Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's temporal gifts encompasses the blessings and provisions bestowed upon humanity during their earthly lives. These gifts, often referred to as "all good things," are seen as expressions of God's benevolence and care for His creation. The Bible provides numerous references to these temporal blessings, emphasizing that they are given by God for the sustenance and enjoyment of life.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms that every good and perfect gift originates 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 belief that all beneficial things in life are divine gifts, reflecting God's unchanging nature and generosity. Provision and Sustenance God's provision for His people is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Israelites experienced God's temporal gifts through the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-15) and the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). These instances highlight God's role as the provider of physical sustenance and abundance. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about God's provision in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:31-33 records Jesus' words: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Here, Jesus reassures believers of God's awareness and provision for their needs, encouraging them to prioritize spiritual pursuits. Enjoyment of Creation The temporal gifts of God also include the enjoyment of creation. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 reflects on this aspect: "I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God." This passage suggests that finding joy and satisfaction in life's simple pleasures is part of God's design and a gift to be embraced. Wealth and Prosperity While the Bible acknowledges wealth and prosperity as potential temporal gifts, it also warns against the dangers of materialism and the love of money. Proverbs 10:22 states, "The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it." This verse implies that true prosperity comes from God's blessing, devoid of the sorrows that often accompany wealth pursued for its own sake. Stewardship and Responsibility With the reception of God's temporal gifts comes the responsibility of stewardship. Believers are called to manage these gifts wisely and generously. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 advises, "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, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." Conclusion The temporal gifts of God, encompassing all good things, are a testament to His love and provision for humanity. These gifts are to be received with gratitude, enjoyed responsibly, and shared generously, reflecting the character of the Giver. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 34:10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 6:17 Library I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. Temporal Advantages. Of the Difference Between the Secret Friends and the Hidden Sons ... Of the Diverse Motions of Nature and of Grace In which Also Concerning Exemplars. The Fifty-Fourth Chapter: the Different Motions of Nature and ... On the Feast of a Holy virgin Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ... On the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle Whether the Old Law Should have Induced Men to the Observance of ... Resources Are the miraculous gifts of the Spirit for today? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the spiritual gifts of the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge? | GotQuestions.org Is there a biblical spiritual gifts list? | GotQuestions.org Gifts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Charism: An Inspired Gift, Bestowed on the Apostles and Early Christians Gifts from God: Spiritual: Christ, the Saviour Gifts from God: Spiritual: Faith Gifts from God: Spiritual: Grace Gifts from God: Spiritual: Repentance Gifts from God: Spiritual: Wisdom Gifts from God: Temporal: All Creatures Partake of Gifts from God: Temporal: Food and Raiment Gifts from God: Temporal: Peace Gifts from God: Temporal: Prayer For Gifts from God: Temporal: Rain and Fruitful Seasons Gifts from God: Temporal: should Cause Us to Remember God Gifts from God: Temporal: To be Used and Enjoyed Gifts from God: Temporal: Wisdom Gifts from God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to Both Temporal and Spiritual The Gifts of God are Dispensed According to his Will The Gifts of God are Free and Abundant The Gifts of God: All Blessings Are The Gifts of God: Spiritual are Through Christ The Gifts of God: Spiritual: A New Heart The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Christ the Chief of The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Eternal Life The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Faith The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Glory The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Grace The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Not Repented of by Him The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Peace The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Pray For The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Repentance The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Rest The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Righteousness The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Strength and Power The Gifts of God: Spiritual: The Holy Spirit The Gifts of God: Spiritual: To be Used for Mutual Profit The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Wisdom The Gifts of God: Temporal: All Creatures Partake of The Gifts of God: Temporal: All Good Things The Gifts of God: Temporal: Food and Raiment The Gifts of God: Temporal: Life The Gifts of God: Temporal: Peace The Gifts of God: Temporal: Pray For The Gifts of God: Temporal: Rain and Fruitful Seasons The Gifts of God: Temporal: should Cause Us to Remember God The Gifts of God: Temporal: To be Used and Enjoyed The Gifts of God: Temporal: Wisdom Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |