Rekindling and Nurturing Our Spiritual Gifts

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I explored the theme of identifying and nurturing the spiritual gifts that God has placed within each of us. Drawing from Paul's second letter to Timothy, I emphasized the importance of recognizing and rekindling the gifts that have been bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit. I reminded the congregation of the sincere faith that Timothy inherited from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, and how Paul encouraged him to fan into flame the gift of God.

I shared the notion that we all have unique spiritual gifts, which are meant to be used in service to God's kingdom. These gifts are not given for our own benefit but for the common good, to build up the body of Christ. I pointed out that these gifts can be discovered and nurtured within the community of believers and through personal spiritual reflection.

I also introduced the concept of the "River of Life" exercise as a tool for discerning one's spiritual gifts. This reflective practice allows individuals to trace the movements of God in their lives and to identify the passions and talents that align with their calling.

Furthermore, I discussed the various gifts listed by Paul in his letters to the Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians, emphasizing that no gift is superior to another and that all are necessary for the functioning of the church as the body of Christ.

I encouraged the congregation not to be ashamed of their gifts, even if they are uncertain about what they are or how to use them. Instead, I urged them to ask themselves whether they feel courage, power, love, and self-discipline when engaging with their gifts, as these are indicators of the Spirit's presence and affirmation.

Finally, I concluded with an invitation to the community to engage in conversation and support one another in discerning and utilizing our gifts for the glory of God and the growth of His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual gifts are inherited and nurtured within a community of faith, and they are meant to be used for the common good. Just as Timothy's faith was passed down from his grandmother and mother, our gifts are often recognized and affirmed by those around us. This communal aspect of spiritual growth is essential for the flourishing of individual gifts. [42:00]

- The "River of Life" exercise is a valuable tool for discerning one's spiritual gifts. By reflecting on the ebbs and flows of our life experiences, we can gain insight into where God has been at work in us and through us. This exercise can reveal both the gifts we possess and the areas where God is calling us to grow and serve. [43:59]

- Paul's letters to various churches provide a framework for understanding the diversity of spiritual gifts. By examining passages from Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians, we can see that the Spirit bestows a variety of gifts, all of which are important and none of which are to be considered superior to others. [36:58]

- It is important to engage with our spiritual gifts with courage and not be ashamed of them. The feelings of power, love, and self-discipline that accompany the use of our gifts are indicators that we are on the right path. These emotions reflect the Spirit's work in our lives and should be embraced as we serve God's kingdom. [46:48]

- The act of rekindling our spiritual gifts is an ongoing process that requires the breath of God. Just as a flame needs oxygen to grow, our spiritual gifts need the movement of God's Spirit to be fanned into flame. We must remain open to the Spirit's leading and continually seek to nurture the gifts we have been given. [48:34]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 1:1-14 - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us."

2. Romans 12:4-8 - "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."

3. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul remind Timothy about his faith and its origins in 2 Timothy 1:5? How does this relate to the theme of spiritual gifts? [39:04]
2. According to Romans 12:4-8, what are some of the different spiritual gifts mentioned, and how are they meant to function within the body of Christ?
3. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, what is the purpose of the diversity of spiritual gifts, and who is responsible for distributing them?

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of not being ashamed of one's spiritual gifts in 2 Timothy 1:7-8? How might feelings of shame hinder the use of these gifts? [37:03]
2. How does the "River of Life" exercise help individuals discern their spiritual gifts, and why is this process important for personal and communal growth? [43:02]
3. What does it mean to "fan into flame" the gift of God, and how can this be practically applied in one's daily life? [47:02]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Can you identify moments where others have recognized and affirmed your spiritual gifts? How did that impact you? [39:04]
2. Have you ever felt ashamed or uncertain about your spiritual gifts? What steps can you take to overcome these feelings and embrace your gifts with courage and confidence? [37:03]
3. Consider the "River of Life" exercise. How might tracing the movements of God in your life help you identify your spiritual gifts and areas where God is calling you to serve? [43:02]
4. How can you actively "fan into flame" the spiritual gifts you have been given? What practical steps can you take this week to nurture and use your gifts for the common good? [47:02]
5. In what ways can your small group support each other in discerning and utilizing spiritual gifts? Share specific ideas or practices that could be implemented to foster this communal growth. [51:44]
6. Reflect on the feelings of power, love, and self-discipline mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7. How do these emotions manifest when you are using your spiritual gifts, and how can you cultivate them further? [45:03]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to grow and serve. What steps can you take to develop your gifts in this area, and how can your small group support you in this journey? [43:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Community-Rooted Spiritual Gifts
Our spiritual gifts are not solitary blooms but flowers nurtured in the garden of community. Just as Timothy's faith was cultivated through the legacy of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, our spiritual gifts often find recognition and encouragement within the fellowship of believers. This communal nurturing is not only essential for the discovery of our gifts but also for their flourishing. Within the body of Christ, each member plays a vital role, and it is through mutual support and affirmation that individual gifts can truly thrive and serve the common good.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)

Reflection: Who in your faith community has helped you recognize or develop your spiritual gifts, and how can you express your gratitude to them today? [42:00]

Day 2: Discerning Gifts Through Life's River
The "River of Life" exercise is a profound journey of self-discovery, tracing the hand of God through the winding waters of our personal history. By reflecting on the moments of calm and the rapids we've encountered, we can discern the spiritual gifts that have been at play in our lives. This practice allows us to see where our passions and talents intersect with our divine calling, revealing the unique ways we are equipped to serve and grow within God's kingdom.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

Reflection: Can you identify a time in your life when a challenge revealed a spiritual gift you didn't realize you had? [43:59]

Day 3: Valuing the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts
The apostle Paul's letters to the Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians lay out a tapestry of spiritual gifts, each distinct yet equally valuable to the body of Christ. No gift is to be esteemed above another; all are necessary for the church to function harmoniously. As we explore these passages, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of gifts and the unity they bring when exercised in love and service to one another.

"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." - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV)

Reflection: What spiritual gift do you see in someone else that you admire, and how can you encourage them in that gift this week? [36:58]

Day 4: Spiritual Gifts as Indicators of Divine Presence
When we engage with our spiritual gifts, we may experience a profound sense of courage, power, love, and self-discipline. These are not just positive emotions but indicators of the Holy Spirit's presence and affirmation in our lives. As we use our gifts, we should embrace these feelings as signs that we are aligned with God's purpose and are actively participating in the work of His kingdom.

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when using your spiritual gift brought you a sense of power, love, or self-discipline. How did that experience affirm your calling? [46:48]

Day 5: Fanning the Flame of Our Spiritual Gifts
The act of rekindling our spiritual gifts is a dynamic and ongoing process, akin to tending a fire that requires the breath of God to grow. Just as a flame needs oxygen, our spiritual gifts need the movement of the Holy Spirit to be fanned into a vibrant blaze. We must remain open to the Spirit's leading, continually seeking to nurture and exercise the gifts we have been given, so they may shine brightly in service to God and others.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to fan into flame the spiritual gift you have been neglecting? [48:34]

Quotes

1) "There is no greater inspiration than to feel that someone believes in you. It's not a boastful, something that somebody says to make you big-headed, right? But it's to know that I'm on the right path. And I hope and I pray that at some point in your life, be it past, right now, or in the future, that someone has shared and willed. That someone will share inspiring words, just as Paul is sharing with Timothy, as Timothy is figuring out this gift thing." [40:52]( | | )

2) "How do you figure out what the gift is? How do you figure out what that gift is that is upon and within us? That's found in community. That's found in a community such as this, a body of believers. It's found through spiritual reflection. even rewinding the memory of our minds to think back, to see how God, family, friends, pastors, teachers, etc., have shared words, encouragement, inspiration around something in our lives." [42:00]( | | )

3) "It's called the river of life exercise. These are just a few examples here of what that looks like. And it was fun. But in looking back, I'll say that, okay, so it was something that was required I had to do. And I kept it. A few years later, I looked back at it. It was like, okay, even though it was required of me, it was something that actually helped me think through all of the times in which people have shared with me the gift that God had placed in my life." [43:59]( | | )

4) "Do I feel courage when I'm doing such and such? Do I feel courageous when I'm doing such and such? Do I feel power when I'm doing such and such? And not power as in, oh, like power like that. I don't know how else to put that. I don't know. But like as feeling empowered and passionate by God's spirit, right? That you enjoy it, that it brings a fire within you." [46:48]( | | )

5) "Paul wrote, For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit, a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline. And I didn't add another page to this sermon, but it's still poking out of me that I need to say this. He writes, I remind you to fan into flame." [47:45]( | | )

6) "Rekindle the gift, Timothy. Call to mind your work. For mentors in the faith, those who walked with you. Indeed, those who taught you how to walk. That is the spirit of power and love and self-discipline that can overcome any hesitancy, any reservation. So embrace this life, Timothy. The glory and the suffering, embrace it all." [51:04]( | | )

7) "Paul also clearly states in these passages that no gift is better than another, for they are all to work in communion with each other to share the gospel message. So I say that to say that we shouldn't be, we shall not, there's some harsh language, we shall not be, be ashamed of the gift that has been placed within us. Don't be ashamed of it." [36:58]( | | )

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Transcript
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