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) 

BE ENCOURAGED AND COMFORTED AND LIVE WORTHY OF GOD

Proclamation:

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.”  1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  Paul offers an account of his ministry among them and describes the nature, manner, and success of it. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6)  He also mentions how he treated them when he was with them. (1 Thessalonians 2:7-10)  He said that he encouraged them, comforted them, and urged them to live worthy of God.  Then he said that he thanked God that they received the gospel as The Word of God and that they also began to spread The Word. (1 Thessalonians 2:13-14)  He ended the second chapter of his letter by stating that he wanted to visit them but Satan had prevented that from happening. (1 Thessalonians 2:18)

Applications:

As believers we should cling closely to The Lord God.  We should seek comfort in, and be encouraged by His Holy Word.  We should also be committed to live a life which would be pleasing to God.  We should treat one another and speak to one another with loving kindness.  We should build each other up and not tear each other down.  When we point out errors or shortcomings, we should do so with caring constructive corrections and it should be done out of love for one another.  We should walk worthy and we should encourage others to also walk worthy. (Ephesians 4:1 and 1 Thessalonians 2:12)  We have the power to do so, we just need to exercise the commitment and do it. (John 1:12)  We should do it willingly, joyfully, and carefully.

Be Encouraged

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love."  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

These words of encouragement were spoken by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in The Church at Corinth.  He wanted to come to them, but he had work to finish in Ephesus so he was encouraging them to be on their guard against evil teaching, to keep the faith, to stand firm in their belief, and to do all that they do in a loving Christ-like manner.

Things will not always go the way that we want them to go.  However, regardless of the position or situation that we find ourselves in, we are still to behave in a Christ-like manner.  Nothing that happens to us, or around us, should cause us to lose our faith in God.  We are to put on the whole armor of God so that we can guard against the attacks of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)  We must stand firm, unyielding and unshaken, in our faith and in our beliefs. (Romans 5:2 and 1 Corinthians 2:5)  We must be courageous as we face the storms of life and our trials, tribulations, and temptations, for God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)  We must be strong and make use of His strength. (1 Chronicles 16:11 and Psalms 105:4)  With His strength all things are possible. (Philippians 4:13)  Whatever comes our way will be for our benefit. (Romans 8:28)  He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  With Him we have the victory because through Him we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37)  So, no matter what, stand firm, keep the faith, and be of good courage, The Lord God is with us.