Lesson 10 · September 2, 1893
Christian Stewardship.—1 Peter 4:9-11
Review Questions.—(a) In view of what should we arm ourselves to suffer? (b) What is put to death in this suffering? (c) How will those who are carnal in heart regard this turning from evil? (d) What injunctions are given in view of the end? (e) What is the crowning grace of the Christian?
1. Hospitality. Verse 9
- 1.In what spirit should hospitality be extended?
- 2.Should this be limited to brethren alone? .
- 3.What does Christ say of those who receive or reject even the least of his children? .
2. Spiritual Gifts. Verses 10, 11
- 1.What has every man received? Note.
- 2.From whom does he receive these gifts?
- 3.Through what mighty power?
- 4.Name some of them.
- 5.What are they called by our Lord?
- 6.For how long were they given? For what purpose?
- 7.To how many were they given?
- 8.As everyone has received, how should he use?
- 9.Why is God's grace called "manifold"?
- 10.How should he who aims to instruct speak?
- 11.How should he who serves, minister?
- 12.What will be the effect of this?
Notes
The Revised Version of reads: "According as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." God's grace is here said to be manifold, because manifested in so many ways in the church of God, even as the many angled glass object reflects the light shining upon it and through it. This grace comes through the gracious Spirit of God (; ); these gifts of God's Spirit are given to everyone who is Christ's (; ), to profit, or increase (), divided not according to the will of the man, but the wisdom of the Spirit (); these gifts were bestowed upon the church when Jesus left this world (), for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body, or church of Christ (verse 12); and these gifts will continue according to the measure of faith and consecration of the church till the perfect day, or till Christ comes (; ). Some of these gifts are mentioned in ; ; .
In these gifts are by our Lord called pounds (the highest denomination of Roman money); in they are called talents (the highest denomination in Jewish money), thus showing their great value. These talents and pounds are given by the same one that gave the gifts, to the same ones, at the same time, for the same purpose, to continue the same length of time; they are therefore the same. The solemn importance of this stewardship is given in these parables; they should be studied in connection with this lesson. Does anyone think he has no gift? Let him be assured if he is the Master's "own servant," he will be given according to his ability to use. . Ours is the consecration; God is the giver.
"The Lord calls for every talent and ability to be put to use. When the reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from the church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested; divine power will combine with human effort; the church will see the providential interpositions of the Lord God of hosts, the light of truth will be diffused, the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent."—Mrs. E. G. W., in Conf. Bulletin, 1893, p. 420.
Bible texts in this lesson
1 Peter 4:9 · Hebrews 13:1 · Hebrews 13:2 · Matthew 25:40 · Matthew 25:45 · Matthew 25:10 · Matthew 25:11 · 1 Peter 4:10 · Ephesians 4:7 · 1 Corinthians 12:4 · Romans 8:9 · 1 Corinthians 12:7 · 1 Corinthians 12:11 · Ephesians 4:8 · 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 · Ephesians 4:13 · Romans 12:6-8 · 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 · 1 Corinthians 12:28 · Ephesians 4:11 · Luke 19:12-17 · Matthew 25:14-30 · Matthew 25:14 · Matthew 25:15
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