September 15, 2022 – Thursday
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
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.
1 Peter 4:10 RGT
10 The same gifts which everyone has received, let us minister to each other as good stewards of the manifold grace of God
1 Peter 4:10 NASB
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.
Comment
Why three versions of this verse? Well, the Revised Geneva Translation (RGT) which predates the KJV may be misread as everyone receiving identical gifts which the other two and many others make clear is not the case. The NIV simply says whatever gift, but I really liked the NASB which says a special gift. Whatever gift it is that everyone has received, it is indeed a special gift as it is from God.
What is your gift? I do not know, and it may take you a while to discover or determine what it is. But whatever it is, one thing is absolutely clear, it is to be used to serve or minister to others. Whatever it is, it is not to be used to puff up oneself or to think because of this gift you are better than others. No, this gift beyond salvation is still unearned, undeserved, and unmerited and its purpose is for us to serve others. Doing that makes us faithful or good stewards of this gift from God’s manifold or multifaceted grace.
The very next verse reminds us that whatever our gift is, it is for the glory of God through His Son Jesus Christ. It reads as follows NIV, 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. If you want to speak the very words of God, use your Bible. When you serve it is with the strength God provides, not your own.
Bottom Line: Let us take our gifts and truly serve others as God’s servants.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, It is not enough You have granted us the grace of salvation, but also the grace of a gift so we might properly serve others as Your servants. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek