1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God's word; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."
God gives His children spiritual gifts, not for our sake, but for the sake of building up others. He has given us all various gifts that we need in our services for Him. Peter calls on each of us to be good stewards of the spiritual gifts that we have been given. As a steward, we know that our duty is to manage the concerns of someone else. That is to say that believers offer God service from the gifts that He has given to us. We are stewards of His provision, not owners. Those who spoke were to recognize that they were representing God's words and not their own opinions.
"Think of this divine/human partnership like a sailboat. A sailboat propels through water by the wind's force. The sailor positions the boat so that it can make the most of the wind when it starts to blow. The sailor raises sails, ties knots, and moves the vessel into the appropriate position - all while knowing that his efforts mean nothing without the wind. So it is with us and God's enabling power. For our hospitality to make a difference, we need God's empowerment. We are to position our lives so we are ready to make the most of what God will do through us."
When we allow God to work through us with His spiritual gifts, things happen and people benefit. Our willingness to be used by God to serve others communicates three important facts:
1. Our Provision. Exercising hospitality costs time, energy, resources, and even privacy. When we allow God to use us to show hospitality, we show others that we trust God as our great Provider and that He will provide for us.
2. Our Contentment. Hospitality requires sharing with others, which means less money, time, and comfort for ourselves. Having less is fine because we know that when we have Jesus, we have more than enough.
3. Our Future. God does not merely redeem individuals; He is calling all people to His glory. Heaven will not be lived in isolation, but in community.
The only way that we can show hospitality and God's love to others is by doing it through His power. Let's show others hospitality as we give God all the glory and honor.
God gives His children spiritual gifts, not for our sake, but for the sake of building up others. He has given us all various gifts that we need in our services for Him. Peter calls on each of us to be good stewards of the spiritual gifts that we have been given. As a steward, we know that our duty is to manage the concerns of someone else. That is to say that believers offer God service from the gifts that He has given to us. We are stewards of His provision, not owners. Those who spoke were to recognize that they were representing God's words and not their own opinions.
"Think of this divine/human partnership like a sailboat. A sailboat propels through water by the wind's force. The sailor positions the boat so that it can make the most of the wind when it starts to blow. The sailor raises sails, ties knots, and moves the vessel into the appropriate position - all while knowing that his efforts mean nothing without the wind. So it is with us and God's enabling power. For our hospitality to make a difference, we need God's empowerment. We are to position our lives so we are ready to make the most of what God will do through us."
When we allow God to work through us with His spiritual gifts, things happen and people benefit. Our willingness to be used by God to serve others communicates three important facts:
1. Our Provision. Exercising hospitality costs time, energy, resources, and even privacy. When we allow God to use us to show hospitality, we show others that we trust God as our great Provider and that He will provide for us.
2. Our Contentment. Hospitality requires sharing with others, which means less money, time, and comfort for ourselves. Having less is fine because we know that when we have Jesus, we have more than enough.
3. Our Future. God does not merely redeem individuals; He is calling all people to His glory. Heaven will not be lived in isolation, but in community.
The only way that we can show hospitality and God's love to others is by doing it through His power. Let's show others hospitality as we give God all the glory and honor.
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