in His service. (1 Corinthians 12:7)  We should all pray for ourselves and for each other that we would recognize our gifts that we have been blessed with, and with the wisdom and understanding to know how we can use our gifts for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

EVERY GOOD GIFT COMES FROM GOD

Proclamation:

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from The Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17 (NIV)

Explanation:

Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God the Apostle James, the half-brother of Jesus, The Christ, wrote this in a letter to the scattered believers during their period of persecution under King Herod, after the crucifixion of Jesus.  After telling them that there is good that can come out of their suffering, and that God will grant them wisdom if they prayerfully ask Him for it, he told them that every good and perfect gift comes to them from their heavenly Father.

Application:

Everything that is good which happens to us, is a blessing from God.  Not just the gifts and presents that we receive, but even the good little things that we take for granted, like each breath and each heartbeat.  Even the kindness shown to us by a friend is a gift from God.  Every random act of kindness that which shown to us is the result of love, and all love is from God because God is love. (1 John 4:8)  So, when we receive a gift, we not only need to the human giver of the gift, but we need to thank God for using that person to make that blessing possible.  We also need to thank God for the gifts and blessings which we receive that no man can give us.

GOD ENLIGHTENS REWARDS AND PROTECTS US

Proclamation:

"For The LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones."  Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV)

Explanation:

King Solomon, who was granted great wisdom by God, (2 Chronicles 1:7-12 and 1 Kings 4:29-34) wrote these words under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Solomon stated that God gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to those that He chooses, and He rewards, guards, and protects them.

Application:

As we live and breathe we are blessed everyday.  We are given many additional blessings daily for being a child of God.  While we are all blessed we do not all get the same exact blessings.  We are all enlightened, rewarded, and protected as He determines is fitting for us.  As we demonstrate that we will do the right thing with the blessings that we have received, then we will be blessed with more.  (Matthew 25:21 & 23)  Our intellectual abilities differ and so does our capacity understand the facts which are presented to us.  Therefore, our ability to utilize and apply the facts that we receive also varies and as our level of wisdom differs.  Some of us choose not to make the best of these God given gifts.  However, He still guards and protects all believers.  We just need to pray and ask for His help so that we can make the best use of the gifts which we have been given.

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)