Page 50 - In His Image

quired as payment for the sins of the world. The truth of salvation however is the
following... It is the sum total of the benefits bestowed on believers by God and
the full range of divine activity encompassing justification, redemption,
reconciliation, regeneration, sanctification, and final glorification. It is the gift of
God and is entirely wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ. Grace, as it relates to
spiritual gifts, can be summed up this way; God gives us gifts simply because He
loves us! If we truly love him, we'll accept the gifts given and use them according
to His will.

Principle 2: The true value of the gift must be rightly perceived!
We can receive the gift, but if we do not understand the value of the gift to us, the
gift means nothing.

True perception of the spiritual gifts can only be made if we know what the gifts
are. That's not particularly profound, but it is true. If we do not know the
scripture which delineates and presents the gifts, we probably will not recognize
them in our lives (or the lives of others) as God given gifts. Perception begins with
recognition.

Webster defines "value" this way... 'la fair return or equivalent in goods,
services, or money for something exchanged; relative worth, utility, or
importance

What is the "fair return" or "value" for utilizing any spiritual gift? We must
understand this very important aspect of spiritual gifts or we will not use the gift
properly. The "fair return" (or value) we should desire in the use of all gifts, is to
bring glory an honor to God. Our ministry MUST always go vertical first, then and
only then as it goes out horizontally will it bring blessings. Isn't that really what
Matthew 6:33 states...
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be
added to you."
God must be first in all we do, including the use of any spiritual gift. We must
desire to please Him in word and DEED. The following scripture states this
principle clearly…

Colossians 3:17
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through Him."

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