Topical Bible: Gifts from God: Temporal: To be Used and Enjoyed

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In the Christian understanding, temporal gifts from God are those blessings bestowed upon individuals that pertain to earthly life. These gifts, while temporary, are intended to be used and enjoyed responsibly, reflecting God's generosity and goodness. The Bible provides numerous insights into how believers are to perceive and utilize these temporal blessings.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible acknowledges 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, who does not change like shifting shadows." This verse underscores the divine origin of all blessings, including those that are temporal.

Purpose of Temporal Gifts

Temporal gifts serve multiple purposes in the life of a believer. They are meant to meet our needs, bring joy, and enable us to serve others. In Ecclesiastes 5:19 , it is written, "Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God." This passage highlights the enjoyment and satisfaction that come from God's blessings, emphasizing that they are to be received with gratitude.

Stewardship and Responsibility

While temporal gifts are to be enjoyed, they also come with the responsibility of stewardship. Believers are called to manage these gifts wisely and in a manner that honors God. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18 , 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. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share." This passage emphasizes the importance of using temporal gifts to do good and to be generous, reflecting God's character.

Contentment and Gratitude

The enjoyment of temporal gifts is closely tied to contentment and gratitude. Philippians 4:11-12 illustrates Paul's attitude: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need." Contentment allows believers to appreciate God's gifts without becoming overly attached to them.

Warnings Against Misuse

The Bible also warns against the misuse of temporal gifts. In Matthew 6:19-21 , Jesus teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage cautions against placing ultimate value on earthly possessions, reminding believers to focus on eternal treasures.

Conclusion

Temporal gifts from God are a testament to His love and provision. They are to be enjoyed, used wisely, and shared generously, always with an eye toward eternal values and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 3:13
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.
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Ecclesiastes 5:19,20
Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.
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1 Timothy 4:4,5
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
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Library

The Sons of God
... of God's works, not simply of God's gifts, but of ... of his riches,"the unsearchable
riches of God in Christ ... her with all his goods, both temporal and eternal. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the sons of god.htm

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
... a great deal of your time; abusing the gifts of God's ... thou wouldst not have dared
to treat a temporal prince as ... against him?" (Isa.1:2) Did not God "take you ...
/.../chapter iv the sinner arraigned.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... No one who recognizes even temporal blessings would give an eye, or a less ... wrought
of man's ability or skill, but are the offices, gifts and works of God. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

Of Christian Liberty.
... arrogance, that they may use the gifts of God ... breadth from the command of God, that
on ... inappropriate names of spiritual and temporal jurisdiction, intimating ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of christian liberty.htm

On God's vineyard
... once a quarter, in some central place, to give an account of the spiritual and temporal
state of ... Used the gifts on each bestow'd,. Temper'd by the art of God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 107 on gods vineyard.htm

The Blessing of God.
... loving words, loving embraces, or loving gifts instinctively follow. ... it includes
every form of blessing, temporal as well ... The various names of GOD are all full ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

City of God
... Their Worshipping Among the Gods the Divine Gifts Themselves ... But Also in Connection
with Temporal Prosperity, Because ... to Man, and What to Live According to God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of ...
... This name teacheth us, that all the gifts which we ... offer to him and his chosen; and
when God will punish ... and severity, then it is termed wrath, temporal to the ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a plain description of the.htm

"Give Ye them to Eat"
... desires us to recognize Him in His gifts, that they ... In Christ's act of supplying
the temporal necessities of a ... If the work be of God, He Himself will provide ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 39 give ye them.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... loco cit.) that they have cast away abundance of temporal good"that they contemplate ...
and blood on the altar, to frame prayers, and bless the gifts of God. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm