Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Your Ability
Today’s Verse:
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 giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ~1 Peter 4:11
Ability is defined as one’s power to act or perform. We measure ability by potential, capacity, execution, and accomplishment. Ability is determined by one’s competence, confidence, and effort. Everyone has ability. We minister either according to the best of our ability or less than what we are capable of. Peter speaks of our ability. Let us see, this morning, what the Lord has to say about your ability.
We see the gift.
The context of our passage is with respect to our spiritual gifts. God has given to every Christian one or more spiritual gifts for the benefit and building up of the local church. Every spiritual gift is a serving gift. Every spiritual gift is good and comes down from above. Our gifts(s) are to complement the gifts of other believers in a church. The proper exercise of our spiritual gift is essential for building a spiritually healthy church.
We see the genius.
“If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth.” The Greek word for ability in the New Testament is also translated as “strength” and “might.” We are commanded to execute our ability at our fullest capacity. Solomon said, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” We are exhorted to do and give our best. The exercise of our ability must be in competence. There will be times we are called to exercise great faith. Faith is to be exercised with a complete dependence on God. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart." Peter refers to the ability which God giveth. God gives us strength to go when we do not feel like going. He gives us enablement to do our best even when we feel unsure of ourselves. Whatever your gift, God has also given you the ability in competence and capability.
We see the guardianship.
We are commanded to be good stewards of the manifold grace of God. A steward is someone entrusted with the assets, goods, or finances of another. God has entrusted His gifts of grace to us. Each of us has different gifts. We are to be careful not to waste our serving opportunities. We are to stretch our serving opportunities. We are to be profitable with our stewardship. Our Master expects a good return on investment with what He has entrusted to us. Steward your gifts and opportunities carefully. Be a Christian who ministers according to the ability which God giveth.
We see the glory.
“That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” When we minister according to the ability which God gives us, He is glorified. When we think about the ways God is glorified through us, the chief way is when we serve Him according to the best of our ability. Don’t underestimate or neglect your ability. Your ability is your capacity by which God is glorified through your selfless service. Let God be honored according to your ability.
Have a glorifying God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 18-20
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