“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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 forever and ever. Amen.”
If you’re looking for a verse to write in someone’s card come graduation time – this is it. In this verse, Peter tells us how we should live, serve, and minister to others. This is commandment #6: speak the words of God.
What does that mean? It means that when you preach, teach, discuss your faith with others, encourage, challenge, or communicate with someone – speak God’s words. God’s word is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword. God’s word is effective for teaching, encouraging, and discipline. God’s word can and will change people’s lives.
In a world where the prosperity gospel is rampant (“God wants you to be rich!”), people distort the bible to fit their needs (“God says homosexuality is okay!”), and preachers who are more pop-psychologists than theologians (“7 steps to a better you!”) – we must speak the truth of God’s word.
To speak God’s word, you must know God’s word. How are you doing with your bible reading and personal bible study? Personal bible study is the place where God’s word will sink into your life most effectively – more than attending bible studies, more than listening to incredible preaching, and more than reading the latest Francis Chan book. Those are all very good things, but they shouldn’t replace your personal time in God’s word.
Likewise, if you serve, serve with the strength that God provides. What does that mean? That means you should serve with every ounce of ability and strength that you have. It means that you should serve at God’s leading, not just in areas that you enjoy. It means that you should serve prayerfully, inviting God to join your labor. It also means that you should remember that God will bring others alongside you – you do not labor alone. Serving in God’s strength means that and much more…
We speak the words of God and serve in His strength so that He will receive the glory, not us. And that is the ultimate point of speaking, teaching, worshipping, or doing anything – glorifying God. When God is glorified He draws people to Himself. And that is what every single person in this world needs, God.
So how often do God’s words pass your lips? Do you seek opportunities to work him into your conversation? Do you spend time reading and memorizing His word so that you will have it handy when you need it? God calls us to be His ambassadors…how are you doing with that?
If you’re looking for a verse to write in someone’s card come graduation time – this is it. In this verse, Peter tells us how we should live, serve, and minister to others. This is commandment #6: speak the words of God.
What does that mean? It means that when you preach, teach, discuss your faith with others, encourage, challenge, or communicate with someone – speak God’s words. God’s word is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword. God’s word is effective for teaching, encouraging, and discipline. God’s word can and will change people’s lives.
In a world where the prosperity gospel is rampant (“God wants you to be rich!”), people distort the bible to fit their needs (“God says homosexuality is okay!”), and preachers who are more pop-psychologists than theologians (“7 steps to a better you!”) – we must speak the truth of God’s word.
To speak God’s word, you must know God’s word. How are you doing with your bible reading and personal bible study? Personal bible study is the place where God’s word will sink into your life most effectively – more than attending bible studies, more than listening to incredible preaching, and more than reading the latest Francis Chan book. Those are all very good things, but they shouldn’t replace your personal time in God’s word.
Likewise, if you serve, serve with the strength that God provides. What does that mean? That means you should serve with every ounce of ability and strength that you have. It means that you should serve at God’s leading, not just in areas that you enjoy. It means that you should serve prayerfully, inviting God to join your labor. It also means that you should remember that God will bring others alongside you – you do not labor alone. Serving in God’s strength means that and much more…
We speak the words of God and serve in His strength so that He will receive the glory, not us. And that is the ultimate point of speaking, teaching, worshipping, or doing anything – glorifying God. When God is glorified He draws people to Himself. And that is what every single person in this world needs, God.
So how often do God’s words pass your lips? Do you seek opportunities to work him into your conversation? Do you spend time reading and memorizing His word so that you will have it handy when you need it? God calls us to be His ambassadors…how are you doing with that?
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