Word family: Gift, gifted._______________________________________
Synonyms: Blessing, talent, ministry, ability, power, endowment, skill. __________________________________________________
Related ideas: Service (ministry), growth and edification, sanctification, God's work, God's providence, the Holy Spirit.
___________________________________________________________________________
Definition: A gift of God is a power or ability bestowed naturally or supernaturally for the purpose of serving God.
___________________________________________________________________________
Greek References: χαρισμα karisma (charisma) 5486 (Strong) cf 5483-5487 δορεα dorea 1431 (Strong) cf 1432-1435
___________________________________________________________________________ Scripture:
The Gift of eternal life
Rom 6:23 “The gift of God is eternal life...”
Rom 11:29 “The gifts and calling of God are unchangeable.”
2Pe 1:3 “...His divine power has given to us everything pertaining to life and godliness...”
Miraculous and providential gifts
1Co 12:4-11, 28-31 “There are diversities of gifts...”
Jas 1:17 “Every perfect gift is from above... from the Father...”
Eph 4:7 “To each one grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift...”
Using our gifts
1Tm 4:14 “Do not neglect the gift that is in you.”
2Tm 1:6 “Stir up the gift that is in you...”
1Pe 4:10-11 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving...”
___________________________________________________________________________
Comment: Every gift is from God, whether we are born with it or receive it along the way. Therefore we ought to serve God with the gifts he has given us. Our lives have meaning when we endeavour to discover our gifts and to find ways to use them for God's purpose.
No comments:
Post a Comment