Empowered to Serve: Unleashing Our Gifts for Impact
Summary
In our journey to make an impact, we have explored various avenues such as seeking justice, using our words to speak life, and building intentional relationships. Today, we focus on using our gifts to serve, a concept that encompasses both spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit and our natural talents, strengths, and experiences. These gifts are meant to serve God, each other, and to build up the body of Christ, extending God's kingdom and Shalom—peace, wholeness, and flourishing for all people.
We delve into the story of Gideon from the book of Judges, a time marked by a cycle of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. Gideon, initially found hiding from the Midianites, is called by God to save Israel. Despite his doubts and feelings of inadequacy, God assures him of His presence and calls him a mighty warrior. This narrative reminds us that God sees our potential and calls us to step out in faith, using our gifts to make a difference.
Gideon's story illustrates that God often calls us to act in the midst of our fears and limitations. He used his creativity and courage to destroy idols and lead a small army to victory, demonstrating that God equips us with what we need to fulfill His purposes. Similarly, we are encouraged to recognize and utilize our gifts, understanding that God desires for us to thrive, not just survive.
We are reminded that each of us has something valuable to offer, and that God provides the strength we need to serve. By stepping out of our comfort zones and using our gifts, we can fight against injustice and contribute to the flourishing of our communities. In Christ, we have everything we need to make a lasting impact, empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring about peace and restoration.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognizing Our Gifts: Each of us possesses unique gifts, both spiritual and natural, that are meant to serve God and others. By acknowledging and utilizing these gifts, we can contribute to the body of Christ and extend God's kingdom. [39:37]
- God's Presence in Our Weakness: Like Gideon, we may feel inadequate or abandoned, but God is closer than we realize. He calls us to step out in faith, assuring us of His presence and empowering us to make a difference. [45:08]
- Thriving Beyond Survival: God desires for us to thrive, not merely survive. By using our gifts, we unlock joy and fulfillment, contributing to the flourishing of our communities and experiencing God's Shalom. [52:26]
- Overcoming Fear with God's Strength: Fear can hold us back, but God provides the strength we need to serve. By trusting in His presence and power, we can overcome obstacles and use our gifts to impact others. [55:01]
- Making a Lasting Impact: In Christ, we have everything we need to make a lasting impact. By stepping out of our comfort zones and using our gifts, we can fight against injustice and contribute to the flourishing of our communities. [56:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Making an Impact
- [02:15] - Understanding Our Gifts
- [05:00] - The Story of Gideon
- [10:00] - Gideon's Call and Doubts
- [15:00] - God's Assurance and Presence
- [20:00] - Gideon's Creative Problem Solving
- [25:00] - Overcoming Fear and Inadequacy
- [30:00] - Thriving Beyond Survival
- [35:00] - Using Our Gifts for Justice
- [40:00] - God's Strength in Our Weakness
- [45:00] - Making a Lasting Impact
- [50:00] - Reflecting on Our Gifts
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
- [01:11:04] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Judges 6:11-16
Observation Questions:
1. What was Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and why was he doing it in that particular location? [39:37]
2. How did Gideon initially respond to the angel's greeting, and what does this reveal about his state of mind? [43:46]
3. What specific task did God assign to Gideon, and what assurance did He provide to Gideon about this task? [46:12]
4. How did Gideon use his creativity and courage to fulfill God's command to destroy the idols? [48:45]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Gideon's initial reaction to the angel's message tell us about his perception of God's presence in his life? [45:08]
2. How does the story of Gideon illustrate the concept of God equipping individuals with the necessary gifts to fulfill His purposes? [47:28]
3. In what ways does Gideon's story challenge the idea of thriving versus merely surviving in the context of using one's gifts? [52:26]
4. How does the narrative of Gideon encourage believers to step out of their comfort zones and trust in God's strength? [55:01]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or abandoned like Gideon. How did you experience God's presence during that time? [45:08]
2. Identify a gift or talent you possess that you have been hesitant to use. What steps can you take to bring this gift out of your "wine press" and use it for God's purposes? [55:01]
3. Consider the fears that hold you back from using your gifts. How can you rely on God's strength to overcome these fears and make an impact in your community? [55:01]
4. How can you creatively use your gifts to address an injustice or need in your community, similar to how Gideon used his creativity to solve problems? [48:45]
5. What does thriving look like for you in your current season of life, and how can using your gifts contribute to this sense of thriving? [52:26]
6. Think of a specific area in your life where you can extend God's Shalom—peace, wholeness, and flourishing. What practical steps can you take this week to contribute to this vision? [56:08]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to recognize and use their gifts for the greater good, just as Gideon was called to lead and inspire his people? [47:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing and Embracing Our Unique Gifts
Each person is endowed with unique gifts, both spiritual and natural, that are intended to serve God and others. Recognizing these gifts is the first step in contributing to the body of Christ and extending God's kingdom. These gifts are not just for personal fulfillment but are meant to be shared for the benefit of the community. By acknowledging and utilizing these gifts, individuals can find their place in God's plan and make a meaningful impact in the world. The journey of discovering and embracing one's gifts is a path to joy and fulfillment, as it aligns with God's purpose for each life. [39:37]
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."
Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you possess that you have not yet fully embraced or utilized for the benefit of others? How can you begin to use them today to serve your community?
Day 2: God's Presence in Our Weakness
In moments of doubt and inadequacy, it is easy to feel distant from God. However, like Gideon, individuals are reminded that God is closer than they realize, calling them to step out in faith. Despite feelings of weakness, God assures His presence and empowers His people to make a difference. This assurance is a powerful reminder that God sees potential where we see limitations. By trusting in His presence, individuals can overcome their fears and step into the roles God has prepared for them, knowing they are not alone in their journey. [45:08]
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 do you feel inadequate or weak? How can you invite God into these areas and trust in His strength to guide you?
Day 3: Thriving Beyond Survival
God's desire for His people is not merely to survive but to thrive. By using their gifts, individuals unlock joy and fulfillment, contributing to the flourishing of their communities and experiencing God's Shalom—peace, wholeness, and flourishing. This thriving is not just about personal success but about being part of a larger movement towards justice and restoration. When individuals step out of their comfort zones and use their gifts, they participate in God's work of bringing about His kingdom on earth, where all can experience His peace and wholeness. [52:26]
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What does thriving look like for you in your current season of life? How can you use your gifts to contribute to the flourishing of your community?
Day 4: Overcoming Fear with God's Strength
Fear can be a significant barrier to using one's gifts and stepping into God's calling. However, God provides the strength needed to serve and overcome obstacles. By trusting in His presence and power, individuals can face their fears and use their gifts to impact others. This journey requires courage and faith, as it often involves stepping into the unknown. Yet, with God's strength, individuals can move beyond their fears and make a lasting impact in their communities, bringing about change and transformation. [55:01]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What fears are holding you back from using your gifts to serve others? How can you rely on God's strength to overcome these fears and step into your calling?
Day 5: Making a Lasting Impact
In Christ, individuals have everything they need to make a lasting impact. By stepping out of their comfort zones and using their gifts, they can fight against injustice and contribute to the flourishing of their communities. This impact is not just about immediate results but about creating a legacy of change and transformation. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, individuals are called to bring about peace and restoration, extending God's kingdom on earth. This calling is a reminder that each person has a role to play in God's plan, and by using their gifts, they can make a difference that lasts beyond their lifetime. [56:08]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to begin making a lasting impact in your community? How can you use your gifts to fight against injustice and contribute to the flourishing of those around you?
Quotes
"The Lord turned to him and said, go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you? Pardon me, my Lord, Gideon replied. But how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family. The Lord answered, I will be with you, and you will strike down all of the Midianites, leaving none alive." [00:40:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God is reminding all of us, his people, of who we are. Mighty warriors for justice, warriors for peace and shalom. That he is calling us to go out into our community and make an impact right here in the middle of the darkness of the struggle." [00:46:16] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And we already have everything we need to bring about peace and flourishing and the shalom of God right here in our community. And God is calling forth the gifts of his people as his response." [00:47:14] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"How do we use the gifts that we have to fight against injustice, to make an impact in our communities? Well, the first thing we need to do is to realize that we all have a gift to offer." [00:50:58] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"There's not one single person in this room or joining us online who doesn't have something to offer to build up this body right here, to build up our community to extend God's kingdom here on earth." [00:51:12] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So the second thing that we can do is to realize that God wants us to thrive, not merely survive. So Gideon was doing a pretty good job of surviving in that wine press." [00:52:26] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And then finally, realize that it's God who gives you or gives us the strength that we need to serve. So maybe you're afraid." [00:54:05] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because when we follow Jesus, we know that each and every one of our gifts are intended to be used to build up the body of Christ. So if you're afraid, realize that God is with you, just like God was with Gideon." [00:55:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It's only through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that we have the strength to make a lasting impact." [00:56:19] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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