Embracing and Stewarding Our Spiritual Gifts
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the topic of spiritual gifts, exploring their significance and how they can be utilized within the church. We began by acknowledging the ongoing debate between cessationism and continuationism, emphasizing that while this is a secondary issue, the primary focus should always be on the authority of Scripture and the core tenets of our faith. Spiritual gifts, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the church and serving others. These gifts are distinct from the fruits of the Spirit, which are developed as we grow in our faith.
We discussed the importance of recognizing and valuing the spiritual gifts God has given us. Using the parable of the talents from Matthew 25, we highlighted the necessity of stewarding these gifts well. Just as the master in the parable praised the servants who invested their talents, God expects us to use our gifts for His glory. Ignoring or undervaluing these gifts is akin to burying them, which leads to spiritual stagnation.
Furthermore, we explored how spiritual gifts contribute to our spiritual growth. Like muscles that weaken without use, spiritual gifts must be exercised to remain effective. Paul’s letters to Timothy serve as a reminder to fan into flame the gifts God has given us, encouraging us to use them actively to grow in faith and effectiveness.
We also emphasized that spiritual gifts are meant to benefit others, not just ourselves. They are given to build up the church and bring unity. Each gift, whether it be prophecy, teaching, or serving, plays a crucial role in the body of Christ. Just as a baseball team needs players with different skills to succeed, the church needs a variety of spiritual gifts to function effectively.
Lastly, we touched on the greatest gift of all—love. Without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts are meaningless. Love is the foundation that gives value to our gifts and actions. We concluded with a personal story, underscoring the importance of recognizing our value and the impact our obedience can have on others.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Stewarding Spiritual Gifts: God has entrusted each of us with unique spiritual gifts, and it is our responsibility to use them wisely. Just as the master in the parable of the talents praised the servants who invested their talents, God expects us to actively use our gifts for His glory. Ignoring or undervaluing these gifts leads to spiritual stagnation and missed opportunities to serve others. [10:19]
2. Spiritual Growth Through Exercising Gifts: Spiritual gifts, like muscles, need to be exercised to remain effective. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to "fan into flame" the gifts God gave him serves as a reminder that using our gifts strengthens our faith and effectiveness. Regularly practicing our gifts not only helps us grow spiritually but also prepares us for greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom. [15:21]
3. Gifts for the Benefit of the Church: Spiritual gifts are not given for personal glory but for the edification of the church. Each gift, whether it be prophecy, teaching, or serving, plays a crucial role in the body of Christ. A church that honors and utilizes the diverse gifts of its members functions more effectively and brings greater glory to God. [20:54]
4. The Primacy of Love: While spiritual gifts are important, they are meaningless without love. Love is the greatest gift and the foundation that gives value to all other gifts and actions. As 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes, without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts are nothing. Love should be the driving force behind the use of our gifts. [25:13]
5. Recognizing Personal Value and Impact: Each of us has value and a unique role to play in God’s plan. Our obedience and use of spiritual gifts can have a profound impact on others, even if we don’t see it immediately. Recognizing our value and the potential impact of our actions encourages us to persevere and continue serving God faithfully. [29:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
[02:17] - Cessationism vs. Continuationism
[03:11] - Fruits vs. Gifts of the Spirit
[04:04] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[05:10] - List of Spiritual Gifts
[06:47] - Recognizing the Value of Your Gifts
[07:54] - The Parable of the Talents
[10:19] - Stewarding Your Gifts
[11:39] - Honoring Others' Gifts
[12:44] - Respecting Church Leaders
[14:02] - Spiritual Growth Through Gifts
[15:21] - Paul's Encouragement to Timothy
[18:01] - Personal Growth and Development
[20:54] - Gifts for the Benefit of the Church
[22:11] - Diversity of Gifts in the Church
[23:41] - The Body of Christ
[25:13] - The Greatest Gift: Love
[29:44] - Recognizing Personal Value and Impact
[30:00] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
2. Matthew 25:14-30
3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, who is the source of all spiritual gifts, and how are they distributed among believers?
2. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), what did the master do when he returned and found that one servant had buried his talent? [10:19]
3. What does 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 say about the importance of love in relation to spiritual gifts?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the parable of the talents illustrate the concept of stewarding spiritual gifts? What does it mean to "bury" a gift in a modern context? [10:19]
2. Why does Paul emphasize the need to "fan into flame" the spiritual gifts in 2 Timothy 1:6-7? How can this be applied to our spiritual growth? [15:21]
3. How does 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 challenge the way we view and use our spiritual gifts? Why is love considered the greatest gift? [25:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the spiritual gifts you believe God has given you. How have you been using them to serve others and build up the church? If you haven't been using them, what steps can you take to start? [10:19]
2. Think about a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. Could it have been related to not using your spiritual gifts? How can you "fan into flame" your gifts to grow spiritually? [15:21]
3. How can you honor and encourage the spiritual gifts of others in your church community? Share a specific example of how you can do this in the coming week. [12:44]
4. In what ways can you ensure that love is the driving force behind the use of your spiritual gifts? How can you cultivate a heart of love in your daily interactions? [25:13]
5. Identify a specific area in your church where your spiritual gifts could be beneficial. How can you take action to serve in that area? [20:54]
6. Have you ever felt undervalued or unsure of your role in the church? How does recognizing your personal value and impact change your perspective? What can you do to remind yourself of this truth regularly? [29:44]
7. Consider someone in your life who may not yet recognize their spiritual gifts. How can you encourage them to discover and use their gifts for God's glory? [11:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Stewarding Spiritual Gifts Wisely
God has entrusted each believer with unique spiritual gifts, and it is our responsibility to use them wisely. These gifts are not meant to be hidden or ignored but to be actively used for God's glory and the benefit of others. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 illustrates this principle well. The master praised the servants who invested their talents, while the servant who buried his talent was reprimanded. Similarly, God expects us to steward our spiritual gifts diligently. Ignoring or undervaluing these gifts leads to spiritual stagnation and missed opportunities to serve others. By recognizing and valuing the gifts God has given us, we can contribute to the growth and edification of the church. [10:19]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What specific spiritual gift has God given you, and how can you actively use it to serve others in your church or community this week?
Day 2: Exercising Spiritual Gifts for Growth
Spiritual gifts, like muscles, need to be exercised to remain effective. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to "fan into flame" the gifts God gave him serves as a reminder that using our gifts strengthens our faith and effectiveness. Regularly practicing our gifts not only helps us grow spiritually but also prepares us for greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom. When we neglect to use our gifts, they can become dormant, leading to a lack of spiritual growth. By actively engaging in the use of our spiritual gifts, we can experience personal growth and be better equipped to serve others. [15:21]
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV): "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can "fan into flame" your spiritual gift this week? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine?
Day 3: Gifts for the Benefit of the Church
Spiritual gifts are not given for personal glory but for the edification of the church. Each gift, whether it be prophecy, teaching, or serving, plays a crucial role in the body of Christ. A church that honors and utilizes the diverse gifts of its members functions more effectively and brings greater glory to God. Just as a baseball team needs players with different skills to succeed, the church needs a variety of spiritual gifts to function effectively. By recognizing and valuing the gifts of others, we can foster a spirit of unity and collaboration within the church. [20:54]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: How can you encourage and support someone else in your church to use their spiritual gift? What steps can you take to foster a spirit of unity and collaboration within your church community?
Day 4: The Primacy of Love
While spiritual gifts are important, they are meaningless without love. Love is the greatest gift and the foundation that gives value to all other gifts and actions. As 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes, without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts are nothing. Love should be the driving force behind the use of our gifts. When we operate out of love, our actions reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God. By prioritizing love in our interactions and service, we can ensure that our spiritual gifts are used in a way that honors God and edifies others. [25:13]
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV): "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate love in your use of spiritual gifts this week? How can you ensure that love is the driving force behind your actions and service?
Day 5: Recognizing Personal Value and Impact
Each of us has value and a unique role to play in God’s plan. Our obedience and use of spiritual gifts can have a profound impact on others, even if we don’t see it immediately. Recognizing our value and the potential impact of our actions encourages us to persevere and continue serving God faithfully. By understanding that our contributions matter, we can be motivated to use our gifts with diligence and faithfulness. Our obedience to God and the use of our spiritual gifts can inspire and bless others in ways we may never fully realize. [29:44]
Romans 12:4-6 (ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when someone else's use of their spiritual gift impacted you. How can you use your own gifts to make a positive impact on someone else this week?
Quotes
1. "And so if you believe in Jesus and receive salvation, at that moment, the Holy Spirit lives in you. We see this in Acts 2.38. Peter replied, See, the Holy Spirit is there to help us. He's there to guide us. He's there to help you overcome temptation, help you live holy. And as the Holy Spirit dwells in us, He gives us a gift. We read this in 1 Corinthians 12.4. There are different kinds of spiritual." [04:04] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And if we've been given something, we should do something with it. And so do you know how many spiritual gifts there are? There's quite a few, actually. There's about 90. 19 or so spiritual gifts. And so I'm going to read. I should have gave them like a slide to read it all, but just listen to me. And if something stands out to you, you're like, oh, that kind of sounds like something I have. You know, think about that as I go along in the sermon." [05:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How sad is that if you give someone a gift? I remember years ago when I was, I think, a teenager. I think me and my wife were still dating at the time. And Christmas is coming up. And I'm thinking, okay, I got to give my mom a gift, right? So I'm like, dang, I don't know. It's hard to get her something when she has everything, right? That's what I was thinking, you know, back then. And I'm like, so we're going through Target. And me and Angie." [07:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And whatever God has given you, it is your duty to steward it well. Don't be lazy. See, he didn't value what was given to him. And some of you have been given something, and all you've done with it is bury it. Maybe he's given you the gift of teaching but you're too afraid to open up your mouth. Or maybe he's given you the gift of encouragement but you don't want to speak into someone's life for some reason. Why? Because you're not valuing what he's given you." [11:39] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And as you lean into your spiritual gifts, it will begin to build your confidence. I value and understand that God has given me a gift and it is my responsibility to use it and to help me grow spiritually. Amen. Number three, we must recognize that your gifts help others. First Peter 4.10 says, See, your gifts are not, are not just for you to look cool, right? Like, oh, I have the gift of prophecy. I can see your future, right? I got the word of knowledge." [19:23] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "See, God has called us to build the church, to use our gifts for his glory and to bring unity in this church. Have you ever met someone who's just so nice, right? You just feel so good about yourself after talking to them. They might have the gift of encouragement, right? They have a special anointing on them. And the great thing about this church is we all have different gifts. Aren't you glad we're not all the same? I'm glad you guys are all not like me." [20:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And the same thing with the church. If everyone had the same spiritual gift, there would be a lack of balance. And just as a baseball team needs players with different skills to succeed, a church needs a variety of spiritual gifts to function effectively. Each person's unique gift contributes to the overall benefit of the church. Amen? Ephesians 4, 15 through 16 says, Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." [23:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And though I'm not perfect, he has called me to be an example so that others may know him. And I want to encourage some of you. Maybe you've been coming, and you've been dealing with that. Can I tell you, you have value. I said, you have value. Don't let that listen to the lies of the enemy saying that you have no purpose in this church. You don't have to be a pastor to have value. Your life has value. Your life has an impact on someone else." [29:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And I want to share this personal story with you, and then we'll close here. Actually, I just shared this with my church like last month, so beforehand, I never really told anyone how I was feeling. I guess no one really asked me, huh? But I never really told them, so when I shared it, you know, of course, it was like a form of therapy. And everything, but I probably won't cry today. I already cried on Friday for my dad. But I told them, you know, I was thinking of just my position in church, right?" [28:16] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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