Empowered by Love: Using Spiritual Gifts Effectively
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we conclude our series on Spiritual Gifts, which follows our previous series on Spiritual Disciplines. We began this journey during Lent, focusing on ways to connect with God and remind ourselves of His promises and goodness. Since Easter, we've been exploring Spiritual Gifts, and today, we wrap up this series by diving into 1 Corinthians 12:31 and the beginning of chapter 13.
Paul tells us to "earnestly desire the higher gifts" and promises to show us a "more excellent way." This leads us to the famous passage on love in 1 Corinthians 13. Paul emphasizes that without love, our spiritual gifts are meaningless. Whether we speak in tongues, have prophetic powers, or give away all we have, if we do not have love, we gain nothing. This love, agape love, is self-giving and unconditional, reflecting God's love for us. It is the foundation upon which all spiritual gifts should be exercised.
We often see people using their spiritual gifts out of guilt or a desire to earn God's favor, but this is not their purpose. Spiritual gifts are given to bring glory to God and build up the body of Christ. When we serve out of obligation or to elevate ourselves, we miss the point and can even cause harm. Colossians 3:17 reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God. This means integrating our spiritual gifts into every aspect of our lives, not just within the church.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians addresses the misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues, which was causing division and chaos in the church. He urges us to use our gifts in a way that edifies the body of Christ and is a good witness to non-believers. When we exercise our gifts with love and passion, it draws people in and points them to Jesus.
Ignoring our spiritual gifts can have serious consequences for the church. Paul advises Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14 not to neglect his gift but to practice and immerse himself in it. This is a message for all of us. We must use our gifts to ensure the health and growth of the church. If we don't, we rob others of the blessings these gifts can bring.
As we step out to use our spiritual gifts, we should ask ourselves three questions: Do our gifts point to and bring glory to Jesus? Do they encourage and lift up fellow believers? Are they a good witness to non-believers? These questions help ensure that we are using our gifts in a healthy and effective way.
Finally, remember that we do not do this alone. Staying close to Jesus, the giver of these gifts, is crucial. Our relationship with Him fuels our ability to serve others with love. As we connect with Jesus through spiritual disciplines, we are reminded of His goodness and grace, which empowers us to use our gifts joyfully and effectively.
So, go out and use your spiritual gifts. Have fun with your Savior as you step into the world, knowing that you are prepared and equipped. Enjoy the journey of building up the body of Christ and drawing others to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Foundation of Love: Spiritual gifts are meaningless without love. Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 13 that love, specifically agape love, is the foundation upon which all spiritual gifts should be exercised. This love is self-giving and unconditional, reflecting God's love for us. It is not about emotions but about action, loving others as God loves us. [29:12]
2. Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are given to bring glory to God and build up the body of Christ. They are not meant to be used out of guilt or a desire to earn God's favor. When we serve out of obligation or to elevate ourselves, we miss the point and can even cause harm. Colossians 3:17 reminds us to integrate our spiritual gifts into every aspect of our lives, doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. [41:35]
3. Healthy Use of Gifts: Ignoring our spiritual gifts can have serious consequences for the church. Paul advises Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14 not to neglect his gift but to practice and immerse himself in it. This is a message for all of us. We must use our gifts to ensure the health and growth of the church. If we don't, we rob others of the blessings these gifts can bring. [35:25]
4. Three Guiding Questions: As we step out to use our spiritual gifts, we should ask ourselves three questions: Do our gifts point to and bring glory to Jesus? Do they encourage and lift up fellow believers? Are they a good witness to non-believers? These questions help ensure that we are using our gifts in a healthy and effective way. [38:02]
5. Staying Close to Jesus: We do not use our spiritual gifts alone. Staying close to Jesus, the giver of these gifts, is crucial. Our relationship with Him fuels our ability to serve others with love. As we connect with Jesus through spiritual disciplines, we are reminded of His goodness and grace, which empowers us to use our gifts joyfully and effectively. [55:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:10] - Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
[29:12] - The Foundation of Love
[41:35] - Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
[35:25] - Healthy Use of Gifts
[38:02] - Three Guiding Questions
[55:50] - Staying Close to Jesus
[56:56] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3
2. Colossians 3:17
3. 1 Timothy 4:14-15
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, what are the consequences of using spiritual gifts without love?
2. What does Colossians 3:17 instruct us to do in all aspects of our lives? How does this relate to the use of spiritual gifts? [42:45]
3. In 1 Timothy 4:14-15, what specific advice does Paul give to Timothy regarding his spiritual gifts?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of love in the exercise of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13? How does this love differ from other types of love mentioned in the sermon? [32:09]
2. How can integrating our spiritual gifts into every aspect of our lives, as mentioned in Colossians 3:17, change the way we view and use our gifts? [42:45]
3. What might be the consequences for the church if members neglect their spiritual gifts, according to 1 Timothy 4:14-15 and the sermon? [35:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. Do you feel you are using them out of love or obligation? How can you ensure that love is the driving force behind your actions? [31:20]
2. Think about a time when you used your spiritual gifts. Did it bring glory to Jesus, encourage fellow believers, and serve as a good witness to non-believers? How can you improve in these areas? [38:02]
3. How can you integrate your spiritual gifts into your daily life, not just within the church but also in your family, workplace, and community? [42:45]
4. Are there any spiritual gifts you feel you have been neglecting? What steps can you take to practice and immerse yourself in these gifts, as Paul advises Timothy? [35:25]
5. How can you stay close to Jesus, the giver of these gifts, to ensure that your relationship with Him fuels your ability to serve others with love? [55:50]
6. Identify one specific way you can use your spiritual gifts this week to build up the body of Christ and be a good witness to non-believers. What practical steps will you take to achieve this? [50:07]
7. Reflect on the three guiding questions mentioned in the sermon: Do your gifts point to and bring glory to Jesus? Do they encourage and lift up fellow believers? Are they a good witness to non-believers? How can you use these questions to evaluate and improve the use of your spiritual gifts? [38:02]
Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation of Love
Love is the bedrock of all spiritual gifts. Without love, our actions, no matter how spiritually significant they may seem, are empty and meaningless. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 13, where he describes love as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. This agape love is self-giving and unconditional, mirroring God's love for us. It is not about emotions but about action—loving others as God loves us. When we exercise our spiritual gifts, they must be rooted in this kind of love to truly reflect God's character and purpose. [29:12]
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV): "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you used your spiritual gifts. Did you do it out of love or obligation? How can you ensure that love is the driving force behind your actions?
Day 2: Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are given to glorify God and build up the body of Christ. They are not meant to be used out of guilt or a desire to earn God's favor. When we serve out of obligation or to elevate ourselves, we miss the point and can even cause harm. Colossians 3:17 reminds us to integrate our spiritual gifts into every aspect of our lives, doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. This means that our gifts should be a natural extension of our daily walk with Christ, bringing glory to Him in all we do. [41:35]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Reflect on how you use your spiritual gifts in your daily life. Are there areas where you are serving out of obligation rather than genuine love for God and others? How can you shift your focus to glorify God in all you do?
Day 3: Healthy Use of Gifts
Ignoring our spiritual gifts can have serious consequences for the church. Paul advises Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14 not to neglect his gift but to practice and immerse himself in it. This is a message for all of us. We must use our gifts to ensure the health and growth of the church. If we don't, we rob others of the blessings these gifts can bring. Our gifts are not just for our benefit but for the edification of the entire body of Christ. [35:25]
1 Timothy 4:14-15 (ESV): "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress."
Reflection: Are there spiritual gifts you have been neglecting? What steps can you take today to practice and immerse yourself in these gifts for the benefit of the church?
Day 4: Three Guiding Questions
As we step out to use our spiritual gifts, we should ask ourselves three questions: Do our gifts point to and bring glory to Jesus? Do they encourage and lift up fellow believers? Are they a good witness to non-believers? These questions help ensure that we are using our gifts in a healthy and effective way. By keeping these questions in mind, we can align our actions with God's purpose and be a positive influence both within and outside the church. [38:02]
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: Take a moment to evaluate how you are using your spiritual gifts. Do they glorify Jesus, encourage fellow believers, and serve as a good witness to non-believers? What changes can you make to better align with these guiding questions?
Day 5: Staying Close to Jesus
We do not use our spiritual gifts alone. Staying close to Jesus, the giver of these gifts, is crucial. Our relationship with Him fuels our ability to serve others with love. As we connect with Jesus through spiritual disciplines, we are reminded of His goodness and grace, which empowers us to use our gifts joyfully and effectively. Our spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and worship, keep us grounded in His love and purpose. [55:50]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How are you staying connected to Jesus in your daily life? What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate or strengthen to ensure that your relationship with Him fuels your use of spiritual gifts?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Everything we do as Christians, we do as ambassadors of Christ. People are watching. They're weighing our words. They're looking at our deeds. And when we exercise our spiritual gifts in healthy ways, those outside the church, unbelievers, are drawn into the church. They want to know more about Jesus. So, what are you waiting for now? And the word of some marketer at Nike, just do it. We've got to boldly follow." [53:25]
2. "When we step out into the world with a have to, like, I have to do this, I'm burnt out, I'm worn out, but this is what, this is the burden of being a Christian. That's not giving God any glory. That's not really having anybody feel like, wow, that really makes a lot of sense. That looks attractive, which is kind of coming to our next point. But, like, that doesn't, but when we step out with a passion and an understanding of like, how can I help you? It changes everything." [44:20]
3. "Spiritual gifts are never given so that we can try to please God or try to earn salvation, right? We're saved by grace, we know that. And spiritual gifts are here to bring glory and praise to God and build up the body of Christ. And so, as we were kind of like trying to do stuff for Jesus, what we were really doing at times was just like, you know, being worn out, resenting God for putting so much on our shoulders, being overwhelmed for, you know, stuff that we were doing for God and then even at times maybe being angry about ministry." [41:35]
4. "I think you will. It's fun to build each other up. It's fun to draw people in. It's fun to step into situations that you were made, to step into. Let's pray. Dear Jesus, thank you for the gifts that you give all of us. And as we walk through this life with you, Lord, would you continue to reveal to us the gifts you've given us. And as we mature and change and grow in faith, continue to reveal to us new gifts that you're developing and new ways that you're desiring to use us." [59:40]
5. "Take the pressure off. Just go out. Have fun with your Savior as He walks with you and you step into the world using these gifts. I don't know if it's an appropriate place to close, but it's where we're going to close the series. Go. Step out. Have fun." [59:08]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If our spiritual gifts don't build each other up, if they don't help lift each other up, our fellow believers up, there's something wrong. And perhaps this greatest gift that we can exercise, this gift of love that we kind of want to step into isn't actually being at the center. Last question for us today. Are your gifts, when you use them, a good witness to non-believers?" [50:07]
2. "One of the most common ways that spiritual gifts can be unhealthy in a church is just simply by ignoring them and not using them at all. I mean, turn to 1 Timothy. 1 Timothy, if you would. 1 Timothy chapter 4. 1 Timothy chapter 4, verse 14. Right before chapter 5. It says, 1 Timothy chapter 4, 14. Paul's talking to Timothy, a younger brother, if you will, of faith, somebody he's mentoring and pouring into and preparing for ministry. He tells Timothy, and I believe it's a message not just for Timothy but for all of us, he says, I'm actually going to continue to read. Practice these things. Immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress. He says, do not neglect the gift you have. Practice them. Immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress." [35:25]
3. "Spiritual gifts when exercised rightly end up pointing to Jesus and not to ourselves. Spiritual gifts, then, should never be used in a way of kind of this look how holy I am, look at what gifts that I have, I'm better than you. We don't serve in being worn out and we don't serve to elevate ourselves. Either one of those things brings attention back to us and not to God." [45:26]
4. "When we are healthy, individually and as a body, our spiritual gifts always build up. They always work together for the greater good. This is really the point of 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Paul's saying, if we have all these spiritual gifts but we don't have love, if we're not in a relationship with each other really trying to see what would benefit the other people around me the best, if love's not involved, it just ends up being noisy as we go through our actions." [49:03]
5. "Our time with Jesus fills us. These disciplines fill us, they prepare us. And then as we're filled with agape love, we can't help but be sent into the world. And when we're sent in the world, what's really helpful is to have gifts to be sent out with. And God says, guess what? I've given you these. Let me tell you about them. And so as we come and we stay connected to Jesus, we can step out as we're filled with love. And as we step out, we have gifts that we can specifically use in the ministry, in the churches for the edification of our church." [57:25]
6. "So assuming from that point that we are stepping out, we have three last questions to guide us as we use our gifts. And these questions will hopefully kind of be a question you can look on even as you live out your gifts to make sure that if we are going to use our gifts, like the first thing is like, we have to use them. We can't ignore our gifts. But now if we are going to immerse ourselves in them, we're going to exercise these gifts, we want to make sure as we do that, that we're doing it in a healthy way. And so we have three questions to kind of continue to ask yourself as you live out your spiritual gifts. The first one is this. Do they point to and bring glory to Jesus? Do your gifts point to God and bring glory to Jesus? That's question one. Question two, do your gifts encourage, help, and lift up fellow believers? Do your gifts, do they encourage, help, and lift up fellow believers? And then number three, are they a good witness for non-believers? As you use your spiritual gifts, is it a good witness to non-believers?" [38:02]
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