Embracing Our Spiritual Gifts Through Love and Unity
Summary
In my sermon, I began by reflecting on our journey through Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, and how we are now embarking on a new sermon series focused on spiritual gifts. I emphasized that spiritual gifts are given by God to believers for service within the church and that they operate through the Holy Spirit. I clarified that spiritual gifts are not always supernatural but are always intended to positively impact the church and fill the believer with a sense of purpose.
I then addressed the question of whether each believer has a spiritual gift, affirming that every Christian, as a new creation filled with the Holy Spirit, has been given a gift by God. I challenged the congregation to reject any feelings of inadequacy or insignificance, reminding them that the Holy Spirit lives within them and that their gifts are vital to the health of the church.
I continued by exploring the nature of spiritual gifts as described in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul speaks of the variety of gifts but the same Spirit, and the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. I stressed that every part of the body is essential and that we should not belittle our gifts out of false humility or insecurity.
I then offered practical steps for discovering one's spiritual gifts: taking a spiritual gift assessment available at the church, reflecting on what activities one enjoys and feels filled by, and seeking affirmation from others within the church community. I shared personal experiences from mission trips where moments of encouragement highlighted the importance of recognizing and affirming each other's gifts.
As I moved towards the conclusion of my sermon, I emphasized the importance of love as the foundation for using our spiritual gifts. Without love, our gifts can cause division and pride within the church. I encouraged the congregation to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, ensuring that our use of spiritual gifts is for the overall good of the church and the world.
Now, let's consider the key takeaways from this sermon:
1. Every believer is a new creation in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, and has been given spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving the church and glorifying God. These gifts are not just for a select few but for every member of the body of Christ. ([34:21])
2. Spiritual gifts are not always supernatural but are always intended to build up the church. They come in many forms and are given by God as He wills. It is essential to recognize and value the diversity of gifts within the church. ([38:11])
3. Discovering one's spiritual gifts can be a journey of self-assessment, reflection on what fills us with joy, and affirmation from others. It is important to engage in this process to fully step into the roles God has designed for us within His body. ([45:25])
4. Encouragement within the church is crucial for recognizing and affirming the spiritual gifts of others. We must be intentional about speaking life into each other and acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit in our brothers and sisters. ([51:02])
5. Love must be the foundation and fuel for our spiritual gifts. Without love, our gifts are meaningless and can lead to division. We must use our gifts with the intention of serving others and furthering the unity and mission of the church. ([58:03])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19 - "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own."
3. 1 Corinthians 12:4-20 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work..."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to a person who is in Christ?
2. What does 1 Corinthians 6:19 say about our bodies and the Holy Spirit?
3. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-20, what is emphasized about the variety of spiritual gifts and their source?
4. How does the sermon describe the purpose of spiritual gifts within the church? ([29:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, and how does this relate to receiving spiritual gifts?
2. How does understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) influence the way we view our spiritual gifts?
3. Why is it important to recognize the diversity of spiritual gifts within the church as described in 1 Corinthians 12:4-20? How does this diversity contribute to the unity of the church?
4. The sermon mentions that spiritual gifts are not always supernatural but are always intended to build up the church. How can this understanding change the way we perceive our own gifts? ([30:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Do you believe you are a new creation in Christ? How does this belief impact your daily actions and sense of purpose? ([32:33])
2. Considering that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, how can you honor this truth in your daily life and in the use of your spiritual gifts? ([34:21])
3. Have you ever felt inadequate or insignificant in your spiritual journey? How can the understanding that every believer has a spiritual gift help you overcome these feelings? ([40:22])
4. Think about the activities that fill you with joy and energy. How might these activities be related to your spiritual gifts? What steps can you take to explore this further? ([47:01])
5. How can you be more intentional about encouraging and affirming the spiritual gifts of others within your church community? Share a specific example of how you might do this in the coming week. ([49:53])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of love as the foundation for using our spiritual gifts. How can you ensure that love is the driving force behind your actions and service in the church? ([56:52])
7. Identify one area in your church where you feel your spiritual gifts could be used more effectively. What practical steps can you take to start serving in that area? ([48:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Spiritual Identity
Every believer, as a new creation, possesses unique spiritual gifts that are essential for the edification of the church and the glorification of God. These gifts are not reserved for a select few but are distributed among all members of the body of Christ. It is crucial to recognize and accept this spiritual identity, understanding that the Holy Spirit has equipped each individual with a purposeful gift. This acknowledgment allows believers to step into their God-given roles with confidence, rejecting any feelings of inadequacy or insignificance. The church thrives when each member actively serves with their distinct gifts, contributing to the collective mission and health of the body. [07:40]
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 spiritual gift do you believe God has given you, and how can you use it to serve others in your church community this week?
Day 2: Valuing Gift Diversity in Unity
Spiritual gifts are manifold and not always supernatural, yet they are all purposed to strengthen the church. God, in His wisdom, bestows these gifts according to His will, ensuring a diversity that enriches the body of Christ. It is essential to recognize and appreciate the variety of gifts within the church, understanding that each one contributes to the greater good. Believers are encouraged to value their own gifts as well as those of others, fostering an environment of mutual respect and unity. This perspective helps to combat false humility and insecurity, allowing each person to serve confidently in their God-appointed role. [38:11]
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..."
Reflection: How can you affirm and celebrate the different spiritual gifts you see in others within your church community?
Day 3: Discovering and Developing Your Gifts
The journey to discovering one's spiritual gifts is a personal and reflective process that involves self-assessment, recognizing what brings joy, and seeking affirmation from the church community. Engaging in this process is vital for believers to fully embrace and utilize the roles God has designed for them. By taking spiritual gift assessments, reflecting on enjoyable and fulfilling activities, and listening to the encouragement of others, individuals can gain clarity on their unique contributions to the church. This exploration is a step towards active and purposeful service within the body of Christ. [45:25]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV)
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: What activities bring you the most joy and fulfillment, and how might they indicate your spiritual gifts?
Day 4: Encouraging One Another's Gifts
Encouragement within the church is a powerful tool for recognizing and affirming the spiritual gifts of others. It is through intentional and uplifting communication that believers can speak life into each other, acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit. This practice not only strengthens individual faith but also fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where gifts can flourish. By celebrating each other's spiritual gifts, the church becomes a place where every member feels valued and empowered to serve. [51:02]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Who can you encourage this week by acknowledging and affirming their spiritual gifts, and how will you do it?
Day 5: Love as the Foundation for Our Gifts
The use of spiritual gifts must be underpinned by love, for without it, gifts can lead to division and pride. Love is the foundation that ensures gifts are employed for the service of others and the advancement of the church's mission. Believers are called to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, allowing this love to guide and fuel the expression of their gifts. When love is the driving force, spiritual gifts become a means of unity and edification, rather than a source of contention. [58:03]
Colossians 3:14 (ESV)
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that love is the driving force behind the use of your spiritual gifts this week?
Quotes
1. "The Holy Spirit that gives these gifts is the God that lives inside of you and wants to live through you. So what's so beautiful about spiritual gifts is we know that God has a heart for his church, right? And he wants to make sure that his church is well cared for. And God is giving you a part in caring for his church by using these gifts big and small for the benefit of the body." [58:03]
2. "You have a gift. And so do not belittle it out of a false humility. I don't know, maybe. And don't belittle it out of insecurity and say otherwise. Like, I don't know. I mean, maybe I have a gift. No. You have a gift. I mean, I don't know if I need to keep saying this or not, but I want to be on the same page because it breaks my heart when I see people sitting on the sideline of their Christian walk because they don't feel valuable and they don't understand how much they are needed." [43:16]
3. "Spiritual gifts are different in that way. Not that they're always gonna be fun. There's gonna be seasons where living them out is tough, of course, but ultimately, as you pour yourself out into them, there's a thing of, there's a part of you that also gets energized by it, that you can pull out of the church parking lot when you're done, and even though you just put time and energy into it, you kind of feel, there's a part of you that feels like, oh, that was really good." [47:31]
4. "But if you don't have love at the root of using these gifts, it all crumbles in on itself. We don't do this for ourselves. We do this for the love of the body of Christ, for the love of the brothers and sisters of Christ around us, not for our benefit, but for the benefit of the church as a whole, for others in need, not for our credit or recognition, but out of love, the God of love." [56:52]
5. "As a Christian, you have a purpose, and God doesn't just say to you, go get them, champ. Go get them. No, He fills you with His Holy Spirit and gives gifts to you for you to accomplish those purposes. And so, the answer to that first question is a resounding yes. Do you have a spiritual gift? Do you personally have a spiritual gift? Yes, you do." [40:22]
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