What other Scriptures highlight the significance of being "capable" in God's service? Setting the Theme: Why Capability Matters • God never calls His people to half-hearted service; He equips them so His purposes are carried out with excellence. • From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture shows that being capable is both God-given and God-directed. Old Testament Portraits of God-Built Capability • Exodus 31:2-5 – “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship…” – The Spirit Himself imparts capability for tasks as practical as metalwork and as sacred as tabernacle design. • Exodus 36:1-2 – “Every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability… is to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.” – Capability is tied to obedience; skill meets submission. • Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” – Excellence opens doors for kingdom influence. • 1 Chronicles 28:20 – David urges Solomon, “Be strong and courageous and do the work… the LORD God… will not fail you.” – Moral courage pairs with competence to finish divine assignments. Christ’s Teaching on Faithful Capability • Matthew 25:14-30 – Each servant receives talents “according to his ability.” Capability is expected to multiply resources for the Master’s return. • John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” – True capability flows from abiding in Christ; fruitfulness proves discipleship. Spirit-Empowered Capability in the Early Church • Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” – The Spirit turns ordinary people into bold proclaimers. • Acts 6:3 – “Select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom…” – Practical ministry still demands Spirit-shaped capability. • Acts 18:24-28 – Apollos, “mighty in the Scriptures,” powerfully refutes error, demonstrating learned and Spirit-energized competence. Paul’s Theology of God-Given Capability • 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 – “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant…” • Ephesians 2:10 – “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand…” • Ephesians 4:11-12 – Ministry gifts are given “to equip the saints for works of service.” • Colossians 1:28-29 – Paul “strives with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.” • 2 Timothy 2:21 – One who purifies himself “will be a vessel for honor… useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture trains “so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” Putting Capability into Practice Today • Cultivate intimacy with Christ; capability starts with abiding (John 15:5). • Seek the Spirit’s filling daily; He is the true Source of power (Acts 1:8). • Hone your God-given skills; excellence honors the Giver (Proverbs 22:29). • Obey promptly; capability released in disobedience quickly stagnates (Exodus 36:1-2). • Serve with humility; competence without Christ-like character collapses (2 Corinthians 3:5). In every age, God supplies all that is needed for His servants to be capable, useful, and fruitful. Our part is to receive, develop, and deploy those gifts for His glory. |
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