Word@Work 1Pet57 - 1 Peter 4:11
Published: Tue, 07/14/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
DIVINELY POWERED FOR GOD'S GLORY
1 Peter 4:11 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. (NIV)
Every follower of Jesus, born-again by His Spirit, has been given special abilities to bring God's truth and love to a sin-sick world. These gifts are given by God, to achieve His purposes through His amazing power. These are God's instruments for spiritual surgery, to bring wholeness to shattered people. But like any surgical instrument, they are tools and not toys. Tools, when correctly used, achieve a specific purpose; but toys are playthings, to amuse the pleasure seeker. Alas, Christians can treat God's gifts as toys, dulling their proper use, despising God's intentions and frustrating His plans.
So those who are gifted with 'word gifts' (such as evangelism, preaching/prophecy, teaching, words of knowledge, and tongues), are at risk of stealing God's glory by using them as opportunities for personal power. Peter says that such people need to be conscious that God wants to use their mouth for His purpose, and not theirs. Those with practical gifts should also commit their use to God - so that His strength is evident and His work done; and not their ego boosted. All these gifts are given with the same intention, that grateful people will praise God (cf Matt 5:16) because their lives are transformed.
One day, every knee will bow to Jesus Christ because everybody will have to admit that He is supreme (cf Phil 2:9-11). Until then, Christians are supposed to understand this truth and practice submitting everything to Him (cf Phil 2:5-8). As they do so, others will see how great and glorious God is: and they will have the opportunity to submit to his grace also. As someone has said, "The only gospel that others can see is the gospel according to you and to me"! If we use God's gifts for His glory, He will do amazing things in bringing transforming grace to the hearts and homes of our friends and colleagues.
Prayer: Lord God. Forgive me for my wicked selfishness when I have used Your sacred gifts to advance my name and status, prosperity and power; instead of Yours. Help me to honour the privilege You have given to me in supplying these gifts, and help me to be conscious of the importance of using them so that everybody can see how great You are. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Every follower of Jesus, born-again by His Spirit, has been given special abilities to bring God's truth and love to a sin-sick world. These gifts are given by God, to achieve His purposes through His amazing power. These are God's instruments for spiritual surgery, to bring wholeness to shattered people. But like any surgical instrument, they are tools and not toys. Tools, when correctly used, achieve a specific purpose; but toys are playthings, to amuse the pleasure seeker. Alas, Christians can treat God's gifts as toys, dulling their proper use, despising God's intentions and frustrating His plans.
So those who are gifted with 'word gifts' (such as evangelism, preaching/prophecy, teaching, words of knowledge, and tongues), are at risk of stealing God's glory by using them as opportunities for personal power. Peter says that such people need to be conscious that God wants to use their mouth for His purpose, and not theirs. Those with practical gifts should also commit their use to God - so that His strength is evident and His work done; and not their ego boosted. All these gifts are given with the same intention, that grateful people will praise God (cf Matt 5:16) because their lives are transformed.
One day, every knee will bow to Jesus Christ because everybody will have to admit that He is supreme (cf Phil 2:9-11). Until then, Christians are supposed to understand this truth and practice submitting everything to Him (cf Phil 2:5-8). As they do so, others will see how great and glorious God is: and they will have the opportunity to submit to his grace also. As someone has said, "The only gospel that others can see is the gospel according to you and to me"! If we use God's gifts for His glory, He will do amazing things in bringing transforming grace to the hearts and homes of our friends and colleagues.
Prayer: Lord God. Forgive me for my wicked selfishness when I have used Your sacred gifts to advance my name and status, prosperity and power; instead of Yours. Help me to honour the privilege You have given to me in supplying these gifts, and help me to be conscious of the importance of using them so that everybody can see how great You are. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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