KingdomView, Vol. IV, Issue 9 Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10
During difficult days of war, regardless of one’s particular persuasion, everyone owes a mighty debt of gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces of the United States of America who serve, and who risk their lives for freedom. Many people not to long ago were touched by the story of a football player named Pat Tillman who walked away from 3.9 million dollars offered to him to play in the NFL. He walked away from a lucrative career because he felt he had an obligation to serve. That choice cost him his life. Our service to God is one that will cost much, even our lives, but we should be willing to fulfill our obligation to serve Him. With this thought in mind, I offer this humble thesis:
God gifts Christians for the service of the Body of Christ. Likewise, I define servanthood as "to demonstrate true humility be seeking, serving, and protecting the wellbeing of others." Therefore, Christians are to serve in both the church and the world. Let us begin with our service in the church.
In 1 Peter 4:10, the apostle Peter is exhorting believers to use their spiritual gifts for the welfare of the community of believers (or church). The historical context for this passage is set during the Neronian persecution of the church AD 62-68. Nero, the emperor of Rome falsely accused Christians for setting fire to the city. According to some Roman historians of the day, Nero was the true culprit. Nero would direct the outrage of the Roman citizenry at Christians, which fueled the persecutions. As Christians became alarmed, they looked to their leaders for comfort and guidance. The apostle Peter would answer the call with this letter (1 Peter) that bears his name. He explains their suffering and encourages them to following Christ’s example (1 Peter 3:13-18; 4:16). Moreover, he tells them that while they are in the midst of unjust suffrage, they are to maintain intense love for one another (1 Peter 4:8). Then he gives a brief description of what that love looks like in practical application and illustration (4:9-11). In theses verses, Peter tells us that we are to use our spiritual gifts in the service of the saints. He provides us with four principles:
1. All Christians have at least one spiritual gift and the source of that gift is God (.v10a)
2. The primary intended purpose of our gift is for the benefit of the church [or others; the primary antecedent for "others" points back to (1 Peter 1:1)] (v.10b)
3. As believers we will be held accountable for our stewardship (or management) of the spiritual gift(s) bestowed upon us (v.10c), and finally
4. God is the enabler that energizes our ability to operate our gift(s) (v.11)
The church is the primary benefactor of our spiritual gifting (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). However, the world at large does benefit too. For example, if God has gifted you in the medical field, the world gets to experience His love through you when caring for sick. If you are a secretary, people benefit from your gift of performing your duties in excellence as His representative in the secretarial pool. As believers, we have all been called to servanthood in Christ; therefore, let us serve as Jesus did, with humility and love (Mark 10:45; John 13:1-12).
