Genesis 34:122 Samuel 8:2Exodus 23:8Proverbs 17:8Isaiah 1:23Daniel 2:48Esther 9:22Exodus 35:29Romans 5:15-17Romans 6:232 Corinthians 9:5
Both Testaments witness to God as the giver of every good gift (1 Chronicles 29:14; James 1:17 ). Human life is God's gift (Job 1:21 ), as are all things necessary for physical life: the sun for light (Jeremiah 31:25 ); plants (Genesis 1:29 ) and animals for food (Genesis 9:3 ); water (Numbers 21:16 ); clothing (Genesis 28:20 ); grass for herds (Deuteronomy 11:15 ); seasonal rains for crops (Leviticus 26:4 ); companionship of male and female (Genesis 2:18-24; compare Genesis 3:12 ); the ability to have children (Genesis 17:16 ); and sleep (Psalm 127:2 ). Various human abilities are likewise given by God: the ability to work (Deuteronomy 8:18 ); artistic abilities (Exodus 31:6 ); the ability to acquire learning and master communication skills (Daniel 1:17 ). These gifts demonstrate God's general providence.
Scripture also witnesses to God's gifts as evidence of a special providence. In the Old Testament such gifts include: the Promised Land (Genesis 12:7 )—including its successful conquest (Deuteronomy 2:36 ), possessing its cities (Deuteronomy 6:10 ), and its spoils (Deuteronomy 20:14 ); the sabbath (Exodus 16:29 ); the promises (1 Kings 8:56 ); the covenants (2 Kings 17:15 ); the law (Exodus 24:12 ); and peace (Leviticus 26:6 ). In the New Testament God's special providence is especially evident in the gift of God's Son (John 3:16 ) and of God's Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13 ).
God makes relationship with Himself possible by giving His people wisdom (1 Kings 4:29 ), understanding (1 Kings 3:9 ), a new heart (1 Samuel 10:9 ), and a good Spirit to teach them (Nehemiah 9:20 ). The New Testament expresses these gifts as the power to become children of God (John 1:12 ), justification from sin (Romans 3:24; Romans 5:15-17 ); and eternal life (John 10:28; Romans 6:23 ).
Both Testaments witness to God's gift of leadership to God's people as: priests (Numbers 8:19; Zechariah 3:7 ); Davidic kings (2 Chronicles 13:5 ); deliverers (2 Kings 13:5 ); shepherds with Godlike hearts (Jeremiah 3:15 ); apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12 ). Paul spoke of God's giving the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18 ), authority for building up the church (2 Corinthians 10:8 ), and grace for sharing the gospel with the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8 ). The New Testament also stresses God's gift of spiritual abilities to every believer (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4; 1 Peter 4:10 ).
God's gifts should prompt the proper response from the recipients. This response includes not boasting (1 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 2:8 ); amazement at God's inexpressible goodness (2 Corinthians 9:15 ); the using of gifts for the furtherance of Christ's kingdom (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6-11 ); and a life of good works (Ephesians 2:10 ).
Chris Church
The product of over 6 years of work by hundreds of people, the Holman Bible Dictionary manages to be readable and easy to use, yet take advantage of the finest modern Bible scholarship without heavy technical language. The over 6,600 entries includes extensive cross-referencing of related articles, and quotes from 6 different Bible translations.Wikipedia
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