BIBLE STUDY January 07, 2009

BIBLE STUDY

Title: According to Ability
Date: Jan 7, 2009
Topic(s): Faith/Trust, Obedience/Discipleship, Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Jeremiah 31:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:6-15, Matthew 25:14-30

Even as Christians, we can look at seemingly more accomplished or devoted Christ-followers and think, I'm not that good; there's no way God's going to reward my service. But God judges fairly, individually and He rewards according to what He's given you, not by how you do compared to the "super stars" in the church.

What Does God Say?

Jesus told a parable that helps us understand this concept. Take a moment to read Matthew 25:14-30.
Did you notice that this man entrusted "talents" to his servants, "to each according to his ability" (25:15, ESV)? He gave each of them a responsibility that he knew they could handle. And on his return, he judged them using the same criteria. What he expected was based on what he knew about their ability and the "talents" he entrusted to them. While the third servant received harsh judgment, it wasn't because he had a small amount but because he didn't make any effort to use what he had been given.
The joy of our reward comes not from having impressive abilities or talents but from doing the best with what you're given. For those who use or invest their gifts, the reward is the praise of the Lord. And when you're faithful, He says, " I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (25:21, ESV). If you just sit on whatever He's given to you and do nothing with it, there is no reward. Matthew 25:29 records the master's judgment, "For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away" (ESV).
God doesn't judge or reward you in comparison to other people. He looks only at your work, your motives, your heart, your abilities and the opportunities He's given to you.

My Thoughts

See what else the Bible has to say about abilities and rewards:

Jeremiah 31:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:10:
1. How is God described in Jeremiah 31?
2. What does that mean for how He judges your work?
3. On what basis does He reward? (See both references.)

1 Corinthians 12:4-7:
1. What is the common bond between our gifts, service or activities?
2. What is their purpose?
3. How does comparison to others fit in here?

1 Corinthians 3:6-15:
1. Instead of comparing our abilities or gifts, what attitude should we have?
2. What makes our abilities or gifts successful in service?
3. How will we be judged and rewarded?

My Part

Take a few minutes today and make an inventory of your abilities.
1. What abilities do you have that God can use?
2. What skills help you serve Him?
3. What gifts has He given to you?
It's not about being the "star" performer as a preacher or worship leader or evangelist. Your abilities might be creative, practical, relational, compassionate, even something that builds up or develops others. Maybe you have that inner radar that just recognizes a need and pitches in to take care of it. Don't judge your abilities by what you see in others but ask the Lord to show you what He sees in you.
With your inventory in hand, think through how you have used these abilities, what opportunities you need to look for, maybe something new to try. Then get busy! There's a reward waiting for you.
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