1 Peter 4:11: Whoever Speaks, As One Who Speaks Oracles Of God; Whoever Serves, As One Who Serves By The Strength That God Supplies

1 Peter 4:11

[11] Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

In the previous verse, the Apostle Peter talked about the fact that everyone has a gift. These gifts are to be used to be a blessing to one another. Now, he is telling us in verse 11 that the gifts that God gives can be categorized in two ways: speaking gifts and serving gifts. As you hear what the Bible says about gifts, be thinking about what gift you have and how you are using it.

The first category is speaking gifts. You could consider gifts like preaching, teaching, prophesying, words of encouragement, etc. We, who have these kinds of gifts, should speak as one who speaks oracles of God. There is a word of caution here. There are many with speaking gifts who act as if their words are God's words. They are not. If you are getting glory for speaking. You are disobeying the Word here.

The second category is serving gifts. In some respects, any gift is a serving gift. Consider all of the different things that one does to help others. If you are a janitor in the church you have a serving gift. If you are a trustee, who does repair to the church building, you have a serving gift. If you are a deacon, visiting the sick and those in prison, you have a serving gift. 

What is the common denominator in all gifts that we have been given? They are all to be used with the strength that God provides, and to be done for the glory of God. There is no place for people getting accolades for using their gifts. We are not to do things for the praise of men. We are to do all things for the glory of the one who gave us the gifts in the first place. If you cannot give God glory, don't use your gift.

What is your gift? What are you doing for the Lord? Be sure to use your gift well. Do it for God's glory. Do it with God's strength.