Using God’s Gifts for His Glory | 1 Peter 4:10
Our passage is 1 Peter 4:10 from the NKJV: As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.’This verse not only highlights that we’ve all received gifts from God, but it also calls us to use them in a very specific way. And today, I want to focus on the word minister and what it means for us as believers.”
What Does ‘Minister’ Mean?:
“When we hear the word ‘minister,’ many of us may think of a pastor or someone in a formal role at church. But the word ‘minister’ actually comes from a Greek word that means ‘to serve.’ In other words, when Peter says we are to ‘minister it to one another,’ he’s saying we are to serve one another with the gifts we’ve been given. Think about it this way: being a minister isn’t about a title or position, it’s about a mindset of humility and service. Jesus Himself gave us the greatest example of what it means to be a servant. In Mark 10:45, Jesus said: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’”
Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet:
“One of the most powerful illustrations of ministering or serving others comes from the life of Jesus. In John 13, we read about the night before Jesus was crucified. He did something that shocked His disciples—He took a towel, knelt, and washed their feet.
Now, washing someone’s feet was considered the job of a lowly servant, not the job of a teacher or leader. But Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself and performed this act of service to show His disciples what it really means to minister to one another. He wasn’t concerned with His status or position—His concern was to serve, to love, and to meet their needs.
So when Peter tells us to minister to one another, he’s telling us to adopt the same attitude that Jesus had: to serve others with the gifts God has given us humbly.”
Breaking Down 1 Peter 4:10:
NOW “Let’s take a closer look at 1 Peter 4:10. Peter says, ‘As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another.’ This means that every believer—no matter who they are—has received some gift from God. It could be the ability to teach, encourage, help others, or even to pray. These gifts are not meant for our own benefit but for the benefit of others.
We are called to ‘minister’ these gifts to one another—meaning we are to serve others with them. Whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, helping someone in need, or sharing the gospel, we are to be good stewards of these gifts by using them in service to others.”
Being a ‘Good Steward’:
“Peter goes on to say that we should be ‘good stewards of the manifold grace of God.’ A steward is someone who manages something that belongs to someone else. In this case, the gifts we have don’t really belong to us—they are given to us by God, and we are responsible for using them wisely.
Being a good steward means recognizing that your gift is not for your own glory or advancement. It’s meant to reflect God’s grace to others. When we serve others with the gifts God has given us, we are fulfilling our role as stewards of His grace. And just like a good steward takes care of what’s been entrusted to him, we should take care to use our gifts in a way that honors God and helps others.”
Now that we understand what it means to minister to others, how can we live this out in our daily lives? Here are three key ways to apply this verse:
1. Adopt a Servant’s Heart – The first step is to see yourself as a servant. Just as Jesus served His disciples by washing their feet, we too are called to humble ourselves and serve others. No task is too small or beneath us when it comes to loving others.
2. Use Your Gifts in Everyday Life – You don’t have to wait for a formal opportunity to minister to someone. Serving others happens in the little moments—offering a listening ear, lending a helping hand, or sharing an encouraging word. Look for everyday opportunities to bless those around you.
3. Remember Who You’re Serving – When we serve others, we are serving God. As Matthew 25:40 reminds us, when we do something for the least of these, we do it unto Christ. Keep that eternal perspective in mind as you use your gifts for His glory.
Serving others is not about receiving recognition, but about reflecting God’s love and grace. When we minister to others, we are reflecting the heart of Jesus.”
