God's Wisdom in Gift Dispensation to Believers
God's Wisdom in Gift Dispensation to Believers
The concept of God's wisdom in dispensing gifts to believers is rooted in biblical teachings that highlight the diversity and purpose of spiritual gifts. According to Romans 12:6, believers have different gifts according to the grace given to them [1]. This verse underscores the idea that the distribution of gifts is not random but is guided by God's grace.
The biblical understanding of gifts encompasses a wide range of meanings, including gratuities, oblations, and spiritual endowments. In the context of spiritual gifts, the term "charisma" is used, denoting gifts that are manifestations of God's grace [3]. The dispensation of these gifts is attributed to God's sovereign will, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where it is written that different kinds of spiritual gifts are given to different people for the service of the same Lord [7].
The wisdom behind God's dispensation of gifts is reflected in the diversity of gifts and their purposes. According to John Gill, gifts are distributed according to the nature, quality, and quantity received from God, emphasizing the role of God's sovereignty in gift dispensation [4]. This perspective is echoed in the writings of the Protestant academic tradition, which notes that God gives abundant grace to those who are faithful with what they have already been given [5].
The biblical basis for understanding God's wisdom in gift dispensation is further elaborated in the Pauline epistles. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul explains that the variety of gifts is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, and their distribution is guided by the Spirit's will. This passage highlights the relational aspect of gift dispensation, where the diversity of gifts serves to edify the body of Christ.
The Eastern Orthodox tradition, while not directly quoted in the sources, is reflected in the emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit in gift dispensation. The gift of the Holy Spirit is seen as a fundamental aspect of God's gracious provision for believers, given according to promise and upon the exaltation of Christ [2].
The Presbyterian and Baptist/Reformed traditions, as represented by commentators like John Gill, emphasize the sovereignty of God in dispensing gifts. According to Gill, the gifts and calling of God are without repentance, underscoring the irreversible nature of God's gracious acts [8].
The Protestant academic tradition, as seen in the Tyndale House commentary on Proverbs, highlights the importance of fearing the Lord as a foundation for understanding God's wisdom in gift dispensation. The fear of the Lord is seen as a counter to inner turmoil, bringing inner peace and serving as a basis for receiving God's gifts [6].
Sources
- Romans “Romans 12:6 (BSB) — We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Gift of the Holy Spirit, The — By the Father -- Ne 9:20; Lu 11:13. By the Son -- Joh 20:22. To Christ without measure -- Joh 3:34. Given According to promise. -- Ac 2:38,39. Upon the exaltation. -- Ps 68:18; Joh 7:39. Through the intercession of Christ. -- Joh 14:16. In answer to prayer. -- Lu 11:13; Eph 1:16,17. For instruction. -- Ne 9:20. For comfort of saints. -- Joh 14:16. To those who repent and believe. -- Ac 2:38. To those who obey God. -- Ac 5:32. To the Gentiles. -- Ac 10:44,45; 11:17; 15:8. Is abundant -- Ps 68:9; Joh 7:38,39. Is permanent -- Isa 59:21; Ha”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gift — (1.) An gratuity (Prov. 19:6) to secure favour (18:16; 21:14), a thank-offering (Num. 18:11), or a dowry (Gen. 34:12). (2.) An oblation or proppitatory gift (2Sa 8:2, 6; 1Ch 18:2, 6; 2Ch 26:8; Ps. 45:12; 72:10). (3.) A bribe to a judge to obtain a favourable verdict (Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19). (4.) Simply a thing given (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Eph. 4:8); sacrifical (Matt. 5:23, 24; 8:4); eleemosynary (Luke 21:1); a gratuity (John 4:10; Acts 8:20). In Acts 2:38 the generic word dorea is rendered "gift." It differs from the charisma (1 Cor. 12:4) as denoting not mi”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 4:10: As every man hath received the gift,.... That is, from God, as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions add. This is a general rule laid down by the apostle, according to which, distribution of every kind, whether in things temporal or spiritual, is to be made, even according to the nature, quality, and quantity of the gift received: the greatest gift God bestows on men, next to himself, Son, and Spirit, and received by them in this life, is special grace; which God gives of his sovereign will and pleasure, liberally, abundantly, without the deserts of men, or conditions to ”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 25:29: 25:29 God gives abundant grace to those who are faithful with what they have already been given (see 13:12).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:16: 15:16 A healthy fear for the Lord counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace. • Better to have little: See also 16:8.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:4: 12:4-11 Though believers are united in the Lord and his Spirit, God gives different kinds of spiritual gifts to different people so that they can fulfill different kinds of service to the same Lord (see also 7:7; 12:7-11, 28-31; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11).”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 11:29: For the gifts and calling of God,.... By "gifts" are meant, not the gifts of nature and providence, as life, health, strength, riches, and honour, which God sometimes gives, and repents of, and takes away; as he repented that he had made man upon earth, and Saul king of Israel; which must be understood by an "anthropopathy", after the manner of men, and that not of a change of the counsel of his mind, but of the course of his providence: nor do gifts here design external gifts of grace, or such gifts of the Spirit, which qualify men for ministerial work, for public s”