(a) What does Paul teach concerning the use of individual talents? (b) In what two ways can this teaching be applied to Christian-living today.

(a) Paul's teaching on the use of individual talents (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12)

Paul teaches that every believer has been given gifts by the grace of God, and that these gifts differ from one person to another. He uses the picture of the human body: just as the body has many members with different functions, yet forms one body, so believers are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. No member should think itself more important than another, and none is useless.

His main points are:

• Gifts come from God's grace: talents are not earned but graciously given, so no one should be proud or think of himself more highly than he ought.
• Gifts are diverse: Paul lists prophecy, ministry (service), teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership (ruling) and showing mercy, as well as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, tongues and their interpretation.
• Gifts are for the common good: the same Spirit distributes them for the profit of all and the building up of the church, not for selfish display.
• Each gift should be used diligently and in its proper measure: he who teaches should teach, he who gives should give with liberality, he who leads should lead with diligence, he who shows mercy should do so with cheerfulness.
• Interdependence and unity: the members should care for one another so that there is no division in the body.

(b) Two ways this teaching applies to Christian living today

1. Serving the church with one's abilities: Christians should identify and use their talents (singing, teaching, giving, administration, evangelism) to build up the church rather than burying them or seeking self-glory.
2. Humility and cooperation: believers should appreciate the gifts of others, avoid envy and pride, and work together in unity, recognising that every member matters in God's work and in society.