"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them". We are all given gifts. Some more, some less, some that are noticed, others that can go by without others ever really knowing how much they bless them. Sometimes, even, some that are so natural to us that it doesn't really seem like a "gift", it's just a part of life, but that others may recognize as the biggest part of what makes us us. We must use them. These are our "talents" as spoken of in Matthew 25, and we must be faithful in what we have been given!
"If prophecy, in proportion to our faith". The definition of prophecy, though mostly looked on as those in the Old Testament who told of the future coming of Christ, is also known as sharing a "message of divine truth revealing God's will", including pastors in this passage.
"If service, in our serving". We are to "serve the Lord", not "slothful in zeal", but "fervent in spirit" (Romans 12:11). In whatever way we are given, not matter how small, loving the work for His sake.
"The one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation". I was struck by the verse in James 3:1 lately, that states, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." That is a sobering thing even as I think about this blogging series itself. As I am examining these truths and writing them out for you to view here, I am proving that I have read, learned, and agree with them -and that does mean that I am doubly responsible to "act what I preach"!
"The one who contributes, in generosity; he one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." Not stingily, not grudgingly, not hesitantly, but full of delight in our Savior and love for our fellowmen.
The list here of the gifts given to believers differs from the one given in 1 Corinthians 12. It is not an all-inclusive list, but simply examples of ways the Lord has blessed us to be able to bless others! We are responsible to use them wisely through His grace!
"If prophecy, in proportion to our faith". The definition of prophecy, though mostly looked on as those in the Old Testament who told of the future coming of Christ, is also known as sharing a "message of divine truth revealing God's will", including pastors in this passage.
"If service, in our serving". We are to "serve the Lord", not "slothful in zeal", but "fervent in spirit" (Romans 12:11). In whatever way we are given, not matter how small, loving the work for His sake.
"The one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation". I was struck by the verse in James 3:1 lately, that states, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." That is a sobering thing even as I think about this blogging series itself. As I am examining these truths and writing them out for you to view here, I am proving that I have read, learned, and agree with them -and that does mean that I am doubly responsible to "act what I preach"!
"The one who contributes, in generosity; he one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." Not stingily, not grudgingly, not hesitantly, but full of delight in our Savior and love for our fellowmen.
The list here of the gifts given to believers differs from the one given in 1 Corinthians 12. It is not an all-inclusive list, but simply examples of ways the Lord has blessed us to be able to bless others! We are responsible to use them wisely through His grace!
No comments:
Post a Comment
"May the Lord, the God of your fathers... bless you!" Deuteronomy 1:11