Embracing Our Uniqueness: The Gifts of the Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. My name is Cam, and I'm one of the pastors here at Cucamonga Christian Fellowship. If you're a guest, welcome to our church family. We're glad you're here. Today, we're continuing our series called "Keep Christianity Weird." This series focuses on our call as followers of Jesus to be different from the world, to be holy as God is holy. God is unique, set apart, and our call is to be transformed into the image of Christ, which may look weird to the world but serves as a powerful witness.
We serve an eccentric God, a God who is utterly free and cannot be confined to our agendas or interests. This freedom of God challenges us to align ourselves with His will rather than our own. We believe in some weird things, like the resurrection of Jesus and the sacrament of communion, which symbolize our equal standing before God. These beliefs and practices may seem strange to the world, but they are profound expressions of God's love and grace.
Today, we shift our focus to the gifts of the Spirit. Let's open our Bibles to 1 Corinthians 12. Paul writes about the different kinds of gifts given by the same Spirit for the common good. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and their interpretation. These gifts are not for personal ambition but for serving others and building up the body of Christ.
The greatest gift is agape love, a self-sacrificing love that serves others. We are called to desire both the giver and the gifts. Jesus taught us to ask, and it will be given to us. We should ask God to fill us with His love and make us more dependent on Him. The Spirit of God, who marked the early church on the day of Pentecost, is still at work today, empowering us to be witnesses of God's love and grace.
Paul uses the metaphor of the body to explain that every member has a role, and no one is more important than another. The gifts are given to reveal an equal value in the kingdom of God. We need each other to be the body of Christ, and we should celebrate the diversity of gifts among us. The gifts are not for creating hierarchies but for serving the common good.
We must yield to God's will and be open to whatever gifts He wants to give us. The gifts of the Spirit are tools for touching and blessing others, not trophies for personal glory. When we depend on the Spirit, we give witness to the Spirit. Our goal is to be rooted in our identity as beloved children of God and to let the gifts flow from that place of love and connection with Him.
As we close, I encourage you to ask the Lord for what you need. Whether it's a deeper desire for Him, a return to your first love, or the gifts of the Spirit, come forward and ask. Our prayer team is here to lay hands and pray for you. The gifts of the Spirit are nothing to fear; they are given for the common good and to express God's love to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Holiness and Our Call to Be Different: We are called to be holy as God is holy, which means being set apart and different from the world. This difference is not just in belief but in action and speech, serving as a witness to a world in need of another way. Our weirdness is our witness, showing the world the transformative power of God's love and holiness. [01:13]
2. The Gifts of the Spirit Are for the Common Good: The gifts of the Spirit, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy, are given by the same Spirit for the common good. These gifts are not for personal ambition or to build individual reputations but to serve others and build up the body of Christ. They are tools for touching and blessing others, making the presence of the Holy Spirit evident. [05:46]
3. Dependence on the Spirit: The gifts of the Spirit are not about us but about the Holy Spirit working through us. When we depend on the Spirit, we give witness to the Spirit. This dependence leads to a greater expression of God's love and grace, as we yield to His will and allow Him to work through us for the common good. [22:02]
4. Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ: Paul uses the metaphor of the body to explain that every member has a role, and no one is more important than another. The gifts are given to reveal an equal value in the kingdom of God. We need each other to be the body of Christ, and we should celebrate the diversity of gifts among us. This unity and diversity serve as a powerful witness to the world. [27:18]
5. Desire the Giver and the Gifts: Our greatest desire should be for Jesus, the giver of the gifts. The gifts of the Spirit are simply icing on the cake. When we are rooted in our love for Jesus, the gifts will flow naturally from that place of connection. This desire for the giver over the gifts leads to a life anchored in love, which is the greatest gift of all. [42:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Opening Joke
[01:13] - Keep Christianity Weird
[02:38] - Eccentric God
[03:31] - Weird Beliefs
[04:38] - 1 Corinthians 12 Reading
[05:46] - Gifts of the Spirit
[14:33] - Revival and the Spirit
[15:02] - Different Gifts
[16:23] - Charisma and Grace
[18:26] - Depend on the Spirit
[21:31] - Witness of the Spirit
[22:02] - Dependence on the Spirit
[24:43] - Yield to God's Will
[25:55] - Pray for Gifts
[26:24] - One Body, Many Parts
[27:18] - Unity and Diversity
[28:22] - Misunderstanding Gifts
[30:03] - Equal Value in the Kingdom
[31:04] - Better Together
[32:16] - Be Yourself in the Body
[33:27] - Unique Gifts
[34:12] - Valuing People
[35:24] - Encanto Metaphor
[36:25] - Breaking Down Competition
[37:26] - Meeting the Standard
[38:01] - Assess and Anchor
[39:04] - Spiritual Gifts Assessment
[40:04] - Eagerly Desire Greater Gifts
[41:24] - More Loving Gifts
[42:32] - Desire the Giver
[43:32] - Delight in the Lord
[44:40] - Jesus is Our Greatest Desire
[45:20] - Weird Witness
[46:28] - Final Action Step
[47:04] - Ask the Lord
[47:36] - Call to Ask
[48:16] - Spirit of Pentecost
[48:54] - Practical Steps
[49:28] - Prayer Team
[50:01] - Gifts Are Not to Fear
[50:37] - Worship and Prayer
[51:06] - Closing Prayer
[51:38] - Marked by the Spirit
[52:04] - Final Call to Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
3. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different kinds of gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, and who distributes them?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, how does Paul describe the unity and diversity within the body of Christ?
3. What does Paul mean when he says to "eagerly desire the greater gifts" in 1 Corinthians 12:31?
4. In the sermon, what examples did Pastor Cam give to illustrate the weirdness of our faith and practices? ([01:47])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the gifts of the Spirit are given for the common good and not for personal ambition? ([05:46])
2. How does the metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 help us understand the importance of each member in the church?
3. What does it mean to depend on the Spirit rather than on our own abilities or gifts? ([22:02])
4. How can the desire for the giver over the gifts lead to a life anchored in love, as mentioned in the sermon? ([42:32])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are conforming to the world rather than being set apart as holy? How can you change that this week? ([01:13])
2. Think about the gifts of the Spirit you might have. How can you use these gifts for the common good in your church or community? ([05:46])
3. Pastor Cam mentioned the importance of yielding to God's will. What is one area in your life where you need to yield more to God's will? ([24:43])
4. How can you celebrate the diversity of gifts in your small group or church, ensuring that no one feels less important? ([27:18])
5. What steps can you take to deepen your dependence on the Holy Spirit this week? ([22:02])
6. Identify one way you can show agape love to someone in your life this week. How will you ensure that this act of love is self-sacrificing? ([42:32])
7. Pastor Cam encouraged us to ask God for what we need. What is one specific thing you need from God right now, and how will you ask Him for it? ([47:04])
Devotional
### Day 1: Embrace Holiness and Stand Apart
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be holy as God is holy. This means being set apart and different from the world in our actions, speech, and beliefs. Our distinctiveness serves as a powerful witness to a world in need of another way. The transformative power of God's love and holiness should be evident in our lives, making us a peculiar people who reflect His character. This "weirdness" is not about being odd for the sake of it but about embodying the radical love and grace of God in a way that stands out.
God's holiness is not just an abstract concept but a practical call to live differently. It challenges us to align our lives with His will, even when it seems countercultural. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God's transformative power. Our actions, words, and attitudes should reflect the holiness of God, making us beacons of light in a dark world. This call to holiness is a call to be a living example of God's love and grace, showing the world that there is a better way to live.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you set yourself apart in your daily life to reflect God's holiness? How can your actions and words serve as a witness to those around you?
### Day 2: Gifts of the Spirit for the Common Good
The gifts of the Spirit, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy, are given by the same Spirit for the common good. These gifts are not for personal ambition or to build individual reputations but to serve others and build up the body of Christ. They are tools for touching and blessing others, making the presence of the Holy Spirit evident. When we use these gifts selflessly, we contribute to the unity and growth of the church, reflecting God's love and grace to the world.
The diversity of gifts within the body of Christ is a testament to God's creativity and generosity. Each gift, whether it seems significant or small, plays a crucial role in the functioning of the church. By recognizing and valuing the gifts in others, we foster a spirit of unity and cooperation. The ultimate purpose of these gifts is to glorify God and serve His people, not to elevate ourselves. When we focus on the common good, we become effective instruments of God's love and grace.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV): "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Reflection: How can you use your spiritual gifts to serve others in your community? What steps can you take today to identify and develop these gifts for the common good?
### Day 3: Dependence on the Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit are not about us but about the Holy Spirit working through us. When we depend on the Spirit, we give witness to the Spirit. This dependence leads to a greater expression of God's love and grace, as we yield to His will and allow Him to work through us for the common good. Our reliance on the Spirit should be evident in our daily lives, as we seek His guidance and empowerment in all that we do. This dependence is a testimony to the world of God's active presence in our lives.
Dependence on the Spirit requires humility and a willingness to surrender our own agendas. It means recognizing that we cannot accomplish God's work in our own strength but need His power and guidance. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, we become more attuned to His leading and more effective in our witness. This dependence transforms our lives and enables us to impact others with the love and grace of God.
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to depend more on the Holy Spirit? How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on His guidance and power today?
### Day 4: Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ
Paul uses the metaphor of the body to explain that every member has a role, and no one is more important than another. The gifts are given to reveal an equal value in the kingdom of God. We need each other to be the body of Christ, and we should celebrate the diversity of gifts among us. This unity and diversity serve as a powerful witness to the world. By valuing and honoring each other's gifts, we create a harmonious and effective body that reflects God's love and grace.
The body of Christ is a beautiful tapestry of diverse gifts and talents, each contributing to the whole. When we recognize and appreciate the unique contributions of each member, we foster a spirit of unity and cooperation. This unity is not about uniformity but about celebrating our differences and working together for the common good. As we embrace our roles and support one another, we become a powerful testimony of God's love and grace to the world.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you celebrate and support the diverse gifts within your church community? What steps can you take to foster unity and cooperation among the members of the body of Christ?
### Day 5: Desire the Giver and the Gifts
Our greatest desire should be for Jesus, the giver of the gifts. The gifts of the Spirit are simply icing on the cake. When we are rooted in our love for Jesus, the gifts will flow naturally from that place of connection. This desire for the giver over the gifts leads to a life anchored in love, which is the greatest gift of all. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus, we ensure that our motives are pure and our actions are aligned with His will.
Desiring the giver above the gifts means seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus and allowing His love to transform us. When our focus is on Him, the gifts of the Spirit become tools for expressing His love and grace to others. This shift in perspective helps us to use the gifts selflessly and effectively, bringing glory to God and blessing to those around us. Our love for Jesus should be the foundation of all that we do, guiding our actions and shaping our character.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: How can you prioritize your relationship with Jesus above all else? What practical steps can you take today to deepen your connection with Him and allow His love to flow through you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There is only one you in existence. There's nobody else like you in all of existence, which means this, you are the only one in this world that can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in the way that you do and express that gift to the world and community around you. We do not need repeats of other Christians in this world. We don't need more pastor cams. That would be terrifying. And way too many tattoos, right? The only thing that we need a repeat of is more people who look like Jesus." [33:27]
2. "Our weirdness is our witness. The weirdness of the stuff that we believe and the stuff that we not only believe that, but that we participate in and act and speak. These are things that might be a weird display to the world, but ultimately they are a witness of another way to a world that is in desperate need of another way." [01:47]
3. "The gifts of the Spirit are not given to build individual reputations, to warrant superior positions in the local church, or even to demonstrate spiritual advancement. They are not trophies, but tools. They are tools for touching and blessing other people." [12:53]
4. "The gifts of the Spirit are still in use today. Everywhere in the world that we look in revival is happening and the church is expanding and expanding and expanding. And God is on the move in miraculous and supernatural and multiplicative ways. The gifts of the Spirit are the avenue that God is doing that through." [11:15]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The gifts are not given to make somebody greater and somebody lesser. The gifts are given to reveal an equal value in the kingdom of God. The gifts are given to reveal that there is an equal value given because the body of Christ is equal to God. The body of Christ exists to receive God's love and express his love to one another and to those around them." [30:03]
2. "When we depend on the Spirit, we give witness to the Spirit. When we depend on the Spirit, we give witness to the Spirit, even if we end up looking like a weird Middle Eastern healer." [24:43]
3. "The gifts of the Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not about us, beloved. They are not, they're most definitely not for turning things about us and depending upon ourselves. They are a call to depend upon the one who gives them and allow the power and the grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit to fill us and strengthen us as He distributes, as He determines so that we can be witnesses of God's love and goodness to the people around us." [22:02]
4. "The greatest gift is actually agape love, a self-sacrificing love that lays down its life so that everybody around it can have through service and working the common good. We reveal that there's only one thing and the only one who truly satisfies and it's not a gift, it's not a talent, it's not a toy, it's not a tool, it's the giver himself and his name is Jesus." [46:28]
5. "The gifts are not given to say somebody is greater or somebody lesser. The gifts are given to say we are better together, amen? What the body of Christ needs is a dependence upon the spirit of God to pour out his gifting upon us so that we could reveal an equal value for the people around us and a greater example of how the body is unified, diverse, but unified to display this wonderful witness of who Jesus is to the world around us." [31:04]
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