Faithful Stewards of God's Grace

Date: March 27, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – 1 Peter 4:10

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, thank you for the talents and gifts you have given us. Help us to use them to serve others and to be good stewards of your grace.

Please give us the courage to use our gifts generously and without seeking recognition or reward. Help us to be kind, humble, and loving as we serve those around us. May we be a blessing to others and show your grace through our actions. In Jesus name, Amen

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

1 Peter is a letter written by the apostle Peter, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The letter is addressed to the churches in the Roman province of Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey.

It was written when the Christians were being persecuted in the early Christian church, and Peter's purpose was to encourage and strengthen the believers during this difficult time. He reminded them of their identity as chosen people of God, and encouraged them to remain faithful in their witness for Christ.  He emphasizes the importance of using your spiritual gifts to serve others. He explains that these gifts are not given for personal gain or status, but rather for the benefit of the community and as a means of demonstrating God's grace. By using their gifts in service to others, believers can reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"Gift": This means the special abilities and talents that God has given to each person.

"Serve others": This means to use these gifts to help and benefit others, rather than just oneself.

"Faithful stewards": This means that we should use these gifts responsibly and for God's purposes.

"God's grace in its various forms": This means that these gifts are a sign of God's love and kindness towards us, and we should use them to show that same love and kindness to others.

Summarize and Share

Have you ever felt like you don't have any special talents or abilities? Do you ever wonder what your purpose is in life? The Bible teaches us that God has given each of us unique gifts, and that these gifts are not just for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of others.

The Bible verse 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us that we should use our gifts to serve others, and that we are to be faithful stewards of God's grace. This means that we should use our gifts wisely and for His purposes, rather than just seeking recognition or personal gain.

Sometimes we may think that our gifts are not significant or valuable, but the truth is that God can use anyone to make a difference in the world. Whether it's a listening ear, a helping hand, or a kind word, every act of service can have a positive impact on someone's life.

In today's world, there are many opportunities to use our gifts to serve others. We can volunteer at a local shelter, donate our time and resources to a charity, or simply be a good friend to someone in need. Whatever our gifts may be, we can use them to show God's love and grace to those around us.

So if you're feeling unsure about your gifts and talents, remember that God has a plan for your life and that He can use you in ways that you may not even imagine. Take time to reflect on your gifts and how you can use them to serve others. And don't be afraid to step out in faith and try something new.

Bible Cross Reference

Romans 12:6-8 - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." This passage also emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts and the importance of using them to serve others.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." This passage highlights the unity of the body of Christ and the purpose of spiritual gifts as tools for building up the church.

Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This verse emphasizes that God has a specific plan and purpose for each person, including the use of their spiritual gifts to serve others.

Matthew 25:14-30 - This parable of the talents teaches the importance of using the gifts that God has given us and being faithful stewards of those gifts. The parable also emphasizes the importance of investing in the kingdom of God and using our gifts to bring glory to Him.