Embracing Our Gifts: A Call to Joyful Service

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that each of us has been uniquely gifted by God, and these gifts are not for our own benefit but for the service of others. We began by reflecting on the Apostle Peter's exhortation to the early church, reminding us that "the end of all things is at hand," urging us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. This urgency should sharpen our focus on how we use our time and talents for God's glory and the benefit of our community.

We delved into the concept of cultivating a culture of joyful service within our church, drawing from Michael Fletcher's insights on organizational culture. Just as every home has a distinct smell, every church has a unique culture. Our prayer is that Christ Point would be marked by the aroma of joyful service, reflecting the way of Jesus. Service is not just a duty but a path to joy in the Christian life.

We examined 1 Peter 4:10, which emphasizes that every believer has received a gift from God. These gifts are not to be hoarded but used to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. We are reminded that our gifts are indispensable to the body of Christ, much like every part of a physical body is essential. The metaphor of a family gathering at Christmas, where everyone receives a gift, illustrates that no one is forgotten in God's family.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of recognizing the seasons of life and serving in ways that align with our current capacities. Whether you're a young parent, a caregiver, or in a different life stage, there is freedom to serve as you are able. We also reflected on the heart posture of Isaiah, who responded to God's call with "Here I am, send me," highlighting the humility and willingness required in service.

Finally, we considered the impact of living a life of service, not just for personal joy but for the glory of God. Imagine the transformation in our church and community if everyone who could serve did so. The call to action is clear: we are on the clock, and our time is limited. Let's use our gifts to make a difference now.

Key Takeaways:

1. Urgency in Service: Living with the awareness that our time is limited should sharpen our focus on what truly matters. The Apostle Peter's reminder that "the end of all things is at hand" calls us to prioritize our lives around God's purposes, saying no to distractions and yes to meaningful service. [32:58]

2. Joyful Service as Culture: A church's culture is like the aroma of a home. At Christ Point, we aim for a culture of joyful service, reflecting Jesus' way. Service is not just a duty but a path to joy, as we use our God-given gifts for the benefit of others. [37:12]

3. Gifts for Others: Every believer has received a unique gift from God, meant for serving others. Our gifts are indispensable to the body of Christ, and using them is not optional but a divine calling. We are stewards of God's varied grace, entrusted to use our gifts for His glory. [40:21]

4. Seasons of Service: Recognize the different seasons of life and serve in ways that align with your current capacity. Whether you're a young parent or a caregiver, there's freedom to serve as you're able, knowing that God understands your circumstances. [59:19]

5. Humble Willingness: Like Isaiah, we are called to respond to God's invitation with humility and willingness. "Here I am, send me" should be our heart posture, ready to serve wherever God leads, without stipulations or reservations. [01:04:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [27:49] - Invitations to Community
- [32:58] - Living with Urgency
- [34:38] - Commands for the Church
- [36:26] - Culture of Joyful Service
- [37:12] - The Aroma of Service
- [38:17] - Gifts for Serving Others
- [40:21] - Indispensable Gifts
- [42:48] - Stewarding God's Gifts
- [45:32] - Sharing Our Gifts
- [47:28] - Gifts for the Community
- [50:21] - Unique and Varied Gifts
- [52:04] - Avoiding Comparison
- [53:46] - Using Your Unique Gifts
- [56:01] - Reflections on Service

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
- Isaiah 6:8
- 1 Corinthians 12:22

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Peter 4:10, what is the purpose of the gifts that each believer has received? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on using gifts for others? [38:17]

2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned a metaphor about the aroma of a church. What does this metaphor suggest about the culture of joyful service at Christ Point? [37:12]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of different seasons in life when it comes to serving? What examples were given to illustrate this? [59:19]

4. What does the sermon say about the importance of humility and willingness in service, as exemplified by Isaiah’s response to God? [01:04:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "on the clock" influence the urgency with which believers should use their gifts, according to the sermon? [32:58]

2. The sermon discusses the idea of being indispensable to the body of Christ. How does this challenge common perceptions about the significance of individual gifts? [41:33]

3. Reflect on the metaphor of a family gathering at Christmas where everyone receives a gift. How does this illustrate the inclusivity of God’s gifting to His followers? [40:21]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that joyful service can transform both the individual and the community? [01:16:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current season of life. How can you serve in ways that align with your current capacity and circumstances? What adjustments might you need to make? [59:19]

2. Consider the gifts you believe God has given you. How can you use these gifts to serve others in your church or community this week? [38:17]

3. The sermon emphasizes humility in service, as seen in Isaiah’s response. Are there areas in your life where you need to adopt a more humble and willing attitude towards serving? [01:04:11]

4. Think about the culture of your church or community. What steps can you take to contribute to a culture of joyful service, and how can you encourage others to do the same? [37:12]

5. The sermon challenges us to live with a sense of urgency. What distractions might you need to eliminate to focus more on serving God’s purposes? [32:58]

6. How can you ensure that you are not comparing your gifts to others, but instead focusing on stewarding your unique gifts for God’s glory? [52:04]

7. Imagine the impact if everyone in your church who could serve did so. What role can you play in making this vision a reality, and how can you encourage others to join you? [01:16:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Urgency in Service
Living with the awareness that our time is limited should sharpen our focus on what truly matters. The Apostle Peter's reminder that "the end of all things is at hand" calls us to prioritize our lives around God's purposes, saying no to distractions and yes to meaningful service. This urgency is not meant to instill fear but to inspire a purposeful life, where every moment is an opportunity to serve God and others. As believers, we are called to live with intentionality, ensuring that our actions align with God's will and contribute to His kingdom. [32:58]

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." (1 Peter 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one distraction in your life that you can eliminate today to focus more on serving God and others?


Day 2: Joyful Service as Culture
A church's culture is like the aroma of a home. At Christ Point, we aim for a culture of joyful service, reflecting Jesus' way. Service is not just a duty but a path to joy, as we use our God-given gifts for the benefit of others. This culture of service transforms the church into a community where love and joy are palpable, drawing others to the heart of Christ. By embracing service with joy, we not only fulfill our calling but also experience the deep satisfaction that comes from living in alignment with God's purposes. [37:12]

"Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" (Psalm 100:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a culture of joyful service in your church or community this week?


Day 3: Gifts for Others
Every believer has received a unique gift from God, meant for serving others. Our gifts are indispensable to the body of Christ, and using them is not optional but a divine calling. We are stewards of God's varied grace, entrusted to use our gifts for His glory. Just as each part of a body is essential, so too is each person's contribution to the church. By recognizing and utilizing our gifts, we honor God and strengthen the community of believers. [40:21]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific gift has God given you, and how can you use it to serve someone in your community today?


Day 4: Seasons of Service
Recognize the different seasons of life and serve in ways that align with your current capacity. Whether you're a young parent or a caregiver, there's freedom to serve as you're able, knowing that God understands your circumstances. This perspective allows us to serve without guilt or comparison, embracing the unique opportunities each season presents. By acknowledging our limitations and strengths, we can serve effectively and joyfully, trusting that God values our willingness more than the quantity of our service. [59:19]

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)

Reflection: What season of life are you currently in, and how can you serve God and others in a way that honors your current capacity?


Day 5: Humble Willingness
Like Isaiah, we are called to respond to God's invitation with humility and willingness. "Here I am, send me" should be our heart posture, ready to serve wherever God leads, without stipulations or reservations. This attitude of openness and surrender allows God to work through us in powerful ways, impacting lives and advancing His kingdom. By embracing a humble willingness to serve, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience the joy of being used by Him. [01:04:11]

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'" (Isaiah 6:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to say, "Here I am, send me," and how can you take a step of faith in that direction today?

Quotes

Father God, thank you so much for your living and active word. We thank you that you still use it to form and shape us and change us. Lord, I pray that your word would soften our hearts, that we would be encouraged, that we would be challenged, that we would be convicted. Lord, we ask that you would change us from the inside out this morning. God, thanks for loving us right where we are and loving us enough to not let us stay there. Lord, I pray that we would leave this place this morning. [00:26:18]

The Apostle Peter wrote to a scattered church experiencing persecution and wrote these words, the end of all things is at hand. In other words, the clock is ticking. The clock is ticking. The clock is ticking in your life and in mine, and so how we choose to spend our time here on this earth really does matter. [00:34:17]

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's very grace. It's that last one. It's really verses 10 and into. Verse 11 that I want to camp out on this morning. At Christ Point, we oftentimes say that we exist to point people to Jesus. We do that as a church by encountering the life-transforming power of the Word of God, experiencing or cultivating authentic community, establishing a culture of joyful service, and engaging all people. [00:35:04]

Notice three things about verse 10. Number one, notice that every believer has received a gift. If you're here this morning and you are a follower of Jesus, you've been gifted. You've been gifted by God. Secondly, notice that every gift to you, given to you, is for the sake of others. So you've been gifted and your gift has been given to you for the sake of others. And then third, every believer is called to steward the unique gifts given by God and for God. [00:38:17]

God has gifted you and there are no exceptions for the followers of Jesus. God has entrusted something to you. You've been gifted with a unique and a special gift from God. You might be here this morning thinking to yourself, James, I know where you're going with this, just so you know, I don't have a gift. That's not true. Maybe you're here this morning and you think, comparatively speaking, my gift is insignificant compared to someone else's gift. Also, not true. [00:40:36]

So if you're here this morning and Christ Point is your church home, the gift that you have been given by God is absolutely necessary to this place. There are no throwaway parts and pieces. The church is not Ikea furniture. We don't put everything together and you got some parts left over at the end and you're like. I think I did it right. Just throw them out or put them in a coffee can in the garage. We don't need them. [00:42:47]

Your gift has been given to you by God for the sake of others. So look around the room this morning. I mean, seriously, look around the room. Look to your left and to your right. Look behind you. Look in front of you. Like, what if the God of the universe gifted you for their sake? What if he's entrusted something to you for the sake of your brother or sister sitting next to you or across from you? Or behind you or in front of you? [00:47:14]

God has given to his people a gift for the sake of others, but we are stewards. It's not ours. Your gift that God has given, or my gift that God has given to me, it's all, I mean, it's his. It's his gift given to us, entrusted to us. We are stewards. It talks about God's varied grace, which means the gifts that he gives to us are unique and different. They don't all look the same, and that's a good thing. [00:50:21]

We spend so, so much time comparing our gifts to the gifts that God's given to someone else, and that is a fruitless exercise. God's gifted you uniquely and differently, and your gift or you are indispensable. You're absolutely necessary to what God is doing in this place. Apostle Peter continues in verse 11 and says, whoever speaks as one who speaks oracles, oracles of God, and whoever serves as one who serves, ultimately with the strength that God provides. [00:53:46]

If you're here this morning, my encouragement to you is to serve in ways you're able when you're able. To serve in ways you're able when you're able. Here's what I mean by that. There are unique challenges and seasons in life. Like all of us have experienced unique times where life never looked the way we wanted it to. Life never looked the same way for everyone forever. It's just like things are constantly changing. [00:57:29]

If you're familiar with the story of Isaiah in Isaiah chapter six, it describes how the prophet Isaiah through a vision from the Lord begins his ministry for God. In the vision, the Lord asked, who shall I send and who will go for us? And Isaiah's response to volunteer for service was here I am, send me. The story is such that after 52 years of his reign in relative peace, King Uzziah of Judah died of leprosy in 739 BC. [01:00:36]

Think about the impact that it would have. If our impact team had so many people that when you came on Sunday morning you had this sense of like they've been waiting for me. I mean this is kind of weird. I mean just think about the impact that that would have. What if, what if you lived your life in such a way that when you served you experienced joy and God received the glory. I mean I just think about the impact that would have on not just this place but our community. It would be massive. [01:16:20]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?