Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching. (Romans 12:6-7 ESV)
- We must acknowledge that any abilities we have to do good are gifts from God, and we should ascribe them to his grace.
- We ought to realize that the gifts we’ve received are ours to serve others. We must not hide them in a napkin. Instead, we should use them to the best of our abilities to serve others.
- In receiving and using the manifold gifts of God, we must look upon ourselves as stewards only, and act accordingly. The talents we are entrusted with are our Lord’s goods, and must be employed as he directs. It is required of a steward that he be found faithful.
These rules ought to be followed and practised for this end: that God, in all your gifts, ministries, and services, may be glorified! Our goal should be that others would see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16), through Jesus Christ, who has procured and given these gifts to men (Eph. 4:8), and through whom alone we and our services are accepted of God (Heb. 13:15), to whom, Jesus Christ, be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
The apostle exemplifies his direction about two gifts in particular, speaking and ministering.
[1.] If any man, (whether a minister in public or a Christian in private conference) speaks or teaches, he must teach the pure Word and oracles of God. His manner of speaking should be with the seriousness, reverence, and solemnity, that become those holy and divine oracles.
[2.] If any man minister, either as a deacon -distributing the alms of the church and taking care of the poor- or as a private person – by charitable gifts and contributions; let him minister to the full extent of his ability. He who has received plenty and ability from God ought to minister plentifully, and according to his ability.
First, it is the duty of Christians in private, as well as ministers in public, to speak to one another of the things of God. (Mal 3:16; Eph 4:29; Psa 145:10-12)
Secondly, preachers of the Gospel must stay close to the word of God, and treat God’s Sciptures with reverence.
Thirdly, Christians must not only do their duties, but they would minister with vigour, according to the best of their abilities. The nature of a Christian’s work (which is high work and hard work), the goodness and kindness of the Master, and the excellency of the reward, all require that our endeavours be serious and vigorous. Whatever we are called to do for the honour of God and the good of others we should do it with all our might.
Fourthly, in all the duties and services of life we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end; all other views must be subservient to this, which would sanctify our common actions and affairs, (1Cor. 10:31).
Fifthly, God is not glorified by any thing we do if we do not offer it to him through the mediation and merits of Jesus Christ. God in all things must be glorified through Jesus Christ, Who is the only way to the Father.
Sixthly, The apostle’s adoration of Jesus Christ, and ascribing unlimited and everlasting praise and dominion to him, prove that Jesus Christ is the most high God, over all blessed for evermore. Amen.” -Matthew Henry Bible Commentary on the Whole Bible
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
(1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)
