Peter approaches the churches to the elect strangers scattered abroad...the children 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 much help one another " in word and in deed!"

Recipients: "As each has received the gift" The original reads "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 note.) 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. Not charisma, but gifts that are the manifold grace of God to us and the many colors of tapestry that is pleasing to the eye and to the glory of God Himself. We MUST USE them for the welfare of the whole as we are called to do! They are spiritual gifts (not that our gifts are only spiritual note) and have a spiritual dimension to them in every gift of grace! God also integrates into the church (membership that should be taken very very seriously!) Minister the same as good stewards!

Responsibility: Stewardship requires responsibility and should be contrasted with ownership. Joseph for example was a steward of Potaphers house. They are NOT our gifts that we can 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 each other in the use of these gifts but to GOD! Did we use God's gift to minister to others??! We often narrow the offices down even in our churches. The deaconate for example...as it is there duty to visit those in need. But this should not be! 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 of us is given. The Word of God is given in our Lord Jesus Christ that it may be spoken to one another to edify, to built up, to minister to the body of Christ! Sometimes it is just a deed that encourages also. Not just the minister or elders or deacons....BUT ALL OF US! The talents and gifts are variegated for the beauty of the whole. Therefore, let us use out gifts for that purpose to the glory of God! Note there is nothing spoken of squandering or not using these God given gifts.

Purpose: The glory of God in Christ as all gifts are given in and through Christ to us! They are the blessings of God given in Christ! The sufferings too....but the glory of God as we go through those sufferings till its end purpose.....the glory of God! The glory of God that WILL be realized eternally in heaven and even from the bottom of hell!