Embracing Our Gifts: Faith, Action, and God's Timing

 

Summary

In Romans 12, we are reminded that each of us has been uniquely gifted by God. These gifts are not just for our benefit but are meant to be used to build His kingdom. Too often, we find ourselves merely existing rather than truly living, because we are not using the gifts God has given us. We are called to step out in faith, to take risks, and to trust that God will support us as we use our gifts for His glory.

The story of Bezalel in Exodus 35 illustrates how God anointed him with the skills needed to build the tabernacle. This anointing was not for performing miracles but for doing excellent work. Similarly, God has endowed each of us with specific talents and abilities. Our gifts point to our calling, and it is through prayer and reflection that we can discern what God has called us to do.

The leap of faith is a recurring theme in the Bible. Peter walked on water because he trusted Jesus' command to "come." Moses parted the Red Sea because he believed in God's promise. Abraham left his homeland at 75, trusting in God's vision for his future. These stories remind us that faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks.

We must not let fear or the pursuit of perfection hold us back. God has a precise timing for everything, and we must be attuned to His timing. We are encouraged to seek godly counsel and ensure that our actions align with God's word. As we prepare to take our leap of faith, we must also be diligent in developing our gifts and working hard to fulfill our calling.

Ultimately, God will not let us fail. He is faithful and able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. Our responsibility is to trust Him, take the leap, and allow Him to guide us to the future He has prepared for us.

Key Takeaways:

- Unique Gifts and Calling: Each of us has been uniquely gifted by God, and these gifts are meant to be used for His kingdom. Our gifts point to our calling, and through prayer, we can discern what God has called us to do. It is essential to identify and use our gifts to truly live and not just exist. [02:17]

- Faith Requires Action: The leap of faith is a recurring theme in the Bible. Stories like Peter walking on water and Moses parting the Red Sea remind us that faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. Trusting in God's promises allows us to experience His miraculous power. [16:52]

- God's Timing is Perfect: God has a precise timing for everything, and we must be attuned to His timing. It is crucial to wait for God's "now" before taking action. Jumping the gun can lead to unnecessary challenges, but waiting for God's timing ensures His support and success. [55:41]

- Seek Godly Counsel: Before taking a leap of faith, it is important to seek godly counsel and ensure that our actions align with God's word. Wise counsel provides safety and helps us discern if our plans are truly from God. [52:38]

- Diligence and Hard Work: As we prepare to take our leap of faith, we must be diligent in developing our gifts and working hard to fulfill our calling. God does not bless laziness, and it is through hard work and dedication that we position ourselves for success. [01:03:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:17] - Living Beyond Existence
- [02:17] - Understanding Our Unique Gifts
- [04:05] - The Purpose of Our Gifts
- [05:27] - Bezalel's Anointing
- [07:05] - Anointing for Excellence
- [08:17] - Identifying Your Calling
- [09:41] - Gifts Point to Purpose
- [10:33] - Misusing Our Gifts
- [12:42] - Taking the Leap of Faith
- [14:06] - From Existing to Living
- [15:44] - Peter's Leap of Faith
- [18:27] - Moses' Leap of Faith
- [19:48] - The Faith Life
- [20:39] - Abraham's Leap of Faith
- [23:06] - God's Vision for You
- [25:17] - Indiana Jones' Leap of Faith
- [27:01] - Deborah and Barak
- [29:10] - Gideon's Call
- [31:09] - Overcoming Fear and Doubt
- [33:17] - The Pursuit of Perfection
- [34:20] - Untapped Potential
- [35:26] - Embracing Your Mission
- [38:16] - David's Courage
- [42:04] - God's Faithfulness
- [44:23] - The Necessity of Jumping
- [46:02] - Personal Testimony
- [48:55] - Four Truths About Jumping
- [50:54] - Seeking Godly Counsel
- [55:41] - God's Perfect Timing
- [01:02:26] - Diligence and Hard Work
- [01:04:52] - Taking the Leap Together

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:6-8
- Exodus 35:30-35
- Matthew 14:28-29

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 12:6-8, what does Paul say about the diversity of gifts among believers? How does he suggest these gifts should be used? [02:17]

2. How does the story of Bezalel in Exodus 35 illustrate the concept of being anointed for excellence in one's work? What specific skills was he given? [07:05]

3. In Matthew 14:28-29, what was Peter's initial reaction to seeing Jesus walking on water, and what did he ask Jesus to do? [15:44]

4. According to the sermon, what are some examples of gifts that people might have that are not typically recognized as spiritual gifts? [04:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of having unique gifts and callings challenge the idea of comparing oneself to others within the church community? [04:05]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and action, particularly in the context of taking risks for God's kingdom? [19:48]

3. How can believers discern God's timing in their lives, and why is it important to wait for God's "now" before taking action? [55:41]

4. What role does seeking godly counsel play in preparing to take a leap of faith, according to the sermon? [52:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the gifts you believe God has given you. How are you currently using them to serve His kingdom, and what steps can you take to develop them further? [10:33]

2. Think about a time when you felt called to step out in faith but hesitated. What held you back, and how can you overcome similar fears in the future? [19:48]

3. Consider the importance of God's timing in your life. Are there areas where you might be jumping the gun, and how can you better align with His timing? [55:41]

4. Identify a trusted mentor or spiritual leader in your life. How can you seek their counsel to ensure your plans align with God's word? [52:38]

5. The sermon emphasizes the need for diligence and hard work. What practical steps can you take this week to be more diligent in developing your gifts? [01:03:03]

6. Reflect on a situation where you might be playing it safe rather than living a life of faith. What is one specific action you can take to step out of your comfort zone? [19:48]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to identify and use their gifts for God's glory? What role can you play in supporting them? [04:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Discovering Your Unique Gifts
Each person is uniquely gifted by God, and these gifts are intended to be used for His kingdom. Recognizing and utilizing these gifts is essential to living a fulfilling life rather than merely existing. Through prayer and reflection, individuals can discern their calling and understand how their gifts align with God's purpose for them. The story of Bezalel in Exodus 35 serves as a reminder that God anoints us with specific talents, not for performing miracles, but for doing excellent work. By identifying and using our gifts, we can contribute to building God's kingdom and experience a deeper sense of purpose. [02:17]

"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 begin to use them to serve others and build His kingdom today?


Day 2: Faith in Action
Faith is not passive; it requires action and often involves stepping out of our comfort zones. Biblical stories like Peter walking on water and Moses parting the Red Sea illustrate that faith involves taking risks and trusting in God's promises. These acts of faith allow individuals to experience God's miraculous power and deepen their relationship with Him. By taking a leap of faith, believers can move beyond fear and doubt, embracing the opportunities God has placed before them. Trusting in God's promises enables us to witness His power in our lives and the world around us. [16:52]

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a leap of faith? How can you take a step towards that today?


Day 3: Aligning with God's Timing
God's timing is perfect, and it is crucial for believers to be attuned to His timing in their lives. Acting prematurely can lead to unnecessary challenges, while waiting for God's "now" ensures His support and success. By seeking godly counsel and aligning actions with God's word, individuals can discern the right time to act. Trusting in God's timing requires patience and faith, knowing that He has a precise plan for each person. By waiting for His timing, believers can experience the fullness of His blessings and guidance. [55:41]

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a decision or action you are considering that requires waiting on God's timing? How can you seek His guidance and patience in this situation today?


Day 4: Seeking Wise Counsel
Before taking a leap of faith, it is important to seek godly counsel and ensure that actions align with God's word. Wise counsel provides safety and helps individuals discern if their plans are truly from God. By surrounding themselves with godly advisors, believers can gain insight and clarity on their path. Seeking counsel is an act of humility and wisdom, acknowledging that others can provide valuable perspectives and guidance. This practice helps ensure that decisions are made in alignment with God's will and purpose. [52:38]

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14, ESV)

Reflection: Who are the godly individuals in your life that you can turn to for counsel? How can you seek their guidance on a decision you are facing today?


Day 5: Diligence in Developing Gifts
As believers prepare to take their leap of faith, they must be diligent in developing their gifts and working hard to fulfill their calling. God does not bless laziness, and it is through hard work and dedication that individuals position themselves for success. By honing their skills and talents, believers can effectively contribute to God's kingdom and fulfill their purpose. Diligence in developing gifts is an act of stewardship, recognizing that these talents are entrusted by God for His glory. [01:03:03]

"Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to develop the gifts God has given you? How can you use these gifts to serve others and glorify God?

Quotes



The problem might be that you're playing it safe rather than living a life of faith. And at some point. At some point, you're going to have to take a leap of faith to experience the future that God has for you. [00:01:43] (17 seconds)


And God has given us these gifts because he wants us, he needs us to use those gifts to help build his kingdom. And actually, it's when we use those gifts that we will really enjoy our lives. We will really have the prosperity that God wants us to enjoy as well. [00:05:00] (24 seconds)


So notice that God's word is showing us here that God filled these men with the spirit of God. Another way of talking about saying that is the Holy Spirit came upon these men. It was an anointing on these men. But when you think about the anointing coming on somebody, you immediately think about miracles. Right? The anointing is on me to preach. The anointing is on me to, you know, cause the sick to be healed and the dead to be risen. But here, the anointing didn't come on them for miracles in that way. The anointing came on them so they could do phenomenal work. [00:07:20] (36 seconds)


Now you need to identify what your gift is. What you love to do, what you can be the best at. You need to identify what God sent you on earth to do. And what's so awesome about this is that your gifts actually help you identify your calling. [00:08:50] (26 seconds)


And the only way, of course, for you to soar is to jump. The only way you can soar is to jump. And what's happened with too many people is that we live life, on the cliff. We watch other folks soar. And we wonder, how is it they're doing so well? How is it they're prospering? How is it that things are having such an impact? And it might just be that they're living in their gift. [00:12:33] (36 seconds)


And in that word was the power necessary to do what God wanted him to do, to walk on the water. And get this, and when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. So notice that Peter is in the ship watching Jesus. [00:16:32] (20 seconds)


But because you've been living planets safe instead of living a life of faith. The faith life is a life where you're going to take some risks. Where people are going to look at what you're about to do or what you're doing. They're going to say that's crazy. [00:19:36] (14 seconds)


And God said, No, no, no. I'm going to be with you. I'm going to cause you to have a victory where you'll defeat them as one man. And God did. But he had to get the guy to jump. [00:31:15] (12 seconds)


Sometimes we feel like things have to be perfect before I do what God told me to do, or before I release what God has had me create. But the pursuit of perfection is often the enemy of progress. [00:33:17] (13 seconds)


And the worst thing in the world for you to do is to live and die without having done what God's put in your heart to do. You know, I like something else that Miles Monroe said. He said, the wealthiest place in the world is not the gold mines of South America or the oil fields of Iraq. or Iran. [00:33:50] (20 seconds)


And Bible says, you know, work with your hands that which is good. One translation says, get an honest job. I remember I had someone ask me a question years ago and I was pastoring our church in Atlanta and this was a long time ago and they were working for a tobacco company. [00:51:30] (15 seconds)


God does not and will not bless laziness. You need to be very diligent, diligent. That was what was true of Daniel. Daniel was someone who the Bible said was of an excellent spirit. What does it mean? He was diligent. [01:02:26] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
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