Embracing Our Gifts: A Journey of Service
Summary
At the dawn of a new year, we gather to reflect on the gifts and talents bestowed upon us by God, and how we can use them to glorify Him. This time of renewal is an opportunity to recognize the unique abilities each of us possesses, and to commit to using them in service to God and our community. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded of the story of the Magi, who, despite not fully understanding the significance of their journey, followed the star to Jesus. Their story is a testament to the power of acting on one's gifts, even when the path is not entirely clear.
The Magi, often misrepresented as kings, were wise men who discerned the birth of Jesus through their study of the stars. They did not let their lack of complete understanding deter them from pursuing their calling. They traveled far, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and were overwhelmed with joy upon finding Jesus. Their journey illustrates the importance of using our gifts, even when it requires effort and courage.
In our own lives, we are challenged to identify and utilize our gifts. Whether it's intelligence, creativity, compassion, or any other talent, each gift is valuable and can contribute to the greater good. We are called to be discerning, ensuring that our gifts are used for God's glory and not exploited by others. This year, we are invited to participate in a year-long challenge, symbolized by silver dollars, to intentionally use our gifts to expand God's kingdom.
As we reflect on the gifts of the Magi and our own, we are reminded that God's love is for everyone, not just a select few. Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, underscores this universal love. We are encouraged to explore the Christmas story, identifying the gifts of each character and considering how they used them to honor God. This exercise helps us see that being gifted and talented is not limited to visible abilities but includes the unseen gifts that impact others profoundly.
Key Takeaways:
1. Recognizing Our Gifts: Each of us is uniquely gifted by God, created in His image with talents that can be used to glorify Him. It's crucial to identify these gifts and believe in their value, as they are meant to be shared with the world. [30:02]
2. Acting on Our Gifts: Like the Magi, we must act on our gifts, even when the path is unclear. Their journey to Jesus, guided by a star, teaches us that using our talents requires courage and perseverance, leading to joy and fulfillment. [31:59]
3. The Joy of Giving: The Magi's joy upon finding Jesus highlights the profound happiness that comes from using our gifts for a greater purpose. This joy is amplified when we give generously, recognizing that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. [37:23]
4. Diverse Gifts for a Diverse World: The world needs a variety of gifts—intelligence, creativity, compassion, and more. We must be discerning in how we use our talents, ensuring they serve God's purposes and not the selfish ambitions of others. [33:42]
5. A Year-Long Challenge: This year, we are challenged to intentionally use our gifts to glorify God, symbolized by silver dollars. This challenge encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, explore our talents, and contribute to God's kingdom in meaningful ways. [45:03]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:37] - Christmas Gifts and Lessons
[15:02] - The Importance of Using Gifts
[16:30] - Recognizing Our Unique Talents
[28:43] - Gifted and Talented: A Broader Perspective
[30:02] - The Challenge of Believing in Our Gifts
[31:05] - The Magi's Journey
[31:59] - Misconceptions About the Magi
[33:42] - The Magi's Discernment
[36:07] - Joy in Using Our Gifts
[37:23] - The Magi's Generosity
[39:19] - Epiphany: A Universal Love
[40:45] - Exploring the Christmas Story
[42:10] - Hidden Gifts and Talents
[45:03] - A Year-Long Challenge to Use Our Gifts
[50:13] - Encouragement to Embrace the Challenge
[51:33] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 2:1-12 - The Visit of the Magi
2. 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Using Gifts to Serve Others
3. Romans 12:6-8 - Different Gifts According to Grace
#### Observation Questions
1. What gifts did the Magi bring to Jesus, and what might these gifts symbolize? [31:05]
2. How did the Magi's journey demonstrate their willingness to act on their discernment and gifts? [33:42]
3. According to the sermon, what are some examples of gifts that people might not immediately recognize as valuable? [42:10]
4. How did the Magi's actions reflect their understanding of being part of something larger than themselves? [37:23]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the story of the Magi teach about the importance of using one's gifts, even when the path is unclear? [31:59]
2. How does the sermon suggest that diverse gifts contribute to the greater good and God's kingdom? [39:19]
3. In what ways does the sermon challenge the traditional understanding of being "gifted and talented"? [30:02]
4. How does the concept of Epiphany, as discussed in the sermon, expand the understanding of God's love and the use of gifts? [39:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a gift or talent you possess that you may have overlooked. How can you begin to use it more intentionally this year? [50:13]
2. The sermon challenges us to use our gifts to glorify God. What specific steps can you take this week to act on this challenge? [45:03]
3. Consider a time when you felt joy from using your gifts. How can you recreate that experience in your current context? [37:23]
4. How can you ensure that your gifts are used for God's purposes and not exploited by others? [33:42]
5. The sermon mentions a year-long challenge symbolized by silver dollars. What personal challenge can you set for yourself to use your gifts in new ways this year? [45:03]
6. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from your gifts. How can you reach out to them this week? [50:13]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to recognize and use their gifts for the greater good? [39:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Unique Gifts
Each person is uniquely gifted by God, created in His image with talents that can be used to glorify Him. Recognizing these gifts is crucial, as they are meant to be shared with the world. The story of the Magi serves as a reminder that even when the path is unclear, acting on our gifts can lead to joy and fulfillment. The Magi, wise men who discerned the birth of Jesus through their study of the stars, did not let their lack of complete understanding deter them from pursuing their calling. They traveled far, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and were overwhelmed with joy upon finding Jesus. Their journey illustrates the importance of using our gifts, even when it requires effort and courage. [30:02]
"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." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others in your community this week?
Day 2: Acting on Our Gifts with Courage
Like the Magi, we must act on our gifts, even when the path is unclear. Their journey to Jesus, guided by a star, teaches us that using our talents requires courage and perseverance, leading to joy and fulfillment. The Magi's story is a testament to the power of acting on one's gifts, even when the path is not entirely clear. They did not let their lack of complete understanding deter them from pursuing their calling. Their journey illustrates the importance of using our gifts, even when it requires effort and courage. [31:59]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one gift you have been hesitant to use because of uncertainty? How can you take a step of faith to use it this week?
Day 3: The Joy of Generous Giving
The Magi's joy upon finding Jesus highlights the profound happiness that comes from using our gifts for a greater purpose. This joy is amplified when we give generously, recognizing that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. The Magi traveled far, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and were overwhelmed with joy upon finding Jesus. Their journey illustrates the importance of using our gifts, even when it requires effort and courage. [37:23]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a way you can give generously this week, whether through time, resources, or talents. How can this act of giving bring joy to both you and others?
Day 4: Diverse Gifts for a Diverse World
The world needs a variety of gifts—intelligence, creativity, compassion, and more. We must be discerning in how we use our talents, ensuring they serve God's purposes and not the selfish ambitions of others. The Magi's story is a testament to the power of acting on one's gifts, even when the path is not entirely clear. They did not let their lack of complete understanding deter them from pursuing their calling. Their journey illustrates the importance of using our gifts, even when it requires effort and courage. [33:42]
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the common good in your community or church this week?
Day 5: Embracing the Year-Long Challenge
This year, we are challenged to intentionally use our gifts to glorify God, symbolized by silver dollars. This challenge encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, explore our talents, and contribute to God's kingdom in meaningful ways. The Magi's story is a testament to the power of acting on one's gifts, even when the path is not entirely clear. They did not let their lack of complete understanding deter them from pursuing their calling. Their journey illustrates the importance of using our gifts, even when it requires effort and courage. [45:03]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Colossians 3:23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone to use your gifts for God's glory this year? How can you start this journey today?
Quotes
"Today, we are going to be talking about gifts. And everybody, everybody has gifts. But not everybody uses their gifts. And when they don't use their gifts, they go to waste. They go to waste. Now, you guys have gifts. So some of you are really, really good readers. And some of you are super good at sports. And some of you make fantastic artwork. And some of you can sing very, very well. And some of you are really, really kind." [00:16:30] (32 seconds)
"The truth is, believers, that every one of us created in the image of God is gifted and talented. The challenge, though, is that too many of us don't believe it, and because we don't believe it, we don't act on it. We don't think that we have anything to offer the world." [00:30:38] (28 seconds)
"It tells us that they were people of discernible talent who had been gifted with the ability to know that something truly heavenly was happening and that having been given such a gift and a talent to discern this, they didn't just sit there on their back deck hoping that somebody else would go and figure it out. They got up and they went. They pursued their gift." [00:32:29] (28 seconds)
"let's also remember that the wise men who came to see Jesus were not the only ones who came to see them so did the shepherds they they would not have necessarily been two groups of people that would have hung out together their fields of expertise vastly different and yet like so much of the world they had been eagerly expecting a Savior and they all wanted to come and see this Jesus and they were all warmly welcomed and received but they probably shouldn't have switched places the shepherds probably should not have gone back as wise men the wise men probably should not have gone back as shepherds because they were gifted differently one of the hardest things about being gifted and talented and this is true for artists musicians academics characters caregivers and wise men is that there are people in this world who are more than willing to exploit your gifts and talents so you need to be discerning about what you do with them for the wise men it was King Herod he wanted their information not so that he could take joy in the birth of a Savior but so that he could maintain his power and influence. And ultimately, the wise men discerning in their gifts did not go back to Herod." [00:34:04] (91 seconds)
"The scripture says that when the star stopped, the wise men were overwhelmed with joy. They didn't know exactly what they were walking into. They didn't have the full comprehension of Jesus, but they knew, too, they knew that their gifting had brought them to a place of being part of something much larger than themselves, and they were overcome with joy." [00:36:46] (24 seconds)
"That is the story of so many Christians who stumble their way to Jesus, and they brought these rare and expensive gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. That's how we assume that there were three of them, because there were three gifts. They chose to visit a king that they did not owe, no, or owe their allegiance to, and it's a journey that took them many months." [00:37:23] (27 seconds)
"As the Magi discovered giving of their time and their possessions, using their talents, it caused great joy to spring from their hearts they were overwhelmed with joy and that joy was only enhanced by their generosity they did something with their gifts and talents that was a visible and tangible recognition that they were invited invited not coerced not forced but welcomed to be a part of something that was so much bigger than they could even fathom have you ever watched our children's choir sing when they get to come in the word that we use to describe it when they're here is is joy because when you watch their faces and you watch their smiles and you watch them when they wave to mom and dad that they recognize you are seeing a pride and them getting to share their talent their gifts their work they feel good about what they what they are doing and what what they have done, and how they can contribute in their own small and precious way to worshiping Jesus." [00:37:59] (69 seconds)
"It recognizes that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was manifested to the Gentiles, those who were not Jews, represented by the Magi. And that reminds us that God's love is for the whole world, not just for the chosen few. This is a day to recognize that as ones who are created in the image of God, we each have been gifted in ways that we can use our talents to honor and glorify him." [00:39:19] (36 seconds)
"So list out all of the characters, even the angel, and then beside each of them, list what you think were the gifts that they had. And think about how they used their specific gifts. I think part of the disconnect for me with the label gifted and talented is that being smart isn't the only way to be gifted and talented." [00:40:45] (28 seconds)
"Now, last year, we sent everyone away from the service with the gift of a word. A word that God would use to speak life into your life last year. This year, we are going to send you home with something else. A challenge. It is a year -long challenge. We have two members of our congregation who firmly believe that every one of us is gifted and talented. We don't all have the same gifts. We don't all have the same talents." [00:44:27] (36 seconds)
"Our prayer is that you will take this challenge this year, that you will be transformed as you draw closer and closer to Jesus. But in order to do that, you are going to have to start. And starting begins with looking at what your gifts are and acting upon them. May you do so boldly to the glory of God and may God bless you and keep you. May he make his face to shine upon you now and forevermore. Amen." [01:11:19] (36 seconds)
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