September 07th, 2012

Spiritual Gift Mandates

1 Peter 4:10-11
"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to 
serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God 
himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all 
the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to 
God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen."

There are six declarations that Peter gives us here in this passage. When it comes to 
spiritual gifts, we look at them like we would a birthday present or any other gift given to 
us. We are honored and grateful to receive them but we feel that they are given to us for 
our enjoyment and betterment we believe that we can use them at our leisure; when we 
choose, how we choose and IF we choose. Unfortunately, God doesn't see it that way. 
He sees them more as an investment and a responsibility. More like a stewardship. God 
is a wise investor and He expects a good return on His investment read Matthew 
chapter 25 for more about that. When He deposits spiritual gifts in us, He expects us to 
use them and grow them. 

Peter's declarations on spiritual gifts in this passage are:
1. Be accepting! God HAS given you gifts whether you realize it or not. 
2. Be responsible! He expects us to use them and manage them well. 
3. Be intentional! When we use our gifts appropriately, God is pouring His love, favor 
and generosity out upon all whom we minister to while using those gifts. It is Him 
working His will and power through us. His strength and power become ours. 
4. Be bold! When we speak about Jesus, realize that God Himself is speaking through 
us. 
5. Be assured! When we bless, help and encourage others; the Holy Spirit supplies the 
grace, energy, strength and provision needed to do the job. You won't burn out or go 
bust because He supplies everything needed 
6. Be joyful! When we bless and serve others for Jesus' sake, He is glorified and made 
great in the eyes of the world and those who don't yet know Him are drawn to Him.