Jesus does not give us gifts, talents, and resources merely to spend them on ourselves. He gives them to us so that we will use them to expand His kingdom and to meet the needs of others – especially fellow believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Galatians 6:9-10).
Commentary from the Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, 2d ed., notes for Luke 12:48.
The Lord has given believers an amazing responsibility – He has called them to accomplish His work here on earth. How remarkable that God Almighty, who can do all things, invites us to participate in drawing people to Him, helping His children reach spiritual maturity, and caring for those in need. Being a servant of the Lord means we put ourselves under His authority, listen to His instructions, and carry out His commands. In our own strength, this task is impossible, but when we defer to God and rely on Him, He supplies everything we need.
The Father always equips His children. He begins by developing Christlike character within us. Then, as we cooperate with His Spirit, God transforms a self-centered heart into the heart of a servant who delights in meeting others’ needs. And the Lord also bestows the spiritual gift needed for the specific work He’s appointed each believer to do.
The invitation is issued; the strength and ability are provided. All that is needed are some willing servants to participate in the most exciting adventure on earth. Join with the Lord in His work, use your spiritual gifts, and make an impact for Christ in this world.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, November 25, 2020.
Thinking impacts behavior. For the believer, renewal of the mind allows us to see ourselves from God’s vantage point. It enables us to discern the gracious character of all life and thus to discern the work of the Holy Spirit in our physical bodies. The indwelling Spirit can provide the supernatural resources needed to serve the King effectively, empowering us to “prove what the will of God is”.
Commentary from, “You are Gifted”, Bible study by Ken Hemphill.
Christians must guard against being conformed to the values of the present age, which tell us life is really about us. It convinces us we are number one and the present life is all that counts. But we are kingdom citizens.
The only solution to the constant pressure to conform to the world is to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).
Commentary from, “You Are Gifted”, Bible study by Ken Hemphill.
As Christians our bodies are separated unto the Lord, and we no longer make claims as to how or when or where we serve. As living sacrifices we can no longer ignore the King’s desires with the excuse that “my time” is precious to me. All that we are is placed at His disposal.
Commentary from, “You Are Gifted”, Bible study by Ken Hemphill.
He has gifted each of us uniquely, by His grace.
The Philippians were in effect storing up for themselves treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20). The gifts they gave to Paul were accruing eternal dividends to their spiritual account (Proverbs 11:24,25; 19:17; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6).
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Philippians 4:17.
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