Devotionals
Dear Beloved,
GIFTS FOR EQUIPPING OTHERS
"[God gave spiritual gifts] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13 NIV).
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 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 forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV).
God endows people with different kinds of talents, ability, and spiritual gifts. Why does He give these different kinds of spiritual gifts? Are they primarily for selfish interest? Are they for cheap popularity of the particular local church or the person that has them?
Ephesians 4:12-13 gives five main purposes for spiritual gifts:
1. To prepare God's people for service;
2. To make the body of Christ (i.e. the saints) grow;
3. To unify them in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ;
4. To make them mature in Him; and
5. To make them attain the whole measure of Christ's fullness.
Other Bible passages enumerate other reasons:
1. For the common good of the saints (1 Corinthians 12: 7);
2. To serve others (1 Peter 4: 10); and
3. To give praises to God (1 Peter 4: 10-11).
For what purpose are you using the gifts of God in you? Though we often become fulfilled when we use our God-given gifts, God, the Giver, ultimately should take the credit. We should thank Him for making us channels of blessings to others.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
This message was first sent out on January 11, 2004.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 463 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Bayo Afolaranmi or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 463 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.