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"Good stewards of the manifold grace of God"

Text: 1 Peter 4:10

GOOD STEWARDSHIP

God’s blessings are rich and manifold! He has given both physical and spiritual blessings. The challenge is to learn how to use them well and wisely.

“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:9-10

1. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling”

a) The word “hospitable” has two special nuances.

i) The first element is that of “love”.

ii) The second element is “strangers”.

b) When believers have to flee for their lives:

i) They must find refuge somewhere.

ii) Other believers were encouraged to help fellow-believers.

iii) These may in fact be “strangers”.

c) Nevertheless, the call is to show “hospitality”.

i) To people in need.

ii) This is a good expression of love.

d) “Without grumbling”

i) Any service done should be marked by love.

ii) Grumbling is never to be seen in the ministry of hospitality.

2. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another”

a) We are reminded of what the Lord Jesus taught.

“Freely you have received, freely give.”
Matthew 10:8

b) As the Lord has given us a gift, it ought to be used to serve (minister to) another.

3. “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God”

a) God’s gifts were not meant to make us feel wealthy.

b) We are but stewards of the manifold grace of God.

c) We must seek to be good stewards of what God has given to us.

i) To be hospitable would mean some expenditure.

ii) This must not be done grudgingly.

iii) We are to remind ourselves that God meant us to use our gifts to minister to people in need.