Embracing Your Unique Gifts for God's Mission
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that each of us is uniquely crafted by God with specific gifts, talents, and abilities meant to impact the world around us. We began by reflecting on the joy and power of coming together as a community to worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, which gives us hope and victory over life's challenges. This hope is not just for personal comfort but is a call to action, a mission that each of us is invited to accept.
We delved into the concept of being "agents" for God's kingdom, equipped with divine gifts that are not just for our benefit but for the service of others. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works that He has prepared for us. This means that our lives are not random but are part of a divine plan where our unique gifts play a crucial role.
We discussed the importance of identifying and activating these gifts. It's not enough to know we have them; we must use them. This involves a process of prayer, seeking mentorship, and stepping out in faith to serve others. We are encouraged to start small, stay faithful, and remain humble as we grow in our gifting.
The enemy often tries to hinder us through unbelief, pressure, and distractions, but we are called to persevere, recognizing that the stakes are high—eternity is on the line for those around us. We are reminded that our gifts are not just for us but are vital for the mission God has given to others as well.
Finally, we introduced a practical tool—a spiritual gift assessment—to help identify our unique gifts. This tool is designed to guide us in understanding how we can best serve the kingdom of God. As we discover our gifts, we are encouraged to share them with our community, fostering a culture of support and collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Your Unique Calling: Each of us is uniquely crafted by God with specific gifts and talents. Recognizing and embracing this truth allows us to walk confidently in our purpose, impacting our families, communities, and the world. [56:14]
- Activate Your Gifts: Knowing your gifts is just the beginning. Activation requires prayer, mentorship, and action. It's about saying "yes" to God and stepping out in faith, trusting that He will guide and equip you. [01:03:20]
- Overcome the Enemy's Tactics: The enemy uses unbelief, pressure, and distractions to deter us from our mission. Recognizing these tactics and standing firm in God's truth empowers us to fulfill our calling. [01:08:36]
- Understand Your Identity: Your identity is not tied to what you do but who you are in Christ. Knowing who you are allows you to operate effectively in any situation, using your gifts to serve others. [01:13:19]
- Commit to the Mission: Our gifts are not for us alone; they are for the common good. By committing to use our gifts, we contribute to the mission of spreading God's love and grace, transforming lives and communities. [01:23:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:30] - Transition to Worship
- [00:05:00] - Encouragement and Hope
- [00:08:00] - Introduction of Limitless Missionaries
- [00:10:30] - Invite Sunday Announcement
- [00:13:00] - Church Anniversary Celebration
- [00:16:00] - Easter Service Registration
- [00:19:00] - Call to Serve
- [00:22:00] - Welcome to Visitors
- [00:25:00] - Prayer for the Word
- [00:28:00] - Mission Possible Series Recap
- [00:35:00] - Identifying Your Gifts
- [00:42:00] - Spiritual Gift Assessment Introduction
- [00:50:00] - Call to Action and Prayer
- [00:55:00] - Offering and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
2. 1 Peter 4:10 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean to be God's workmanship, and how does this relate to the concept of being created for good works? [56:14]
2. In 1 Peter 4:10, what is the purpose of the gifts we have received, and how are we instructed to use them?
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 define the mission for believers, and what assurance does Jesus provide in this passage?
4. What are some of the tactics the enemy uses to prevent us from fulfilling our mission, as discussed in the sermon? [01:08:36]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding that we are God's workmanship influence the way we view our purpose and actions in daily life? [56:14]
2. What might be some practical ways to identify and activate the gifts mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10 within a church community?
3. How can the assurance of Jesus' presence in Matthew 28:20 impact our confidence in carrying out the Great Commission?
4. In what ways can recognizing the enemy's tactics help us remain steadfast in our mission and calling? [01:08:36]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your unique gifts and talents. How can you begin to embrace and activate them in your current context, whether at work, home, or church? [01:03:20]
2. Consider a time when you felt distracted or pressured away from your mission. What steps can you take to overcome these challenges in the future? [01:08:36]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you can commit to using your gifts for the common good. What is one action you can take this week to start this process? [01:23:12]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ, separate from your actions or roles? What practices might help reinforce this understanding? [01:13:19]
5. Think about someone in your community who might benefit from your gifts. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week to offer support or encouragement?
6. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not a "sleeper agent" but actively participating in the mission God has given you? [01:03:20]
7. How can you use the spiritual gift assessment tool introduced in the sermon to gain clarity on your gifts, and what will be your next steps after identifying them? [01:27:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Divine Design
Each person is uniquely crafted by God, endowed with specific gifts and talents meant to impact the world. Recognizing and embracing this truth allows individuals to walk confidently in their purpose, influencing their families, communities, and the world. This understanding is not just for personal fulfillment but is a call to action, inviting each person to participate in God's divine plan. By acknowledging that our lives are part of a greater design, we can find joy and purpose in our daily actions, knowing that we are contributing to something much larger than ourselves. [56:14]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you believe God has given you, and how can you begin to use them to impact your community today?
Day 2: Activate Your God-Given Gifts
Knowing your gifts is just the beginning; activation requires prayer, mentorship, and action. It's about saying "yes" to God and stepping out in faith, trusting that He will guide and equip you. This process involves seeking God's direction through prayer, finding mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement, and taking practical steps to serve others. By starting small and remaining faithful, individuals can grow in their gifting and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around them. [01:03:20]
"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." (Romans 12:6-8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small step you can take today to begin activating your gifts in service to others?
Day 3: Stand Firm Against the Enemy's Tactics
The enemy often uses unbelief, pressure, and distractions to deter individuals from their mission. Recognizing these tactics and standing firm in God's truth empowers believers to fulfill their calling. By staying grounded in faith and focusing on God's promises, individuals can overcome obstacles and remain steadfast in their purpose. The stakes are high, as eternity is on the line for those around us, and our perseverance can have a lasting impact on the lives of others. [01:08:36]
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What distractions or pressures are currently hindering you from fulfilling your mission, and how can you stand firm in God's truth today?
Day 4: Discover Your True Identity in Christ
Your identity is not tied to what you do but who you are in Christ. Knowing who you are allows you to operate effectively in any situation, using your gifts to serve others. This understanding provides a solid foundation for living a life of purpose and impact, as it frees individuals from the pressure to perform and allows them to focus on serving others with authenticity and grace. By embracing their identity in Christ, believers can confidently navigate life's challenges and opportunities. [01:13:19]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you approach your daily life and interactions with others?
Day 5: Commit to the Mission of Serving Others
Our gifts are not for us alone; they are for the common good. By committing to use our gifts, we contribute to the mission of spreading God's love and grace, transforming lives and communities. This commitment involves a willingness to share our gifts with others, fostering a culture of support and collaboration within the community. As individuals discover and activate their gifts, they can work together to make a meaningful impact, fulfilling God's purpose for their lives and the world around them. [01:23:12]
"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." (1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you commit to using your gifts to serve others and contribute to the mission of spreading God's love and grace today?
Quotes
"Well, good morning church. I'm going to piggyback on those, highlighting a couple of those. So the first thing is invite Sunday. Next week, we're going to have some special things happening after service. We're going to be, we'll have some tables and chairs set outside. We'll have some cotton candy. We'll have some popcorn. We have jump houses for our kids. Um, and it's really just a time of fellowship. Um, y 'all know when it get hot outside, we'd like to connect and create opportunities for community. And so we will be doing that, uh, next week after service. Also, um, you guys know that I am a Christian hip hop artist. And so, um, wait, no, wait, wait. Uh, I already know where y 'all going. Um, so I also have friends who are Christian hip hop artists. And so I gotcha. Uh, next, uh, next week, a friend of mine, his name is Mike Teezy. Um, he will be here, uh, uh, ministering and music next week, uh, during our service. So he will be here. So I encourage you to please, please, please invite someone to service. This is a great opportunity, um, for someone who maybe you've been trying to invite to church. Maybe there's a young person or a young adult that you want to try. You've been trying to get into church, whatever the case is next week is invite Sunday. And so we want to make sure that you have an opportunity to invite them. The second thing, our church anniversary is coming up. We are excited. Uh, we are turning four years old and it doesn't sound like a lot, but let me tell you something, man, it's been a four years and God has done some amazing things. And so we want to take the time to celebrate all that God has done in these four years. Um, people have been asking a lot about this. So to commemorate our, our, our, uh, anniversary coming up, we're actually going to have church merch, uh, on, on our anniversary day. And so we have, and so for those of you who don't know what that is, that's t -shirts and like stuff, uh, they're like, what is that? Um, and so, uh, I want to, uh, encourage you, uh, we'll be selling our t -shirts and we did a series called Limitless Edition. And so we have our t -shirts that say, uh, Limitless Edition and the Limitless." [00:48:14] (138 seconds)
"Visitors, do me a favor. There's a QR code on the seat pocket in front of you. There's an information card there. Or after service, please meet me at the connection table outside. I would love to shake your hand to hear about how you found out about our church and to hear about your experience. And I will personally be sending you a thank you video on today or tomorrow just to say thank you for coming because we don't take it lightly when people walk through our doors. All right. Are we ready to dive into this word? All right. Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to hear from you. God, we know that your word is already anointed. So we ask that you would anoint our ears to be able to hear you. We ask that you would anoint our heart to be able to receive the word that you're saying. And today in particular, God, I pray that today we would not just be hearers of your word, but we will be doers of your word as well. That the word would be hidden in our hearts, God, that we would be found good soil, that it will produce a harvest of a hundredfold in our life, turning this city and the surrounding cities upside down for Jesus Christ. We thank you for it. In Jesus name. Amen. Amen. All right. So we have been in a series called Mission Possible. All right. We've spent four weeks in this series. This will be week four. Now, good news for my visitors. And for those of you who maybe have missed a week, we're going to spend the first portion of this service reviewing and going over what we've been talking about. This is very important because I believe that today I want to leave you with an opportunity to know or start the process of knowing what it is that you've been called to do. I believe that if every person in this church begin to walk in the gift, the talent or the ability that God has given you." [00:54:34] (123 seconds)
"Next, we said not only are we agents, but we are agents that have been given abilities, talents, and gifts by God. Every single person here under the sound of my voice or those of you that are watching online, you have been given a gift, a talent, and an ability by God. First Peter 4, verse 10 says this, just as each one of you has received a special gift, a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God, employ it in serving one another, as is appropriate for good stewards of God's multifaceted grace, faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God's unmerited favor. He says each one of you have received a special gift. So we said, I don't care what your history is. I don't care what your past is. I don't care what the enemy tries to tell you. I don't care how you may try to disqualify yourself. The scripture says each one of you has received a special gift." [00:57:48] (75 seconds)
"We learned that as agents that have been equipped for purpose, we have been given a mission. Okay? We have been given a mission as believers and we have been given a mission as a local body. We have, we've been given our marching orders. It's not a question of what is it that we're supposed to do? No, we've been given a mission. The great commission, Jesus tells us our mission in Matthew 28. He says, go therefore, go therefore, go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. Help the people learn of me, believe in me and obey my words, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, remaining with you perpetually, regardless of circumstance and on every occasion, even to the end of the age." [00:59:20] (72 seconds)
"Go therefore and make disciples. This is our kingdom mission. Okay? Then, that is the mission that he's given us. Then as a local body, as Limitless Church, we have a mission that we feel that God has given us as a church. It is our mission to be a distribution center of the love of God, of the grace of God, and of the gifts of God. That is the mission that we have. Each church that you go to, you will see that they each have a different mission. We are all different parts of the bodies, and so we've been equipped with different missions or different ways that we walk out the Great Commission. And so here, we believe that we are a distribution center of the love of God, of the grace of God, and of the gifts of God. That means here, that's what we make. They say, what does Limitless make? We are a distribution center. We make people who walk in the love of God, we make people who walk in the grace of God, and we make people who walk in the gifts of God, and then we send them out into the world. That is the mission of Limitless Church. These are our marching orders. So we have our mission, but we said that we have to decide whether we will choose to accept the mission." [01:01:34] (81 seconds)
"Week two, we talked about pushing the button. That probably was my favorite one of the week. Push the button. I'm not, you know, hey, you know, I just like driving fast, you know. Pushing the button or activating the gift, okay? We said it's no good to be excited about a gift, a talent, or an ability if we never activate it. Whatever gift that we have been given, we must activate that gift. And we said we activate that gift by exercising our gift. We said that gifts are a divine assignment waiting for our yes and waiting for our action. Two -step process. Gifts are a divine assignment that's waiting for our yes and waiting for our action. Listen, a lot of us are good at saying, yes, Lord. We're good at saying, yes, Lord, I will go where you send me. Yes, Lord, I will say what you want me to say. Yes, Lord, I will do what you want me to do. And then the Lord says, say, go, or do. And we're like, Jesus, I don't think I heard you. There must be a bad connection, Lord. Can't you tell them and then have them tell me? Our yes and our movement is necessary." [01:02:11] (86 seconds)
"We said that that is what's necessary. We gave you in week two, we gave you some markers to help you activate your gift. We said the first thing that you need to do is pray. Pray first of all. The second thing that you want to do is identify your gift. Then you want to look at how that gift is used in the Bible. You want to seek mentorship and you want to seek leadership from people who are already operating in that gift. Okay? And then we want to use our gift to serve the kingdom of God. We said, start small, stay faithful, remain humble. Start small, stay faithful, remain humble. We looked at Moses and the Lord is talking to Moses and he's given Moses all of these instructions on how to build the temple. And he is three chapters of just instructions on how to build the temple. And I imagine that Moses is who's never built much before and he's wondering how he's going to do it. And Jesus at the very end says, no, I've placed this person and this person around you who have already began walking in the gift that I have given you. And they're equipped to do everything that I've told you. We looked at Apollos and we looked at Priscilla and Aquila and we saw from those examples that our gifts when activated, when we walk in that activation, they aren't just for the reason that God gives us. They're not just for our mission, but they are a vital part of executing the mission that he's given other people as well. It's bigger than just us. It is so important that we walk in the thing that God has given us, not just for what he's told us, but there is something that he's told somebody else. And they are waiting for you to come by. They are waiting for you walking in your gift so that they can see how they can complete the mission that God has called them to. All right. Week three, we asked the question, what could be stopping us? Oh, what could be causing a failure to launch?" [01:03:33] (143 seconds)
"We talked about these tactics that the enemy uses to give us to walk in or not walk in the things that God has given us. We said the first attack of the enemy is unbelief. Is the word true? Is my gift a real thing? Can I do it even though? Can I walk in what God has said even though? So he uses unbelief. The second thing we said that he uses is overwhelming pressure. He wants to attack you from any and every side as much as he can, as hard as he can. And we said the last thing that he uses is distractions. Why? Why does the enemy use these things as it pertains to us? It's because his main job is to get us to give up, to cave in, and to quit. So I'm going to do everything. The enemy says I'm going to do everything in my power to get you to give up, to cave in, and to quit. I know I grew up thinking that the enemy was just trying to kill me. Right? I grew up in a fire and brimstone area. Some of y 'all may know about that. Some of y 'all may not. But I grew up thinking the devil is trying to kill me. But what a revelation it was. He says, no, no, no, no, no. He don't got to kill you. He just has to get you to not walk in what God has called you to do. If you die, that's neither here nor there for him. As long as you don't take nobody with you when you go. As long as you haven't taken any souls and robbed anyone from his kingdom, it's not a problem. But his job is to get you to give up, to cave in, to quit, to not walk in what God has called you to do, to not fulfill the purpose, the destiny and the mission that God has given you. But we said that we made a decision and we say, you know what, no matter what the enemy tries, the cost is too high. People's lives are on the line. Destiny is on the line. Purpose is on the line. And we said that we recognize that God is for us, that God is with us, and that he has equipped us for such a time as this. We could have been born in any season, in any time in history, but God saw fit that we would be here now in this moment, in this city, at your job, in your community, every single time. He made sure that you were here now. Why? Because there was something that you were called to do." [01:05:49] (162 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?