If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11 NKJV
This verse has always been challenging to me. Peter is discussing the variety of gifts in the church; each believer having received some ability for service to the Body. In his summation he says that anyone who is gifted to speak and has the privilege of serving in that way, should “speak as the oracles of God.” The word “oracles” has some very strong connotations. Kenneth Wuest says, “The Greek word “oracles” was used in classical Greek of the oracular utterances of heathen deities. In the Christian system it refers to divine utterances or revelations.” The idea is that “to each Christian who may exercise one of these verbal gifts. Such speech is not to be simply his or her own good ideas, nor even good exegesis, but “as … the very words of God.” (Peter H. Davids, NICNT: 1Peter. Eerdmans Publishing)
Some other translations read:
- (BBE) let it be as the words of God.
- (BSB) speak as one conveying the words of God.
- (ERV) your words should be like words from God.
- (GW) Whoever speaks must speak God’s words.
- (MSG) if words, let it be God’s words.
- (NIrV) do it like one speaking God’s very words.
- (NIV) they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
- (NLT) Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.
You get the idea.
When I stand to speak in the assembly of the saints, I am to be aware of the awesome privilege and responsibility of speaking on behalf of God to His blood-purchased children. I don’t have an opinion, I must transmit a message. On the other hand, when I attend a church service, I must presume that those who stand to speak are doing the same unless I have evidence to the contrary. I want to listen as if I expect God to speak oracles through His vessel.
I’m going to church today expecting to hear the oracles of God. Won’t you join me?
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