"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of
the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to
whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:11).
The apostle here divides gifts into two general classes-first, speaking, and then ministry of other
kinds. First, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God." This does not merely mean
speaking according to Scripture, for even scriptures might be misdirected and thus even do harm;
for example, encouraging when reproof is due, or the reverse. Not even a gifted man ought to
speak without the assurance of God’s mind for the moment and case in hand.
How much would be spared were this divine rule truly felt! Then, "If any man minister, let him
do it as of the ability which God giveth." Natural advantages might be a snare on both sides. Even
in service relating to temporal things, the right strength is that which comes from God, and not
human ability, attainment, rank, or wealth. We may compare with this latter the "ministry,"
"giving," and "showing mercy" in Rom. 12, and "helps" in 1 Cor. 12.
It is remarkable how Scripture on this matter differs, as usual, from the thoughts and language of
Christendom. For so ignored is Scripture, even by men zealous in dispensing it in all possible
versions throughout the world, that they confine "ministry" to public speaking, and never consider
that God designates as "ministry" all real service which is not of that oral character.
Thus both classes_that is, speaking and other types of service_are designated in Scripture as
"gifts"; and the power and ability to exercise these gifts is claimed as coming from God Himself,
"that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for
ever and ever."
(From The Epistles of Peter.)
FRAGMENT. We are as dependent upon God when we speak to one soul as when we preach to
a thousand. I have learned this by experience; I have gone to see a sick person in great self-
confidence and found I had nothing to say. And then the Lord taught me I must wait upon Him
for the message for a single soul as much as when I was going to preach. May we ever remember
this, that there may be no trace of self-confidence remaining in the heart.