Text: Acts 5:1-11
Memory verse:
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” ‭‭(I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10).

Each one of us has received a talent or gift from God. God has given each one of us different talents/gifts and as He wills. These talents or abilities are to be used for the advancement of His kingdom.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” ‭‭(I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10 NIV).
The first thing to realize is that, whatever ability you have is just a gift. You have not achieved it but you have received it. It is not your earning. You may say, ‘I paid much to gain that skill’. Yes, that is true but you need to answer these questions. Who gave you that money? Who gave you the strength and health to work? Who gave you the job? Who gave you the understanding and wisdom to acquire that skill. “John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” ‭‭(John‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬)‬‬. It is dangerous to forget this truth. When king Nebuchadnezzar forgot, it didn’t take God time to teach him a lesson. “The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you!”
‭‭(Daniel‬ ‭4‬:‭30‬-‭31‬). Remember how Lucifer also fell when he forgot (Isa 14:12-14). Are you talented in singing, or in playing instruments? Do you have any technical, building, organizational abilities or any skill? Don’t ever allow pride to slip in to the extent that you forget that you have received (1 Cor 4:7).
Another key point is that you must use that ability as a steward. You have been entrusted with what belongs to God and you are expected to use them for His glory. One great requirement of stewardship is faithfulness. Can God depend on you to be available for His use? Are you talented but not available for God? There are so many needs in the church today but few faithful labourers?
Faithfulness also requires that you be reliable. Can God trust you financially? There are people, who, rather than using their abilities to serve God, they take advantage of the church. They defraud the church. and merchandise their gifts. Sometimes, I wonder why some people read the scriptures but hardly apply them. According to our text today, the story of Ananias and Sapphira is enough to warn anyone engaging in sharp practices and lying to defraud the church. Peter pointed out the main lesson, “You have not lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:4). The consequences of defrauding the church are grave.
Friends, use your gifts, talents and skills to serve God. Serve God with utmost humility and faithfully. Never endanger your life or family by defrauding the church or by partnering with someone within and outside to do such evil. May the Lord give you understanding in Jesus name.

Prayer points
1. Father, help me to serve with my gifts and talents and to do it faithfully and with utmost humility in Jesus name.
2. Father, I surrender all to You, please use as You will in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. I am conscious that whatever gift or talent that I have, were given and not achieved or earned.
2. I am conscious that I am a steward of God’s manifold gifts and therefore I must serve faithfully and with humility.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng