Peter approaches the churches to the elect strangers scattered abroad....the churches of God in this world, emphasizing both the sufferings of the time and the glory of God in all things. We too are bombarded with all the sufferings of this world and the end of the ages and Peter says we must help one another "in word and in deed!"

1. Recipients: "as each has received the gift." The original is "as each has received a gift." Peter uses the figure of the body to discuss the church and their gifts as they belong to each member in the body that they must administer to each other with. The body of Christ share and also posses certain gifts (though there should be no divisiveness.) We have many discouragements today and Peter talks to us and these things as we must administer to each other with the particular gift or gifts that we are given. No charisma, but gifts that are the manifold grace of God and the many colors of tapestry that is pleasing to the eye and the glory of God. We must USE them for the welfare of the whole as we are called to do! They are spiritual gifts (not that they are ONLY spiritual mind you) that have a spiritual dimension to them in every gift of grace! God also integrates into the church (church membership that should be taken very seriously.) Minister the same as good stewards!

2. Responsibility: Stewardship requires responsibility and should be contrasted with ownership. (Joseph was a steward of Potiphar's house.) They are NOT our gifts that we do with what we want!!! God is the owner of all things and is the owner of the particular gifts that He gives to us as stewards! (Read I Corinthians 4) Paul is dealing with the things that belong to God! God will judge him in the particular gifts that are His and gave to him and so it is with us. Paul, you and I are not accountable to one another in the use of our gifts, but to God!!! Did we use God's gift to minister to others?! We often narrow the offices down (helping of others to the deaconate for example) but should not. We must minister to one another that can help, aid, lift up, and support! Paul speaks of two things here that are very broad gifts...word and deed!

The word. To each is given. The Word of God is given to one another to edify, build up, and minister to the body of Christ!

Deed. And sometimes it is just a deed that encourages. NOT just the minister or elder or deacon but ALL of us! The talents and gifts are variegated for the beauty of the whole. Therefore let us use our gifts for that purpose to the glory of God!

3. Purpose: The glory of God in Christ as all gifts are given in and through Christ to us! They are blessings of God given in Christ! The sufferings are real, but the glory of God as we go through those sufferings till its end and final purpose which is the glory of God! And His glory will even be revealed eternally from the bottom of hell!