Definition and Concept
Utility, in a biblical context, refers to the usefulness or practical value of something in fulfilling God's purposes and serving others. It encompasses the idea of being beneficial, effective, and serving a purpose within the framework of God's creation and His divine plan.

Biblical References and Themes

1. Creation and Purpose
The concept of utility is evident from the very beginning of the Bible. In Genesis 1, God creates the world with order and purpose, declaring His creation "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Each element of creation has a specific role and function, demonstrating the utility of God's design.

2. Gifts and Talents
The New Testament emphasizes the utility of spiritual gifts and talents given by God for the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" . This highlights the importance of using one's gifts for the benefit of others and the advancement of God's kingdom.

3. Work and Labor
The Bible underscores the value of work and labor, emphasizing their utility in providing for oneself and others. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul instructs, "If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat" . This reflects the principle that work is a means of contributing to society and fulfilling one's responsibilities.

4. Wisdom and Discernment
Proverbs frequently addresses the utility of wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 3:13-14 states, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold" . Wisdom is portrayed as a valuable asset that guides individuals in making beneficial and righteous decisions.

5. Charity and Service
The utility of charity and service is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Galatians 6:9-10, Paul encourages believers, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith" . Acts of kindness and service are seen as practical expressions of faith and love.

6. Stewardship
The Bible teaches the utility of stewardship, emphasizing the responsible management of resources. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of using what God has entrusted to us for His glory and the benefit of others. The faithful servant is commended for his wise and productive use of resources.

Practical Application
Believers are called to recognize and utilize their God-given abilities, resources, and opportunities to serve others and glorify God. This involves being diligent in work, wise in decision-making, generous in giving, and faithful in stewardship. The utility of one's life is measured by its alignment with God's purposes and its impact on the world for His kingdom.1. (n.) The quality or state of being useful; usefulness; profitableness to some valuable end; as, the utility of the sciences; the utility of medicines.

2. (n.) Adaptation to satisfy the desires or wants; intrinsic value. See Note Value.

3. (n.) Happiness; the greatest good, or happiness, of the greatest number, -- the foundation of utilitarianism.

889. achreioo -- to make useless
... Cognate: 889 (from 888 , "without profit") -- properly, to become useless (without
utility), like when something turns "sour" and unprofitable (used only in Ro ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/889.htm - 7k

5557. chrusos -- gold
... gold. Perhaps from the base of chraomai (through the idea of the utility of the
metal); gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin -- gold. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5557.htm - 6k

888. achreios -- useless
... Cognate: 888 -- properly, , describing behavior that (literally) "lacks utility
(usefulness)." See 890 (). Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/888.htm - 7k

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... Lecture III. The Authority And Utility Of The Scriptures. 2 Tim. ... Now, for the utility
and profit of the scriptures, who can speak of it according to its worth? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

As to the Utility of History, Moreover, Passing Over the Greeks...
... Book 2 Chapter 43. As to the utility of history, moreover, passing over
the Greeks? 43. As to the utility of history, moreover ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 43 as to the.htm

The Excellence and Utility of Faith.
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book II. Chapter VI."The Excellence and Utility of
Faith. "Lord, who hath believed our report?" [2212] Isaiah says. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the excellence and utility.htm

The Utility of the Books of the Old Testament.
... A Treatise on the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants
Chapter 53."The Utility of the Books of the Old Testament. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 53 the utility of the.htm

Utility of the Bondage of the Jews.
... Book III. Chapter 6."Utility of the Bondage of the Jews. 10. This bondage,
however, in the case of the Jewish people, differed ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 6 utility of the bondage.htm

The Utility of Fear. Objections Answered.
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book II. Chapter VII."The Utility of Fear.
Objections Answered. Those, who denounce fear, assail ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii the utility of fear.htm

Again it is Shown from the Utility of Repenting that Souls are not ...
... Concerning Two Souls, Against the Manich??ans. Chapter 14. "Again It is Shown from
the Utility of Repenting that Souls are Not by Nature Evil. ...
/.../chapter 14 name it is.htm

Gold and Silver not Superior in Origin or in Utility to Other ...
... Book I. Chapter V."Gold and Silver Not Superior in Origin or in Utility
to Other Metals. Gold and silver, the principal material ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter v gold and silver not.htm

Of the Ranks and Differences of the Creatures, Estimated by their ...
... Book XI. Chapter 16."Of the Ranks and Differences of the Creatures, Estimated by
Their Utility, or According to the Natural Gradations of Being. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 16 of the ranks and.htm

The Law one Thing, Grace Another. The Utility of the Law.
... A Treatise on the grace of christ, and on original sin, Chapter 9
[VIII.]"The Law One Thing, Grace Another. The Utility of the Law. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 9 viii the law one.htm

Utility (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The quality or state of being useful; usefulness; profitableness to some
valuable end; as, the utility of the sciences; the utility of medicines. ...
/u/utility.htm - 7k

Value (138 Occurrences)
... properties of a thing by which it is rendered useful or desirable, or the degree
of such property or sum of properties; worth; excellence; utility; importance. ...
/v/value.htm - 37k

Utmost (21 Occurrences)

/u/utmost.htm - 13k

Use (620 Occurrences)
... for a book. 3. (vt) Yielding of service; advantage derived; capability
of being used; usefulness; utility. 4. (vt) Continued or ...
/u/use.htm - 8k

Uthi

/u/uthi.htm - 6k

Goats'
... The children of Israel appreciated its utility, even for the tabernacle, where to
the modern critical eye it would have looked out of place, matched against ...
/g/goats'.htm - 7k

Waist (36 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around
your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (WEB NIV). ...
/w/waist.htm - 17k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... It is used in manufacturing articles of ornament or utility. 2. (n.) The tusks
themselves of the elephant, etc. 3. (n.) Any carving executed in ivory. ...
/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Boxtree
... It is remarkable for the beauty of its evergreen foliage and for the utility of
its hard and durable wood. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BOX-TREE. ...
/b/boxtree.htm - 7k

Belt (32 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around
your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (WEB NIV). ...
/b/belt.htm - 17k

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