“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
minister it
“Minister” signifies to be a servant, attendant, to serve, wait upon, minister. The New Testament uses this term in connection with official service in a local church, “they that have served (well) as deacons” (1 Ti. 3:13).
1 Ti 3:10, “But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.”
“Minister” is used of believers who serve one another in various ways. “Minister” is service:
Mt 25:21, “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
Ac 20:24, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
to one another
“To one another” has to do with ministering to each other. Verses eight and nine also emphasize the reciprocal relationship of fellow Christians.
Peter throws forward the phrase “to one another” in the sentence. This emphasizes the object of the gift. Our gifts are for others, not ourselves. Gifts are not to terminate in selfish gratification. Our gift is from God and for others.
Ac 13:36, “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption.”
What a tribute to a man’s life! The summary of David’s life is that he served his generation in the will of God.
PRINCIPLE:
Gifts serve no purpose except to serve.
APPLICATION:
Each gift is a pipe that relays the blessing for which God designed the gift. We are a pipe, not a reservoir. We are a channel of God’s blessing to others. We are the channel through which God’s blessing flows to others.
The idea of “minister” is that we are to use our gift. Get with using this gift for the glory of God.
Re 2:19, “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.”
He 3:5, “And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward.”
Jesus ministered by serving:
Mt 20:26,28, “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant… “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Mk 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Are you willing to serve the body of Christ?
