The temporal gifts of God, encompassing the material and physical blessings bestowed upon humanity, serve as reminders of His providence and faithfulness. These gifts, while temporary and earthly, are intended to draw our hearts and minds back to the Creator, fostering a spirit of gratitude and dependence on Him.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes that all good things come from God, and these temporal blessings are no exception. 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, urging believers to recognize God's hand in their daily provisions.

Purpose of Temporal Gifts

Temporal gifts are not merely for personal enjoyment or comfort; they serve a higher purpose in God's plan. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds the Israelites, "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 ability to acquire wealth is linked to God's covenantal faithfulness, encouraging the people to remember and honor Him.

Gratitude and Dependence

The reception of temporal gifts should lead to a posture of gratitude and dependence on 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 warns against the dangers of pride and misplaced trust, urging believers to place their hope in God rather than in material wealth.

Remembrance Through Provision

God's provision in times of need serves as a powerful reminder of His presence and care. In the wilderness, the Israelites experienced God's provision through manna, a daily reminder of His sustenance. Exodus 16:12 records God's words, "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.'" This miraculous provision was designed to remind the Israelites of God's faithfulness and to reinforce their reliance on Him.

Warnings Against Forgetfulness

Scripture also warns against the danger of forgetting God amidst abundance. Deuteronomy 8:11-14 cautions, "Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This passage highlights the human tendency to become self-reliant and forgetful of God when experiencing prosperity.

Conclusion

The temporal gifts of God are intended to draw believers closer to Him, fostering a spirit of gratitude, dependence, and remembrance. By recognizing these gifts as expressions of God's love and faithfulness, believers are encouraged to maintain a humble and thankful heart, continually acknowledging the Source of all blessings.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Are the miraculous gifts of the Spirit for today? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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