Embracing Our Gifts for Community Growth and Service
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound impact of individual gifts within our church community, emphasizing the importance of each member's contribution to the collective spiritual health and growth. We began by acknowledging the special occasion of Mother's Day, celebrating the vital role mothers play not only in our families but also in our wider community. Their ability to embrace diversity and differences mirrors the traits of a healthy community, which includes love, trust, a sense of belonging, and space for diversity.
We delved into the scriptural basis for using our gifts in service to one another, as outlined in 1 Peter 4:10-11 and Acts 1, where the disciples acted promptly to fill the vacancy left by Judas by choosing Matthias, focusing on the heart rather than external qualifications. This act underscores the principle that God equips each of us with unique gifts, not for personal glory but for the edification of the church and the perfecting of the saints, as stated in Ephesians 4:11-16.
I shared personal anecdotes to illustrate how gifts manifest in real-life scenarios within our community. For instance, the story of Greg and Bobby in the garage highlighted the gift of hospitality and personal ministry, showing how God uses our availability more than our ability. This theme of availability was further emphasized through the touching account of our church members, Tammy and Scott, who demonstrated hospitality and love in a simple yet profound gathering in their garage.
The sermon also addressed the common insecurities about personal worthiness and the sufficiency of our gifts. I reassured everyone that God consistently uses imperfect, broken individuals to achieve His purposes, as He is the potter and we are the clay. This was supported by referencing Moses, who led the Israelites with nothing more than a staff, and David, who was chosen by God not for his appearance but for his heart.
As we concluded, I invited everyone to reflect on the impact of their actions and the legacy they will leave within the community. The closing prayer was a collective affirmation of our commitment to use our gifts in service to one another, fostering a community that thrives on mutual support, love, and the diverse contributions of all its members.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Individual Gifts in Community
Every gift, no matter how small it seems, has a significant impact on the health and success of our community. The story of Matthias replacing Judas illustrates that God values the heart over external qualifications, reminding us that our contributions are vital regardless of how we perceive them. [13:32]
2. The Importance of Availability Over Ability
The touching moments shared between Greg, Bobby, and others in the garage exemplify that our availability to God’s call is more crucial than our inherent abilities. This teaches us that being present and willing to serve can lead to profound impacts on others' lives, often more than we might anticipate. [36:46]
3. Embracing Our Imperfections in Service
Acknowledging our flaws and imperfections as tools that God can use is liberating. It allows us to serve without the paralyzing fear of not being good enough, as illustrated by the biblical examples of Moses and David, who were chosen by God not for their perfection but for their willingness to serve. [22:14]
4. The Power of Community in Spiritual Growth
Our gifts are given not just for personal edification but for the building up of the church. As we come together, each person's unique contributions help to perfect and edify the body of Christ, leading to a more robust and supportive community. [26:44]
5. Legacy of Service
Reflecting on how our actions today will be remembered or impact others in the future can inspire us to live more intentionally. The idea that someone might remember a simple act of kindness or support offers a perspective on the lasting value of our everyday interactions within the community. [39:03]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [10:37] - Introduction and Mother's Day Acknowledgment
- [12:27] - Importance of Pastoral Study and Preparation
- [13:32] - Scriptural Basis for Using Gifts in Community
- [20:15] - The Role of Gifts in Personal and Community Growth
- [26:44] - Traits of a Healthy Community
- [36:46] - Personal Testimonies of Community Impact
- [39:03] - Closing Reflections and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
2. Ephesians 4:11-16 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
3. Acts 1:24-26 - "Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 4:10-11, what is the purpose of the gifts we have received? How should we use them?
2. In Ephesians 4:11-16, what roles are mentioned, and what is their purpose within the church community?
3. How did the disciples choose Matthias to replace Judas according to Acts 1:24-26? What criteria did they focus on? [13:32]
4. What personal anecdotes were shared in the sermon to illustrate the use of gifts within the community? [36:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does 1 Peter 4:10-11 emphasize serving others with our gifts? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the importance of availability over ability? [36:46]
2. How does Ephesians 4:11-16 describe the process of building up the body of Christ? What does this suggest about the role of individual gifts in community growth? [26:44]
3. Reflecting on Acts 1:24-26, why is the heart condition of a person more important than their external qualifications when serving in the church? [13:32]
4. How do the personal stories shared in the sermon (e.g., Greg and Bobby in the garage) illustrate the principle that God uses our availability more than our ability? [36:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your gifts were not sufficient. How can the examples of Moses and David from the sermon help you embrace your imperfections in service? [22:14]
2. How can you make yourself more available to serve within the church community, even if you feel you lack certain abilities? [36:46]
3. Think about the different gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Which gift do you feel you possess, and how can you use it to contribute to the church community? [16:20]
4. How can you foster a sense of belonging and support within your small group or church community, similar to the hospitality shown by Tammy and Scott? [36:46]
5. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions today leave a positive legacy within your community, as discussed in the sermon? [39:03]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to recognize and use their gifts, especially those who may feel insecure about their worthiness? [22:14]
7. Reflect on the traits of a healthy community mentioned in the sermon. How can you contribute to creating an environment of love, trust, and diversity in your church? [26:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Valuing Heart Over Appearance
Every individual in a community holds a unique value, not for their external qualifications but for their heart and willingness to serve. This principle is vividly illustrated in the story of Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas not because of his external qualifications but because of his heart. This narrative encourages us to look beyond the superficial and recognize the deeper value of every person's contribution to the community. It's essential to understand that our perceptions of small or insignificant gifts are often misguided because God looks at the heart and the intent behind each action. This perspective fosters a more inclusive and supportive community environment where everyone's contributions are valued. [13:32]
Romans 12:6-8 ESV
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: How can you better appreciate and utilize the seemingly small gifts you or others bring to your community?
Day 2: Embracing Availability Over Ability
The true essence of service within a community is not about having the best abilities but being readily available to serve when called upon. This concept is beautifully demonstrated through the personal stories of Greg, Bobby, and others, who transformed a simple garage gathering into a profound ministry opportunity by simply being available. Such stories teach us that our willingness to be present and serve can have a more significant impact than any inherent skill we might possess. It's about showing up, being present, and letting God use our availability to work wonders within our community. [36:46]
1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: What are some ways you can make yourself more available to God’s calling, even if you feel underqualified?
Day 3: Utilizing Imperfections in Service
Acknowledging and embracing our imperfections can be a powerful way to serve others. This approach is exemplified by biblical figures like Moses and David, who, despite their flaws, were used by God for great purposes. Our imperfections are not barriers but tools that God can use to weave His perfect plans. This understanding liberates us from the fear of inadequacy and motivates us to offer ourselves, flaws and all, in service to God and our community. It's a call to be authentic and humble, allowing God to use our entire being for His glory. [22:14]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you embrace your imperfections and allow God to use them for His purposes?
Day 4: Building Community Through Diverse Gifts
The collective spiritual growth of a community is significantly enhanced when each member actively uses their unique gifts. This dynamic fosters a robust and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. The diversity of gifts within a community is not just for personal edification but for the mutual building up of the body of Christ. By contributing our unique talents and abilities, we help create a thriving spiritual ecosystem that benefits all members and leads to collective growth and harmony. [26:44]
Ephesians 4:11-12 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."
Reflection: How can you actively use your unique gifts to contribute to the growth and support of your community?
Day 5: Reflecting on the Legacy of Service
Considering the legacy we leave through our actions can inspire us to live more intentionally and serve more diligently. Simple acts of kindness or support can have a lasting impact on our community and be remembered far into the future. This perspective encourages us to think about the broader implications of our daily interactions and the kind of legacy we wish to leave. It's about making a meaningful difference, one act of service at a time, and setting an example that inspires others to do the same. [39:03]
Hebrews 6:10 ESV
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Reflection: What simple act of service can you perform this week that might leave a lasting impact on someone in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are all part of one church. Put your hands up. Let's raise your hands. Come on. Let's raise your hands. see God just moving in abundant way in our midst. Imperfect yet chosen. Pastor Michael said it this way, community is messy. And the gifts that we bring are not always in vessels that we would choose at first glance." [20:15]
2. "And so if it's him that gives, then it's always enough. We see Moses in the scripture as he was walking the children of Israel through the desert, 40 years the scripture said, and he showed up with a stick. Of all the things God could give, he had a stick, a staff, and it was enough for what was needed in that community." [24:27]
3. "Community needs love, trust, sense of belonging, space for diversity. Community wants security, support. And I think it's so fitting that we are celebrating Mother's Day as we conclude the series. Because as I think about the correlation between the traits of a good mother and that of a healthy community, I think about how mothers have to learn to embrace diversity and differences." [26:44]
4. "We need all kind of diversity in church. We need that. We need people who can see the best in people. We need those who can love, without favoritism. We need those who are active and intentional listeners. And if you're a mother, you know all about that. Sometimes the last thing you want to do is hear this story, but you do it." [31:01]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And I never forget when he said to me, I'm never worried about that. There's never been a time when I did not have to use broken, flawed people. And he said, that's why I'm the potter." [22:14]
2. "What you have is more than enough. And if you're asking today, you know, what's my value? What do I bring to the table? Let's start with what we do know. It's not our abundance. It's not our ability. It's God that gives, amen?" [24:27]
3. "Ephesians 4, 11 to 16 says, he gives different gifts for the edifying of the body and the perfecting of the saints, amen? That's why we have gifts, to edify and to perfect us for him. We need you. Why don't you tell the person beside you, we need you." [26:44]
4. "1 Peter 4, 10 to 11 says, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace. And as they prayed as a body and selected two candidates to stand before God, the resume was short, right? They didn't list a whole lot of things that these two men came with to the table. They turned to God and said, You know what? These are the two we've selected. But, But, God, you know their hearts." [13:32]
5. "How good will it be when Jesus looks across and says, well done, my good and faithful servant. Not because you're a faithful servant. Not because you have a good voice and can sing. None of that. Well done. Because you would have availed yourself for God to use gifts through you to be a blessing, to bring change, encouragement, support." [39:03]
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