The Million-Dollar Mistake: Ignoring What God Has Given You By Tim Badal (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
Summary
Opening our Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 12, we delve into the profound truth that God has gifted each of His children with spiritual gifts, akin to winning a spiritual lottery. These gifts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are given to every believer at conversion, not for personal gain but for the common good, to build up the church and advance the mission of Christ. Yet, like unclaimed lottery tickets, many of us neglect these gifts due to ignorance, fear, or misplacement. The Church of Corinth faced similar issues, and Paul addresses this by urging believers not to be uninformed about their spiritual gifts.
Paul emphasizes the importance of recognizing the great opportunity these gifts present. They are not toys for entertainment, trophies for admiration, or trinkets for personal identity. Instead, they are tools in God's toolbox, meant to reflect His character and demonstrate His power. By using our gifts, we declare that Jesus is Lord, distinguishing ourselves from the world that follows mute idols. The diversity of gifts—ranging from speaking and serving to sign gifts—highlights the variety of ways God works through His people. Despite their differences, all gifts are empowered by the same Spirit, focused on the same Lord, and utilized by the same God.
Paul encourages us to refine our gifts to meet the needs of others, recognizing that each gift, whether seen or unseen, is vital to the body of Christ. The speaking gifts often receive more attention, but the serving gifts are equally important, ensuring the church functions smoothly. The sign gifts, though less common, still hold a place in God's plan, demonstrating His power in unique ways.
Finally, we are called to release our gifts by discovering, developing, and deploying them for God's glory. This involves taking practical steps to identify our gifts, equipping ourselves to use them effectively, and actively engaging in ministry opportunities. By doing so, we tap into the spiritual riches God has entrusted to us, unleashing a powerful impact on the world for His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize the Gift: God has given each believer a spiritual gift at conversion, akin to winning a spiritual lottery. These gifts are not for personal gain but for the common good, to build up the church and advance Christ's mission. Ignorance or neglect of these gifts is akin to leaving a winning lottery ticket unclaimed. [04:21]
- Diversity in Unity: Spiritual gifts are diverse, ranging from speaking and serving to sign gifts. Despite their differences, all gifts are empowered by the same Spirit, focused on the same Lord, and utilized by the same God. This diversity reflects the multifaceted nature of God's work through His people. [25:11]
- Gifts as Tools, Not Trophies: Spiritual gifts are tools in God's toolbox, meant to reflect His character and demonstrate His power. They are not toys for entertainment, trophies for admiration, or trinkets for personal identity. By using our gifts, we declare that Jesus is Lord, distinguishing ourselves from the world. [21:15]
- Refining for Service: We must refine our gifts to meet the needs of others, recognizing that each gift, whether seen or unseen, is vital to the body of Christ. The speaking gifts often receive more attention, but the serving gifts are equally important, ensuring the church functions smoothly. [29:16]
- Discover, Develop, Deploy: To release our gifts, we must discover, develop, and deploy them for God's glory. This involves identifying our gifts, equipping ourselves to use them effectively, and actively engaging in ministry opportunities. By doing so, we tap into the spiritual riches God has entrusted to us. [38:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:21] - The Spiritual Lottery
- [10:36] - Uninformed and Neglect
- [14:55] - Declaring Jesus as Lord
- [18:31] - Mute Idols vs. Living God
- [21:15] - Gifts as Tools, Not Trophies
- [25:11] - Diversity in Spiritual Gifts
- [29:16] - Importance of Serving Gifts
- [35:13] - Same Spirit, Same Lord
- [38:27] - Discover, Develop, Deploy
- [42:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What analogy does the pastor use to describe the spiritual gifts given to believers, and what is the significance of this analogy? [04:21]
2. According to the sermon, what were some of the issues the Church of Corinth faced regarding spiritual gifts? [10:36]
3. How does Paul describe the diversity of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, and what is the common source of these gifts? [25:11]
4. What are the three categories of spiritual gifts mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ in their function within the church? [29:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might some believers neglect or be unaware of their spiritual gifts, according to the sermon? How does this relate to the analogy of the unclaimed lottery ticket? [04:21]
2. How does the pastor explain the difference between using spiritual gifts as tools versus toys, trophies, or trinkets? What implications does this have for how believers should view their gifts? [21:15]
3. In what ways does the diversity of spiritual gifts reflect the multifaceted nature of God's work through His people, as discussed in the sermon? [25:11]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should approach the discovery, development, and deployment of their spiritual gifts? What practical steps are recommended? [38:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. Have you identified them, and if so, how are you currently using them for the common good? If not, what steps can you take to discover them? [38:27]
2. Consider a time when you may have viewed your spiritual gifts as toys, trophies, or trinkets. How can you shift your perspective to see them as tools for God's glory? [21:15]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of refining our gifts to meet the needs of others. What specific needs in your church or community could your gifts help address? [29:16]
4. How can you ensure that you are not neglecting your spiritual gifts due to fear or hesitation? What support or encouragement might you need from your small group or church community? [04:21]
5. Think about the diversity of gifts within your small group or church. How can you encourage and support others in discovering and using their gifts effectively? [25:11]
6. The sermon calls for believers to actively engage in ministry opportunities. What is one new ministry opportunity you could explore to use your gifts more fully? [38:27]
7. Reflect on the idea that using your spiritual gifts is a way to declare that Jesus is Lord. How can this perspective change the way you approach serving in your church or community? [14:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognize Your Spiritual Lottery
God has given each believer a spiritual gift at conversion, akin to winning a spiritual lottery. These gifts are not for personal gain but for the common good, to build up the church and advance Christ's mission. Ignorance or neglect of these gifts is akin to leaving a winning lottery ticket unclaimed. Many believers are unaware of the spiritual riches they possess, often due to a lack of understanding or fear of stepping out in faith. The Church of Corinth faced similar issues, and Paul addresses this by urging believers not to be uninformed about their spiritual gifts. Recognizing these gifts is the first step in utilizing them effectively for God's glory. [04:21]
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 spiritual gift do you believe God has given you, and how can you begin to use it for the common good today?
Day 2: Embrace Diversity in Unity
Spiritual gifts are diverse, ranging from speaking and serving to sign gifts. Despite their differences, all gifts are empowered by the same Spirit, focused on the same Lord, and utilized by the same God. This diversity reflects the multifaceted nature of God's work through His people. Each gift, whether prominent or subtle, plays a crucial role in the body of Christ. Embracing this diversity allows the church to function as a unified whole, with each member contributing uniquely to the mission of Christ. [25:11]
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (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."
Reflection: How can you celebrate and support the diverse gifts of others in your church community?
Day 3: Use Gifts as Tools, Not Trophies
Spiritual gifts are tools in God's toolbox, meant to reflect His character and demonstrate His power. They are not toys for entertainment, trophies for admiration, or trinkets for personal identity. By using our gifts, we declare that Jesus is Lord, distinguishing ourselves from the world. This perspective shifts the focus from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, encouraging believers to use their gifts for His glory rather than personal recognition. [21:15]
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV): "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: In what ways might you be tempted to use your spiritual gifts for personal gain, and how can you refocus them for God's purposes?
Day 4: Refine Your Gifts for Service
We must refine our gifts to meet the needs of others, recognizing that each gift, whether seen or unseen, is vital to the body of Christ. The speaking gifts often receive more attention, but the serving gifts are equally important, ensuring the church functions smoothly. Refining our gifts involves intentional practice, learning, and growth, allowing us to serve more effectively and faithfully. [29:16]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to refine and develop your spiritual gifts for more effective service?
Day 5: Discover, Develop, Deploy
To release our gifts, we must discover, develop, and deploy them for God's glory. This involves identifying our gifts, equipping ourselves to use them effectively, and actively engaging in ministry opportunities. By doing so, we tap into the spiritual riches God has entrusted to us, unleashing a powerful impact on the world for His glory. This process requires intentionality and commitment, as we seek to align our lives with God's purposes. [38:27]
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV): "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 gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to discover, develop, and deploy your spiritual gifts in your community?
Quotes
God has gifted every one of his children with a jackpot. And so often we take that jackpot and we discard it, unknowing of what that jackpot is. Maybe we misplace it, maybe we think that our time to use it has expired, or maybe out of fear and hesitation we know we have the gift, we know God has empowered us to use this gift in victory, and because of fear and hesitation of what others might think, we leave it by the wayside. [00:04:21] (41 seconds)
Now, when we talk about spiritual gifts, what are we talking about? Let's, first of all, look at a definition. And so look to the screen. We've got a definition there. A spiritual gift is a God-given ability empowered by the Holy Spirit given to every believer at conversion to be used in the service for the common good, building up of the church and advancing the mission of Christ. [00:07:51] (24 seconds)
The way we declare and demonstrate to the world that Jesus is perpetually and presently the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Savior, our master, the captain of our vessels. The way we communicate, he's in charge and we are his servants is by using our spiritual gifts. And so if you're not using your spiritual gifts, you have rendered yourself mute to the greatest thing supposedly you believe and declare to be true in your life. [00:16:24] (33 seconds)
Spiritual gifts aren't toys to play with, trophies to marvel at, or trinkets to wear. The spiritual gifts are tools that God uses. And so God's got this toolbox. And his toolbox is filled with a variety of tools and he's gonna pull out one tool to use for one project and another tool out for another project. And he uses these tools however he wants. [00:21:15] (29 seconds)
So now Paul moves to educating the people, and he says, okay, first of all, you need to know and recognize there are varieties, he says it three times, there are varieties of gifts. Well, let's talk about that. He says varieties of gifts, variety of service, and varieties of activities. So Paul highlights the diversity of how God works through his people. So let's talk about it. First, there's a variety, there's a diversity, there's a difference between the gifts. [00:25:11] (32 seconds)
And so Paul communicates about these things. There's all these varieties. But notice that these gifts are all given by the same. He says same over 10 times. I think it's almost a dozen times he uses his phraseology same, and he says this. The same Spirit empowers all the gifts. That means the same Spirit is the one who's behind all of the gifts. [00:35:13] (28 seconds)
Finally, the same God utilizes every outcome. So we don't have to be discouraged. We don't have to count heads. Okay? So here we are. We're multiple campuses. The preaching pastors don't have to say, well, who's got the spirit behind them? And I raise my hand. I say, hey, look at the crowds at Sugar Grove. The spirit must be at work there. But he's not at work at some of our smaller campuses. Hogwash. [00:36:38] (28 seconds)
So you have a gift, don't make it a hobby. Use it as a gift that you give to others for others' benefit, care, and betterment. You don't use it to serve yourself, but you use it to serve others. Now once I know that, then I gotta release it, point three, and it's a short one. I gotta release it. Verse 11 says, Listen, spouses, you can't ride on the coattails of your spouse that's using their gift. [00:38:27] (39 seconds)
We want you to discover. We want you to develop, and we want you to deploy these gifts, and here's why in closing, because you and I have been given a jackpot. We've been given riches beyond our wildest dreams. God himself, through his Holy Spirit, has put in each and every one of us a treasure, and he doesn't want us to leave that treasure untouched. [00:40:44] (24 seconds)
He wants us to use that treasure and to give that treasure to as many people as possible, and he says, when you are willing to do that, I will meet you. I will empower you. I will resource you to be successful in every work you do, and friends, when we do that collectively as a church, when we're firing on all cylinders, when it comes to our spiritual gifts, the world has not seen anything yet of the impact in ministry that we will unleash into the people of this world to the glory of God. Amen? [00:41:59] (34 seconds)