Topical Bible: Gifts from God: Temporal: should Cause Us to Remember God

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In the Christian tradition, temporal gifts from God are understood as blessings bestowed upon individuals during their earthly lives. These gifts, while temporary, serve a significant purpose in the believer's spiritual journey. They are meant to remind us of God's providence, love, and the ultimate source of all good things. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of recognizing and remembering God through these temporal blessings.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes that all good things come from God. James 1:17 states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." This verse underscores the divine origin of all blessings and the unchanging nature of God as the giver.

In Deuteronomy 8:18 , the Israelites are reminded, "But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is today." Here, the temporal gift of wealth is directly linked to God's covenant and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and promises.

Purpose of Temporal Gifts

Temporal gifts are not merely for personal enjoyment or gain; they are intended to draw believers closer to God. In 1 Timothy 6:17 , Paul instructs, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." This passage highlights the transient nature of wealth and the importance of placing trust in God rather than in material possessions.

The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 further illustrates the danger of forgetting God amidst temporal blessings. The rich man, focused solely on his earthly wealth, fails to acknowledge God and is called a fool for not being "rich toward God." This parable serves as a cautionary tale, reminding believers to prioritize their relationship with God over material abundance.

Gratitude and Stewardship

Recognizing temporal gifts as blessings from God should lead to a heart of gratitude and a spirit of stewardship. In Colossians 3:17 , Paul writes, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Gratitude is a natural response to recognizing God's hand in our lives, and it fosters a deeper connection with Him.

Moreover, believers are called to be good stewards of the gifts they receive. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches that faithful stewardship of God's gifts leads to greater blessings. The servants who wisely invest their master's resources are rewarded, while the one who fails to do so is reprimanded. This parable emphasizes the responsibility to use temporal gifts in ways that honor God and further His kingdom.

Remembrance and Worship

Temporal gifts should lead believers to worship and remember God. In Psalm 103:2 , David exhorts, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds." Remembering God's blessings is an act of worship that acknowledges His goodness and sovereignty.

The Israelites' practice of setting up memorials, such as the stones from the Jordan River in Joshua 4:6-7 , serves as a tangible reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. These memorials were intended to prompt future generations to remember and worship God for His mighty acts.

In summary, temporal gifts from God are not ends in themselves but are designed to draw believers closer to Him. They serve as reminders of His goodness, faithfulness, and the ultimate source of all blessings. Through gratitude, stewardship, and worship, believers can honor God and keep Him at the forefront of their lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts
... the wine, and the oil, and the silver, and the gold, and whatever temporal blessings
we ... Equally bad is it when a man uses the gifts of God's providence so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the unknown giver and the.htm

The Sons of God
... merely of God's works, not simply of God's gifts, but of ... endowed her with all his
goods, both temporal and eternal ... name even in the lips of God's people, still ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the sons of god.htm

The Blessing of God.
... words, loving embraces, or loving gifts instinctively follow ... includes every form
of blessing, temporal as well ... knowledge of the glory of GOD" should be revealed ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Daily Blessings for God's People
... Glory be to God, who sends us temporal and spiritual benefits ... you have a part; in
the gifts that come ... the God of redemption is ours; the God of sanctification ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/daily blessings for gods people.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... as the pure and frugal use of temporal goods, and ... 22:29; xxiii.19.) But if the gifts
of God ... also contemplate the mercy and truly paternal indulgence of God. ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

Book one in God's Searching Presence, Augustine Undertakes to ...
... unchanging sources of all changeable things, and the eternal reasons of all
non-rational and temporal things"tell ... But all these are gifts of my God; I did ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book one in gods searching.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... as the pure and frugal use of temporal goods, and ... But if the gifts of God are not
sanctified to us ... contemplate the mercy and truly paternal indulgence of God. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

The Latest Improved.
... people talk of having to attend to temporal duties, it ... your lips, go in earnest prayer,
asking God to make ... measure When we're saved by grace; Gifts from heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/the latest improved.htm

How Sweetness and Tenderness in Prayer Differ from Consolations. ...
... We shall find, on consideration, that many temporal matters give us ... this will help
you but little until God chooses to ... is the highest act of the Gifts of the ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i how sweetness and.htm

Divine Sovereignty
... fact that God hath not, in temporal matters, given to ... We say again, the Sovereignty
of God is here displayed in the distribution of gifts honourable. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/divine sovereignty.htm