(1 Peter 4: 8 - 11) 11.08.12
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same
one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God,”
(verse 10)
In the four verses referenced above, faith is not mentioned, as such.
It is heavily implied and the very basis of the passage. We see the
principle of the sharing of resources because of the love between
believers, and the cleansing that comes as we give , sacrificially of
ourselves.
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for
charity shall cover the multitude of sins." (vs. 8)
If we hold our blessings loosely; quick to give ourselves and our
means, we are, in that respect, like our Savior. In the verses to
follow we see the grace of hospitality offered freely, as though
personal possessions were held in common. There is a sense of joy
in the sharing, because it is without compulsion. Everything we have
is a gift, whether material or Spiritual blessing, it is from the Lord
God. We are merely channels through whom grace flows to those
who have need.
"Use Hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man
hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (vs. 9-10:)
The implication is:
People who follow Christ live with open hands, assisting, comforting
and encouraging others whether or not the “others” are in the faith.
The first responsibility is to our families and brothers and sisters in
the faith. As “stewards,” those of us who are so blessed, are not
owners of the blessings, or gifts, merely vessels our Lord uses to
bless others. It is not our decision to whom the blessing goes. We
give as we are directed in Scripture and led by His Holy Spirit. Is it
not sad to witness one “called as a minister” with hands reaching out
to receive of others rather than outstretched to give.
Finally, the purpose of the matter. Since we take no credit to self
for our gifts or blessings, there is one who gets glory and praise. As
As we begin to understand the principles, there comes a deep sense of
humility. We become aware of our unworthiness of the gifts we receive
at the hand of God or the praise we might receive of others. The Child
of God is privileged to be used as a conduit of blessing to others.
When we become cognizant of this fact, the Creator of it all deigns to
take mind of us and to even use us in His great plan, we must fall on
our faces with the Psalmist, and give our Lord thanksgiving and praise.
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in
all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.” 1 Peter 4: 11
donporter 12.14.12
http://biblicalclarity-don.blogspot.com/2012/11/take-acid-test-matthew-5-43-48.html
ed. 2.13.15, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is
this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to
keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1: 27
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same
one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God,”
(verse 10)
In the four verses referenced above, faith is not mentioned, as such.
It is heavily implied and the very basis of the passage. We see the
principle of the sharing of resources because of the love between
believers, and the cleansing that comes as we give , sacrificially of
ourselves.
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for
charity shall cover the multitude of sins." (vs. 8)
If we hold our blessings loosely; quick to give ourselves and our
means, we are, in that respect, like our Savior. In the verses to
follow we see the grace of hospitality offered freely, as though
personal possessions were held in common. There is a sense of joy
in the sharing, because it is without compulsion. Everything we have
is a gift, whether material or Spiritual blessing, it is from the Lord
God. We are merely channels through whom grace flows to those
who have need.
"Use Hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man
hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (vs. 9-10:)
The implication is:
People who follow Christ live with open hands, assisting, comforting
and encouraging others whether or not the “others” are in the faith.
The first responsibility is to our families and brothers and sisters in
the faith. As “stewards,” those of us who are so blessed, are not
owners of the blessings, or gifts, merely vessels our Lord uses to
bless others. It is not our decision to whom the blessing goes. We
give as we are directed in Scripture and led by His Holy Spirit. Is it
not sad to witness one “called as a minister” with hands reaching out
to receive of others rather than outstretched to give.
Finally, the purpose of the matter. Since we take no credit to self
for our gifts or blessings, there is one who gets glory and praise. As
As we begin to understand the principles, there comes a deep sense of
humility. We become aware of our unworthiness of the gifts we receive
at the hand of God or the praise we might receive of others. The Child
of God is privileged to be used as a conduit of blessing to others.
When we become cognizant of this fact, the Creator of it all deigns to
take mind of us and to even use us in His great plan, we must fall on
our faces with the Psalmist, and give our Lord thanksgiving and praise.
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in
all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.” 1 Peter 4: 11
donporter 12.14.12
http://biblicalclarity-don.blogspot.com/2012/11/take-acid-test-matthew-5-43-48.html
ed. 2.13.15, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is
this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to
keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1: 27
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