A Gift is as a Precious Stone
Proverbs 17:8
This verse in Proverbs is a great verse. Note that it speaks of a gift if viewed properly, and used in the right hands will prosper. We will apply this spiritually to the spiritual gifts that are given by the Holy Spirit along with salvation.
Spiritual Gifts:
1) Shown to us in Romans 12:6-8 ; I Corinthians 12:4-11, 28 ; Ephesians 4:11.
2) Everyone has at least one (1 Corinthians 12:7,11)
3) Every gift is necessary (1 Corinthians 12:14-16 ; Romans 12:3-6)
4) Purpose of the gifts is for the Body of Christ to prosper (1 Corinthians 12:7 ; Ephesians 4:11-16)
5) Having a spiritual gift does not make you spiritual (1 Corinthians 1:4-8 with 1 Corinthians 3:1-2)
Practical lessons from Proverbs 17:8: (Use volunteers with tools and a precious stone)
1) Do you view your gift as valuable?
- We must not envy the gifts of others or discredit our gift it must be viewed as a precious stone (Proverbs 25:4)
2) Are you using your gift?
- God turns the heart of the king (Proverbs 21:1) therefore if we give him our gift he can turn it in the direction that will allow it to prosper.
3) If we do the above two points the gift will prosper
- There are two good examples of someone God allowed to prosper in difficult positions;
Joseph (Genesis 39:3) and Daniel (Daniel 6:28).