As every man has received a/the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

From Part 1 (9/98) : Characteristic of God; Based/Founded in Fear of God; HS fruit; Delight ‘s God ; Basis of Blessings,  Ministry and Influence

Loyally follow through on commands (spirit & letter), beliefs, responsibilities and promises; using all according to God’s purpose/plan

I. A good and faithful steward practices self denial to use all they have for the service of others and the glory of God.

1 Tim 4:12  Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 15  Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all. 16  Take heed...

II. What do you have of each of the following? How can you use it to glorify God and love others as yourself?

Grace

Personality

Design

Abilities/Talents

Mind/Intellect/Reason

Will/Emotions/Passion

Body/Voice

Possessions

Power/Influence

Opportunity

Education

Knowledge

Uniqueness

Background/Experiences

Strengths/Weaknesses

Not for our benefit, but for the benefit of others 1Co 4:7 For who makes you to differ from another? and what have you that you did not receive? now if you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it? (see alos 2Cor 5:15)

1Co 4:1 account us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2...stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Background Phil 3:4...If any thinks he has...trust in the flesh, I more...7 what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (Zech 4:6)

Leadership of others Tit 1:7  For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre...

Edify Ro 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; 8  Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1Co 12:4  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal/others. 8  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; knowledge 9  faith, healing 10 working of miracles, prophecy; discerning of spirits; tongues; interpretation of tongues: 11But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 25  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

1 Cor 14:3  But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Minister Mt 20:28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mr 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Lu 8:3  And Joanna the wife of Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered to him of their substance.

2Co 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

Heb 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. How has someone benefited you or glorified God with what would appear to be an insignificant aspect of their life?

2. What “hidden” talents do you have that you’re ashamed of or not using? Why? Is God pleased with your hoarding of your talent?

3. Do you use your talents more for your livelihood or sainthood? Whom do you chiefly glorify/benefit?

4. If joy comes from choosing what is best, what’s the best use of your talents?

5. Make an inventory of you talents. Then list how you can use each one according to God’s purpose by the end of the year.