Everyone Gets To Play

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Gifts Are Given for Serving One Another

God has given each believer at least one spiritual gift, not for personal elevation or recognition, but for the purpose of serving others and building up the community of faith. These gifts, whether speaking or serving, are meant to be used in love, with the ultimate goal that God is glorified through Jesus Christ. When we activate and use our gifts, everyone in the body benefits, and the blessing often overflows to those outside the church as well. The diversity of gifts is intentional, reflecting God’s design for unity and mutual dependence within the body of Christ. [01:01:52]

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV)
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 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: What is one way you can intentionally use your unique gifts to serve someone in your church community this week?

Day 2: Every Believer Is Uniquely Gifted and Indispensable

God has arranged the body of Christ so that every member, regardless of how invisible or “unimpressive” their gifts may seem, is essential and valuable. Just as the human body needs every part to function well, the church needs the diversity of gifts and personalities that each person brings. Comparing ourselves to others or thinking we have nothing to offer is a lie; God has given each of us a role that is vital to His unified purpose. When we embrace our place in the body and step into community, we experience the fullness of what God intends for us and for others. [01:13:18]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12, 18-20 (ESV)
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... 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... But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Reflection: In what ways have you undervalued your own role or the role of others in the church, and how can you begin to honor the unique contributions of every member?

Day 3: Obedience Over Feelings—Stepping Out in Faith

Following Jesus and using your spiritual gifts often means acting out of obedience rather than waiting for the right feelings or perfect circumstances. Even those who seem the most committed or spiritually mature may not always feel like participating, but they choose to show up and serve because of their love for Christ. Developing spiritual “muscles” requires stepping out of comfort zones, sometimes in ways that feel awkward or challenging, trusting that God will work through your willingness. Your obedience can have ripple effects, blessing others and advancing God’s purposes in ways you may not immediately see. [01:20:45]

Philippians 2:13 (ESV)
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God calling you to step out in obedience, even if you don’t feel ready or comfortable, and how can you take a small step today?

Day 4: Encouragement and Community Guard Us Against Isolation

God’s Word calls us to encourage one another daily and to remain connected in community, because isolation leaves us vulnerable to discouragement and the enemy’s schemes. Encouragement is not just a spiritual gift for a few, but a command for all believers, meant to strengthen, comfort, and build up each other. When we neglect meeting together or drift from community, our hearts can become hardened and we miss out on the support and growth that God intends. Staying engaged in the life of the church is essential for spiritual health and resilience. [01:30:20]

Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to today with a word of encouragement, and how might your encouragement help them persevere in faith?

Day 5: The Holy Spirit Is God’s Deposit and Our Source of Power

Every believer has received the Holy Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing our inheritance and empowering us to live out our calling. This gift is better than any earthly treasure and is the foundation for all spiritual gifts and ministry. We are spiritually wealthy because God Himself dwells within us, and He has designed each of us with a unique spiritual DNA. Our confidence and security come not from our abilities, but from the presence and power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us for God’s glory. [01:09:44]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Reflection: How does knowing you have the Holy Spirit as God’s deposit in your life change the way you view your identity and purpose today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the profound truth that God has uniquely gifted every believer for the good of the whole community. We began by acknowledging the reality of loss and grief in our midst, praying for those who are suffering, and inviting the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This set the tone for a reflection on what it means to belong—not just to a church, but to the living body of Christ, where each person is indispensable and called to participate.

Drawing from 1 Peter 4 and other New Testament passages, we explored how the “last days” are not a distant future but the present era in which we live, and that our response should be marked by self-control, love, and hospitality. The gifts of the Spirit are not for personal elevation or spiritual pride, but for serving one another and glorifying Jesus. Peter and Paul both emphasize that every believer has received at least one spiritual gift, and that these gifts are diverse—ranging from teaching, encouragement, and giving, to faith, healing, and administration. The purpose of these gifts is always the common good, and their full expression is only possible in the context of authentic community.

We considered the danger of elevating certain individuals because of their gifts, which can lead to misplaced glory and division. Instead, the biblical vision is that “everyone gets to play”—that is, every member is vital, and God’s method is to use our diversity to create unity. We heard the story of Lydia, a humble and faithful woman whose quiet obedience and intercessory prayer had a profound impact, even though she never sought the spotlight. Her life reminds us that spiritual fruitfulness often comes through simple faithfulness and obedience, not through feelings or public recognition.

We also addressed the challenge for introverts and those who feel inadequate, affirming that God’s call often stretches us beyond our comfort zones, but that He equips us for what He asks us to do. The gifts of the Spirit are not static labels but dynamic expressions that can be mixed and manifested in different ways, often in the ordinary moments of encouragement, prayer, and service.

Finally, we were reminded that isolation is the enemy’s strategy to weaken and discourage us. True spiritual growth and protection come through regular, committed participation in the life of the body—encouraging one another daily, meeting together, and building each other up. As we celebrated communion, we remembered that all of this is possible only because of Christ’s sacrifice, and we were invited once again to say “yes” to Him.

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Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Gifts Are for Service, Not Status Every believer has received at least one spiritual gift, not for personal recognition but to serve others and glorify Christ. When we elevate individuals because of their gifts, we risk shifting the focus from Jesus to ourselves. The true purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the body and reflect God’s grace in its many forms. [66:18]
2. Community Is Essential for Spiritual Growth The exercise and development of spiritual gifts cannot happen in isolation. God’s design is that we belong to one another, and it is only in authentic community that our gifts are activated, refined, and fruitful. When we withdraw or remain on the margins, we not only limit our own growth but also hinder the blessing God intends for others through us. [74:16]
3. Obedience Often Precedes Feeling Faithfulness is not about always feeling motivated or inspired; it is about choosing obedience even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. The story of Lydia illustrates that spiritual maturity is often marked by doing what is right before God, regardless of emotion, and that such obedience can have ripple effects far beyond what we see. [80:12]
4. Diversity Creates Unity in the Body of Christ God intentionally distributes different gifts to different people, and this diversity is His method for achieving unity and maturity in the church. Rather than comparing ourselves or envying others’ gifts, we are called to embrace our unique role and trust that God knows exactly what He is doing in arranging the body. [73:18]
5. Isolation Is Spiritually Dangerous The enemy’s strategy is to isolate believers, making them vulnerable to discouragement and spiritual decline. Scripture repeatedly urges us to encourage one another daily and not to give up meeting together, because it is in community that we are protected, strengthened, and kept from the deceitfulness of sin. [90:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Announcements and Community Updates
[02:43] - Prayers for Grieving and Healing
[55:27] - Additional Prayer Requests
[56:43] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4
[58:15] - Living in the Last Days: Perspective and Patience
[59:21] - The Call to Love and Hospitality
[61:10] - The Purpose and Categories of Spiritual Gifts
[63:45] - Overview of Spiritual Gifts in Scripture
[65:13] - Dangers of Elevating Individuals with Gifts
[66:18] - Giving Glory to God Alone
[69:27] - The Holy Spirit as Our Guarantee
[71:02] - The Body of Christ: Unity in Diversity
[75:11] - The Story of Lydia: Quiet Faithfulness
[80:12] - Obedience Over Feelings
[83:25] - Encouragement for Introverts and Stepping Out
[85:42] - Misconceptions About Spiritual Gifts
[86:26] - Prophecy and Encouragement in Practice
[88:09] - Healing: Physical and Emotional
[89:46] - The Call to Encourage One Another
[92:03] - Communion: Examination and Thanksgiving
[94:43] - Invitation to Receive Christ
[96:23] - Closing and Fellowship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV) — > The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 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.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV) — > Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) — > And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 4:10, what is the purpose of the spiritual gifts God gives to each believer?
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, what does Paul say about the diversity of gifts and their source?
The sermon mentioned the story of Lydia, a woman who served faithfully without seeking attention. What were some of the ways Lydia used her gifts in the church community? [[01:16:08]]
What does Hebrews 10:24-25 say about the importance of meeting together and encouraging one another?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Peter and Paul both emphasize that spiritual gifts are for serving others and not for personal status? How does this challenge the way we sometimes view gifted people in the church? [[01:06:18]]
The sermon talked about the danger of isolation and how it can make us vulnerable. Why is community so essential for spiritual growth and protection, according to both the Bible and the sermon? [[01:30:20]]
Lydia’s story showed that obedience often comes before feelings. What does this teach us about the relationship between faithfulness and emotions in our walk with God? [[01:20:12]]
How does the diversity of spiritual gifts actually create unity in the church, rather than division? [[01:13:18]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “Everyone gets to play”—that is, every member is vital. Do you know what your spiritual gift(s) might be? If not, what is one step you could take this month to discover or develop your gift? [[01:08:08]]
Have you ever felt like your gifts or personality (for example, being an introvert) make you less useful in the church? How does Lydia’s story encourage you to step out, even if it feels uncomfortable? [[01:23:25]]
Is there a way you have been tempted to compare your gifts to others or feel envious? How can you embrace your unique role in the body of Christ this week? [[01:13:18]]
The sermon warned that isolation is spiritually dangerous. Are there any ways you have been withdrawing from community? What is one practical thing you can do to reconnect or encourage someone else this week? [[01:30:20]]
Think of a time when you obeyed God even though you didn’t feel like it. What was the result? Is there an area right now where you sense God calling you to obedience before you “feel” like it? [[01:20:12]]
The gifts of the Spirit are not just for church services but for everyday life. Can you think of a recent moment when you encouraged, prayed for, or served someone? How might God be inviting you to use your gifts in ordinary moments this week? [[01:29:30]]
The sermon reminded us that all of this is possible because of Christ’s sacrifice. How does remembering Jesus’ love and grace motivate you to serve others with your gifts? [[01:34:09]]

Sermon Clips

How do we love one another and learn to show hospitality to one another and serve one another? If we're not in community with one another? I mean, it seems like a pretty obvious question, but I don't assume anything anymore. I mean, we just need to come back to the basis of Scripture and say, this does not happen outside of community. [01:00:27] (21 seconds) #CommunityIsKey

But clearly from his words, the purpose of the gifts is to serve one another. So that's their purpose. And the gifts, as the gifts are activated, we all become beneficiaries of those gifts. As we learn what these gifts are, as they're activated in our midst, we all benefit by that. [01:02:09] (22 seconds) #GiftsToServe

But regardless of whether it's authentic or it's just out of whack, there's a tendency to elevate a person that might have a mixture of these gifts. And the problem I have with that, and the problem we should have with that, is when we do that, we make it all about, about the person and what they do. And then the question I have is, who gets the glory then? Who gets the glory? They do, right? Now we just read, what did Peter just say to us in those first few verses? He said, these gifts are given to us, we all have at least one, so that in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter said, the one who gets the glory is Jesus. Right? Because in reality, it's not about us. It has nothing to do with us. It's Christ in us, working his life out through us uniquely, through the way he has designed each of us individually. It has very little to do with us. We're just learning to get out of his way. And then the only one who gets the glory is him, right? And that's what we need to pursue. [01:05:44] (70 seconds) #GloryToChrist

So we want to look at the spiritual gifts. We don't want to look at the spiritual gifts and have an overinflated view of ourselves or anyone else. So right before we would look at the gifts in Romans, this is how the Apostle Paul introduces it. He says, For by the grace given to me, I say to every one of you, do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourselves with sober judgments in accordance with the faith that God has distributed to each of you. [01:08:21] (33 seconds) #HumbleFaith

The other thing we don't want to do, which I think we tend to do as well, we also don't want to think that there isn't anything special that God is doing in our lives. You know, so-and-so is gifted spiritually. I can see a few things in them. Not much going on in me. And that's a lie because we all have been given at least one gift. [01:09:02] (26 seconds) #GiftedByGod

But the first thing that the Lord has deposited in our lives, which we don't want to forget, is spoken of in Ephesians 1. And the Apostle Paul says, Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of his glory. So obviously we remember we turn to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. To be saved means that we have new life in the Spirit. The Spirit of God has come to make resonance in us. So God has made this deposit in our lives. And it's better than any investment plan the world could ever offer us. We need to celebrate our wealth. We are wealthy. We have been deposited with the Spirit of God. It's a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. So our eternal security has been purchased by the blood of the Savior. We need to boast about this. We need to celebrate this. You know, when we're trying to think, oh, you know, I wish we had that. We got it all. We have the Holy Spirit. [01:09:27] (74 seconds) #SpiritDeposit

And now we need to think of the spiritual gifts as our specific spiritual DNA. I had a conversation, David, last night at the Kohl's Cafe with someone about this. I have no idea who they were or if they were a believer or not. I was talking about spiritual DNA. So it's the way that the Lord has designed us each differently, purposely, by design. [01:10:41] (22 seconds) #SpiritualDNA

There's one thing I want to share about her that we only learned in the last few years of her life. She said this, I never feel like going. And she's talking about going to the prayer meeting, going to Sunday morning, going to the home groups. She says, I never feel like going, but I'm always glad I did. And then those of us who knew her were like, wow, if Lydia doesn't feel like going, is there any hope for the rest of us? You know, we thought she was like, the most solid, committed Christian we ever met. And she said, I never felt like going. So what this says to me as a pastor we need to develop some spiritual muscles. So Lydia didn't make her decisions based on her feelings. She made them based on obedience to her Lord. [01:19:59] (50 seconds) #StepOutInFaith

Let me just say this as strongly as I can. Apart from community, you will be hardened by sins, deceitfulness. Apart from community, the enemy's job is to isolate us and take us down. I mean, do we not know this? We've seen it over the years. He wants to isolate us and then he's going to go after us because we won't be in a position to stand very long. And then we're going to get weak. We're going to get discouraged and he's going to take us out. So the Word of God is clear. Encourage one another daily. [01:30:21] (30 seconds)

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