How can we use our God-given skills for His glory today? Foundational Passage – 1 Kings 7:14 “He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a bronze craftsman; Hiram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge of all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and performed all his work.” Observations from Hiram’s Example • God purposely gifted Hiram with “great skill, understanding, and knowledge.” • Those abilities were not random; they were sovereignly designed for a specific moment—building the temple, the visible place of worship. • Hiram willingly traveled, submitted to Solomon’s leadership, and completed every assignment. • The text presents the account as literal history, anchoring our confidence that God truly equips real people for real tasks. Principles for Using Our Skills for His Glory • Skills are divine trusts, not personal trophies (Exodus 35:30-35). • Every ability—artistic, mechanical, administrative, relational—has a place in God’s kingdom plan. • Availability multiplies usefulness. Hiram “came … and performed,” emphasizing action over mere potential. • Excellence reflects God’s character (Psalm 33:3; Colossians 3:23). • Work done for sacred purposes does not have to occur inside church walls to be sacred (1 Corinthians 10:31). Practical Ways to Put Skills to Work Today Administrative or organizational gifts • Streamline a local ministry’s budgeting or record keeping. • Coordinate community outreaches or disaster-relief logistics. Creative or artistic gifts • Design visual aids, stage décor, or digital content that clarify the gospel. • Write music, poetry, or scripts that exalt Christ’s beauty. Technical or mechanical gifts • Maintain church A/V systems, vehicles, or facilities. • Offer vocational training to unemployed neighbors, coupling skill-building with discipleship. People-oriented gifts • Mentor teens, teaching life skills alongside biblical truth. • Facilitate small-group discussions that nurture fellowship and accountability. Financial or entrepreneurial gifts • Launch businesses that model integrity and fund mission work. • Provide pro bono consulting to ministries needing fiscal wisdom. Tying In the Wider Biblical Witness • Exodus 31:3 – Bezalel “filled … with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge.” • Matthew 25:14-30 – Talents invested for the Master bring reward. • 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” • Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Philippians 2:13 – “It is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” Heart Posture That Honors God • Gratitude: recognizing the Source of every skill (James 1:17). • Humility: refusing to idolize the gift or the platform (Proverbs 27:2). • Obedience: responding promptly when God opens doors (Isaiah 6:8). • Perseverance: completing the assignment with integrity, as Hiram did. • Worship: letting the finished work point others to God’s greatness (Matthew 5:16). Final Encouragement The same Lord who empowered Hiram still distributes abilities with precise intention. As we offer our craft, trade, intellect, or compassion back to Him, our ordinary work becomes extraordinary worship, building His “temple” in hearts and communities today. |
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