Empowering Spiritual Gifts in the Marketplace
Summary
In our exploration of spiritual gifts and their application in the marketplace, we delve into the profound question of whether individuals in positions of influence, such as those running banks or schools, can operate under the power of God. A spiritual gift is a unique function where supernatural power is exercised, distributed within the church body to meet its needs. The pivotal question is whether there are spiritual gifts specifically for roles like running a bank or managing a service company. The answer is a resounding yes. These gifts manifest in the lives of those who possess them, and we see outstanding examples in biblical figures like Abraham and Isaac, who were so alive in God that their presence was intimidating to others, such as their neighbor Abimelech.
The blessing of Abraham, as discussed in Galatians 3:13-14, is that God was with him in all his endeavors. This blessing is not confined to religious activities but extends to every aspect of life, including business. The role of a Christian businessman is not merely to participate in church activities but to glorify God through his business practices, including the care of employees, which has traditionally been a significant responsibility.
The heart of the matter lies in how we educate people for ministry, ensuring they understand that their spiritual gifts are not just for church use but for the world. Discipleship is the starting point, recognizing that the church is a place for nurturing discipleship, which is ultimately for the world. This perspective shifts the focus from merely assigning church tasks to empowering individuals to live out their faith in every sphere of life, including the marketplace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Spiritual Gifts in the Marketplace: Spiritual gifts are not limited to church activities but extend to roles in the marketplace, such as running a bank or school. These gifts enable individuals to operate under God's power in their professional lives, reflecting His presence in all they do. [00:33]
2. The Blessing of Abraham: The blessing of Abraham, as mentioned in Galatians, signifies God's presence in all aspects of life. This blessing is available to all believers, empowering them to glorify God in every endeavor, including business. [01:52]
3. Role of Christian Businessmen: Christian businessmen are called to glorify God through their business practices, not just participate in church activities. This includes taking care of employees and conducting business with integrity and responsibility. [02:22]
4. Education for Ministry: Educating people for ministry involves teaching them to apply their spiritual gifts in the world, not just within the church. Discipleship is key, as it prepares individuals to live out their faith in every sphere of life. [02:46]
5. Discipleship for the World: The church is a place for nurturing discipleship, but its ultimate purpose is for the world. Believers are called to be disciples in every area of life, using their gifts to impact the world positively. [03:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - Spiritual Gifts and the Marketplace
[00:33] - Defining a Gift
[00:52] - Gifts for Business Roles
[01:06] - Manifestation of Gifts
[01:19] - Biblical Examples of Gifts
[01:35] - The Blessing of Abraham
[01:52] - God's Presence in All Endeavors
[02:08] - Glorifying God in Business
[02:22] - Responsibility of Businessmen
[02:34] - Heart of the Matter
[02:46] - Educating for Ministry
[02:57] - Discipleship in the Church
[03:10] - Discipleship for the World
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 3:13-14 - "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."
2. Genesis 26:12-14 - "Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the presence of spiritual gifts in the marketplace? How are these gifts manifested according to the examples given? [01:06]
2. How does the sermon describe the blessing of Abraham, and how is it relevant to believers today? [01:52]
3. What responsibilities are highlighted for Christian businessmen in the sermon? [02:22]
4. According to the sermon, what is the role of discipleship in the church and the world? [02:57]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the blessing of Abraham, as discussed in Galatians 3:13-14, extend beyond religious activities to influence all aspects of a believer's life? [01:52]
2. In what ways can spiritual gifts be applied in professional settings, and how might this reflect God's presence in those environments? [00:33]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between business practices and glorifying God? How might this challenge traditional views of business? [02:22]
4. How does the concept of discipleship for the world, as presented in the sermon, redefine the purpose of the church? [03:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current professional role. How can you identify and utilize your spiritual gifts to operate under God's power in your workplace? [00:33]
2. Consider the blessing of Abraham in your life. In what specific ways can you seek to experience God's presence in all your endeavors, not just religious ones? [01:52]
3. As a Christian in the marketplace, how can you ensure that your business practices glorify God? What changes might you need to make to align with this calling? [02:22]
4. Think about your approach to employee care and business integrity. How can you improve these areas to reflect your faith more authentically? [02:22]
5. How can you actively participate in discipleship within your church community, and how can this discipleship extend to your everyday life and interactions? [02:57]
6. Identify one area in your professional life where you feel challenged to live out your faith. What steps can you take this week to address this challenge? [02:46]
7. How can you encourage others in your workplace to recognize and use their spiritual gifts? What role can you play in fostering a supportive environment for this? [02:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Gifts Beyond the Church Walls
Spiritual gifts are not confined to church activities; they extend into the marketplace, enabling individuals to operate under God's power in their professional lives. This understanding challenges the traditional view that spiritual gifts are only for religious settings. Instead, these gifts can manifest in various roles, such as running a bank or managing a school, where God's presence can be reflected in all actions. The lives of biblical figures like Abraham and Isaac exemplify this, as their connection with God was evident in all their endeavors, making their presence impactful to those around them. [00:33]
"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." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you recognize and utilize your spiritual gifts in your workplace or community today?
Day 2: The Blessing of Abraham in Everyday Life
The blessing of Abraham, as mentioned in Galatians, signifies God's presence in all aspects of life, not just in religious activities. This blessing empowers believers to glorify God in every endeavor, including business. It is a reminder that God's favor and guidance are available in all areas of life, encouraging believers to seek His presence in their daily tasks. This perspective invites Christians to see their work as a platform for demonstrating God's love and integrity, impacting the world around them positively. [01:52]
"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." (Galatians 3:29, ESV)
Reflection: How can you invite God's presence into your daily tasks and decisions, recognizing them as opportunities to glorify Him?
Day 3: Business as a Platform for Glorifying God
Christian businessmen are called to glorify God through their business practices, not just by participating in church activities. This includes taking care of employees and conducting business with integrity and responsibility. The role of a Christian in the marketplace is to reflect God's character in all dealings, ensuring that their actions align with their faith. This approach transforms business into a ministry, where ethical practices and genuine care for others become a testimony of God's love and righteousness. [02:22]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take in your workplace to ensure your business practices reflect your faith and glorify God?
Day 4: Educating for Ministry Beyond the Church
Educating people for ministry involves teaching them to apply their spiritual gifts in the world, not just within the church. Discipleship is key, as it prepares individuals to live out their faith in every sphere of life. This approach shifts the focus from merely assigning church tasks to empowering believers to be active disciples in their communities and workplaces. By understanding that their gifts are meant for the world, Christians can impact society positively, bringing God's love and truth into every interaction. [02:46]
"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." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively seek opportunities to apply your spiritual gifts in your community or workplace today?
Day 5: Discipleship for the World
The church is a place for nurturing discipleship, but its ultimate purpose is for the world. Believers are called to be disciples in every area of life, using their gifts to impact the world positively. This perspective encourages Christians to see their faith as a holistic journey, where every aspect of life is an opportunity to demonstrate God's love and truth. By living out their faith authentically, believers can influence their surroundings, becoming beacons of hope and transformation in a world in need of God's presence. [03:10]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you be a light in your community, using your spiritual gifts to bring about positive change?
Quotes
i think this is a tremendously important question and i would rephrase it in part as do you expect people who run banks and schools to live in the power of god what is a gift a gift is a particular function in which supernatural power is exercised and that is distributed in the body of the church because the church needs it [00:18:43]
now the question is are there gifts for running the bank or running service masters or whatever that i think is the is the primary question that you you are raising i would say without question there are gifts and they are manifested in the lives of those who bear them and different people have different gifts [00:48:00]
we have outstanding examples of abraham and isaac who were so alive in god that they were scary one of the things i hope to do in the afterlife is have some long discussions with abimelech their nervous neighbor and he was nervous because he said it's manifest god is with you and that is the blessing of abraham [01:19:43]
that is cited later in discussions with jacob and then paul brings it up in galatians 3 13-14 that the blessing of abraham should come upon the gentiles what was the blessing of abraham god was with him in everything he did see now that to me is is the big issue we don't give the excellent christian businessman something to do at church [01:15:12]
we give him something to do with his business which is glorify god in everything that he does including taking care of his employees which is traditionally one of the things that businessmen felt a great responsibility for when you go back in the literature on this so sorry scott but this seems to me to be very much the heart of the matter [01:37:20]
and then the question you are raising is how do we educate people for ministry in such a way that they will see to it that that's done and my view is you start by making disciples and you recognize that the church is where discipleship discipleship is for the world of course it works well in church too [02:49:12]
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