CHRISTIAN SERVICE. 1st Peter 4:11 In this section of the chapter on stewardship, Peter divides Christian service into two categories: those who speak publicly and those who serve. He highlights two areas of ministry in which leaders serve God’s people. Both groups depend on God for the grace and wisdom needed to be effective.
To speak for God, a preacher or teacher must speak words that God would have said on a particular occasion. This is more than merely preaching the Word of God. What is said must be appropriate. The public speaking ministry must be biblical and delivered in context to preserve the truth as God intends. We do not have the right to use God's word to manipulate others or impose our opinions on them. What God says and means in the Word of God matters, not our opinions. To speak for God by declaring His words and to have the strength to minister to God’s people is only possible by God’s power.
The goal of all we do, whether in prayer, loving others, showing hospitality, or ministering in other ways, is that God’s name and reputation be honored through His people. Personal service is to be done in a way that God is praised when I use God-given abilities. Speaking God's truth is a solemn responsibility because we are letting our "light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
A man gifted to speak the words of God publicly in the Gospel, or to teach the Lord’s people, must speak the words God would have him say, because they are “the oracles of God.” Simply preaching or teaching is not the point of his service. What he says must be suitable to the time, place, and listeners. Any service for God must be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, done in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the glory of God.
The words came from a man, but they must be heard. God uses men to speak for Him. Let those who hear keep this truth in mind; it is God who speaks through men. The responsibility is heavy, for he must speak as an oracle, and the words must be the very words of God. To interpose, as an “oracle,” one’s own ideas and opinions is to fail in this calling of the Lord.
The same motivation applies when ministering to others; this is not some casual work we’re called to do. God gives the ability to fully carry out the tasks assigned, and the purpose is that through me, His grace will be evident. I dare not be careless, for God’s glory is at stake. He deserves my best in every way. Those who benefit from spoken words and gracious deeds will bring honor and praise to God through what they say.
There is no place for pride when God uses His servants to fulfill the work He gave them to do. Whatever the servant gives that is suitable, he has received from God. All that we may do is to honor and glorify God “forever and ever, Amen.” What one preaches or teaches needs to be scripturally accurate and delivered in an earnest, heartfelt way. The ministry of serving should be done with kindness, mercy, and God-given ability.
Messages from the word of God, passed on to others by those who love the Lord, are never wasted when spoken. The ultimate result may never be heard by me, but the final conclusion of the matter comes when the books are opened. Who knows at the moment what the outcome will be if I simply obey God’s command? I am privileged now to bear His yoke and burden, as each day offers opportunities for service as I pass through Beulah land.
When we use the ability God gave us in the way He directs us and for His purpose, the light that shines forth will be seen by people who will “see your good works (deeds) and glorify (praise) your Father who is in heaven.” God gets all the credit through Jesus Christ. We do not add to God's glory but magnify it when we extol, praise, and honor our Lord Jesus Christ. His is an eternal glory and dominion, and our hearts assure us that this is right, to which we add our "Amen."