Unleashing Your Unique Gifts for God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on an exciting new series called "The Summer of One," where we focus on discovering the unique ways God wants to use each of us to make an impact. Just as what you bring to the beach can greatly influence your experience, what God has given you can significantly affect your spiritual journey and the lives of those around you. The core message is that what God has invested in you is of immense value. Through Jesus Christ, we receive not only salvation but also gifts and talents that God desires us to use for His kingdom.
We explored the parable of the sower and the parable of the talents to illustrate how God has equipped us with spiritual gifts. Jesus, the ultimate farmer, has a massive, universal farm, and He enlists us to help with the harvest. Each of us has a unique "bag" filled with gifts that are essential for the growth of God's kingdom. The challenge is to discover what's in our bag and to use it effectively.
We also examined why we often bury our bags instead of using them. The first reason is a misconception about God, seeing Him as a hard taskmaster rather than a loving Father passionate about His kingdom. The second reason is a misshapen view of what we have, leading us to play it safe and not take risks. The third reason is forgetting the potential of what God can do with what He has given us.
The story of the boy with the lunch bag that fed thousands reminds us that God can do miraculous things with what we offer, no matter how small it seems. As we go through this series, we are encouraged to take a spiritual gift assessment and pray earnestly to discover and utilize our gifts. By doing so, we can transform our church into a living organism where lives are changed, needs are met, and God's power is on display.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Investment in You is Valuable: God has given each of us unique gifts and talents that are of immense value. These gifts are not just for our benefit but are meant to be used to expand His kingdom. Understanding the value of what God has invested in us can transform our faith journey and impact those around us. [06:49]
2. Misconceptions About God: Often, we bury our gifts because we have a wrong view of God, seeing Him as a hard taskmaster. However, God is passionate about His kingdom and desires to see us flourish. Everything He asks of us is for our benefit and the expansion of His kingdom. [14:54]
3. Fear and Playing it Safe: We sometimes bury our gifts out of fear or a conservative mindset, thinking that what we have is not valuable enough to risk using. This fear prevents us from stepping out in faith and experiencing the full potential of what God can do through us. [19:05]
4. The Power of Small Offerings: The story of the boy with the lunch bag that fed thousands illustrates that God can do miraculous things with even the smallest offerings. When we make our gifts available to God, He can multiply them in ways we can't imagine. [28:04]
5. Earnestly Seek and Utilize Your Gifts: Apostle Paul encourages us to earnestly seek the gifts of God. By discovering and utilizing our spiritual gifts, we can transform our church into a vibrant community where lives are changed, and God's power is evident. Take a spiritual gift assessment and pray for guidance to discover how God wants to use you. [30:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:30] - Introduction to "The Summer of One"
[06:49] - The Value of God's Investment
[07:37] - The Parable of the Sower
[09:01] - Jesus' Universal Farm
[09:47] - The Plentiful Harvest
[10:23] - What's in Your Bag?
[11:28] - The Parable of the Talents
[12:39] - The Lazy Servant
[13:47] - Misconceptions About God
[14:54] - God is Not a Taskmaster
[15:57] - God's Passion for His Kingdom
[16:57] - Everything God Requires is for Our Benefit
[17:35] - Misconceptions About Our Gifts
[18:29] - Fear and Playing it Safe
[19:05] - The Importance of Taking Risks
[19:57] - The Status Quo of Faith
[20:43] - Personal Struggles with Taking Risks
[21:24] - The Value of Small Offerings
[22:18] - Spiritual Gifts and Their Importance
[23:23] - Different Gifts, Same Spirit
[24:30] - The Impact of Utilizing Our Gifts
[25:36] - The Church as a Living Organism
[26:54] - The Importance of ROI in God's Kingdom
[28:04] - The Boy's Lunch Bag
[29:13] - The Miracle of Multiplication
[30:11] - The Potential of What God Has Given You
[30:51] - Earnestly Seek and Utilize Your Gifts
[31:35] - Spiritual Gift Assessment and Prayer
[32:28] - Real-Life Example of Using Gifts
[33:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV)
> "And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
2. Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV)
> "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
3. 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."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus compare the crowds to in Matthew 9:36, and what does He say about the harvest? ([09:01])
2. In the parable of the talents, how did the master respond to the servant who buried his talent? ([12:39])
3. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, who is responsible for distributing the different kinds of gifts? ([23:23])
4. What are some reasons given in the sermon for why people might bury their spiritual gifts? ([13:47])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus describe the harvest as plentiful but the laborers as few in Matthew 9:37? What implications does this have for believers today? ([09:01])
2. How does the parable of the talents illustrate the importance of using what God has given us? What does this say about our responsibility as believers? ([12:39])
3. What might be some misconceptions people have about God that lead them to bury their gifts, according to the sermon? ([14:54])
4. How does understanding that there are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) help us appreciate the diversity within the church? ([23:23])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the gifts and talents you believe God has given you. Have you been using them, or have you been burying them out of fear or misconceptions? What steps can you take to start using them more effectively? ([19:05])
2. Think about a time when you felt God was calling you to take a risk with your gifts but you hesitated. What held you back, and how can you overcome that hesitation in the future? ([20:43])
3. The sermon mentioned the story of the boy with the lunch bag. What small offering can you make available to God this week, trusting that He can multiply it? ([28:04])
4. How can you change your view of God from a hard taskmaster to a loving Father who is passionate about His kingdom? What practical steps can you take to deepen this understanding? ([14:54])
5. The sermon encourages taking a spiritual gift assessment and praying for guidance. Have you done this before? If not, will you commit to doing it this week? How do you think this could impact your involvement in the church? ([30:51])
6. Identify one person in your church or community who might benefit from your gifts. How can you reach out to them and offer your support or service this week? ([32:28])
7. Reflect on the idea that the church should be a living organism where lives are changed and needs are met. What role can you play in making this vision a reality in your local church? ([25:36])
Devotional
Day 1: The Value of God's Investment in You
God has given each of us unique gifts and talents that are of immense value. These gifts are not just for our benefit but are meant to be used to expand His kingdom. Understanding the value of what God has invested in us can transform our faith journey and impact those around us. When we recognize that our gifts are divinely given, we can approach our spiritual journey with a sense of purpose and responsibility. This realization can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life, both for ourselves and for those we encounter.
The parable of the talents illustrates this beautifully. Each servant was given a different amount of talents, but the expectation was the same: to use what they were given to produce more. The servant who buried his talent failed to see its value and missed out on the opportunity to contribute to his master's kingdom. Similarly, we must not underestimate the worth of what God has placed in us. By embracing and utilizing our gifts, we can contribute to the growth of God's kingdom in ways we might not even imagine. [06:49]
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. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God invested in you? How can you use them today to make an impact in your community or church?
Day 2: Misconceptions About God
Often, we bury our gifts because we have a wrong view of God, seeing Him as a hard taskmaster. However, God is passionate about His kingdom and desires to see us flourish. Everything He asks of us is for our benefit and the expansion of His kingdom. When we view God as a loving Father who wants the best for us, it changes our perspective on using our gifts. We begin to see our talents as opportunities to partner with God in His work, rather than burdens or obligations.
This misconception can be a significant barrier to spiritual growth. If we believe that God is harsh and demanding, we may be reluctant to step out in faith and use our gifts. But when we understand that God is loving and generous, we are more likely to take risks and invest our talents in ways that can yield great returns for His kingdom. By shifting our view of God, we can move from a place of fear to a place of trust and obedience. [14:54]
Matthew 25:24-25 (ESV): "He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’"
Reflection: How do you view God? Do you see Him as a loving Father or a hard taskmaster? How does this perception affect the way you use your gifts?
Day 3: Fear and Playing it Safe
We sometimes bury our gifts out of fear or a conservative mindset, thinking that what we have is not valuable enough to risk using. This fear prevents us from stepping out in faith and experiencing the full potential of what God can do through us. When we play it safe, we miss out on the opportunities to see God's power at work in our lives and in the lives of others. Fear can be a paralyzing force that keeps us from fulfilling our God-given potential.
The parable of the talents shows that the servant who played it safe and buried his talent was rebuked, while those who took risks and invested their talents were rewarded. This teaches us that God values faith and initiative. He wants us to trust Him enough to step out of our comfort zones and use our gifts, even if it feels risky. By overcoming our fears and taking bold steps of faith, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being used by God in powerful ways. [19:05]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What fears are holding you back from using your gifts? What is one step you can take today to overcome that fear and use your talents for God's kingdom?
Day 4: The Power of Small Offerings
The story of the boy with the lunch bag that fed thousands illustrates that God can do miraculous things with even the smallest offerings. When we make our gifts available to God, He can multiply them in ways we can't imagine. This story reminds us that no gift is too small or insignificant in God's eyes. When we offer what we have, no matter how little it seems, God can use it to accomplish great things.
This principle is encouraging for those who feel that their gifts are not as impressive or valuable as others. It shows that God is not limited by the size of our offering but is more concerned with our willingness to give. By trusting God with our small offerings, we can witness His power and provision in ways that exceed our expectations. This encourages us to be faithful with whatever we have, knowing that God can use it for His glory. [28:04]
John 6:9-11 (ESV): "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? Jesus said, 'Have the people sit down.' Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted."
Reflection: What small offering can you give to God today? How can you trust Him to multiply it for His kingdom?
Day 5: Earnestly Seek and Utilize Your Gifts
Apostle Paul encourages us to earnestly seek the gifts of God. By discovering and utilizing our spiritual gifts, we can transform our church into a vibrant community where lives are changed, and God's power is evident. Taking a spiritual gift assessment and praying for guidance can help us identify the unique ways God wants to use us. When we actively seek and use our gifts, we contribute to the health and growth of the church, making it a living organism where needs are met, and God's presence is felt.
This process requires intentionality and commitment. It involves not only discovering our gifts but also finding opportunities to use them in service to others. As we do this, we become more aligned with God's purposes and experience the joy of being part of His work. By earnestly seeking and utilizing our gifts, we can make a significant impact on our church and community, reflecting God's love and power in tangible ways. [30:51]
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."
Reflection: Have you taken the time to discover your spiritual gifts? How can you begin to use them in your church or community this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What God has given you is valuable. What God has given you is valuable. You know, in Jesus Christ, he gives us salvation right because of what he did on the cross but in addition to that he invests in us things of tremendous value right things of tremendous worth that he desires to you and so our goal in this series is to get us to discover the value of God in us and to discover how we can do that in our lives." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest. To send out laborers into his harvest. So we see in this verse where Jesus is out ministering, right? And he's serving the people. And he sees the crowds and his heart of compassion goes out. He says, hey, these people are like sheep without shepherds, right? And he says this analogy. He says this is like a harvest, right? That is so rich, but we don't have enough workers, right?" (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What you have greatly determines the experience you have. And what I want you to understand, this is what we do in church sometimes, right? Sometimes we come to church and we're in the right place with the right people. But when we don't utilize the bag, we don't realize the impact that God has given us until we truly discover what we have and how God desires to use us. We're not experiencing the impact God desires for us to have." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that God desires for the church to be a living organism where lives are changed, where bodies and minds are healed. Peace is found, Amen. Where needs are met and the very power of God is on display as a witness. Amen. I don't know about you, but this is the type of church I desire to see, right? This is the type of church that I desire to be a part of and God has says, Hey, I have equipped you with what you need." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If God can create the universe from nothing, nothing, imagine what he can do with what he's already given you. Amen. Don't bury your bag. What God has given you has great value." (13 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first reason we take the bags that God has given us and bury it is because of our view of God. Sometimes we have the wrong view. You know, verse 26. Verse 26 says that. The servant replied. He said, Master. I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering, gathering where you have not scattered seed. So the one that he has kind of this impression of his master as being a hard taskmaster, right? He has this idea that, oh, my God, she's he is he's a guy that he's going to crack the whip and he's going to, you know, get what he wants. Right. This is kind of how he perceives his master. Right. And to be honest, we can kind of feel the same way." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The second reason we bury our bag is because sometimes we have a misshapen view of what we have, of what God has given us. Right? When the master asked the servant why he buried his bag, listen to what he said. The servant said, I was afraid and I went out and hid your gold in the ground. And he said, see, here is what belongs to you. The servant, he said, hey, I was afraid. Here, now take your bag of gold back. Right? And so it was because of fear, right, that he decided to bury it. And I just want us to look at this, right? What does that mean, fear? What was he fearful of? Well, this context. It doesn't mean that he was like shaking his boots fear. But it was more like he was being conservative." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When Jesus, right, he died and he rose. But before he ascended to heaven, he knew that his church was going to have to do some amazing, amazing things. So before he left, he wanted to equip us, right? He wanted to equip us for the task at hand for spreading his kingdom. And so Jesus equipped us with what the Bible teaches us is spiritual gifts. Now, depending on your church history and your church experience, you might hear different things when I say those words, spiritual gifts. What does that mean? Well, we're going to be walking through this, right? We're going to be walking through what this means. Meaning how we can utilize it, right?" (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "No matter what church experience you come from, we need to know this is all from the same God. There is one God who is distributing His gifts to us so that we can be the church that He desires us to be. There are many gifts, and they're all needed. They're all important. And again, you have to ask, what's in your bag? How has God gifted you? I want you to understand that there is great value in what you have. It's needed by you. It's needed by someone else. You need what somebody else has. Amen?" (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What we can do and see is that this boy must have had his bag in a place that was available. You know, this boy could have definitely hit his bag. He could have ran the other way. He could have buried it. But this because his boy's bag was available God was able to do something miraculous with it and we look at what happened Jesus took that took the bag he took the food he blessed it he fed five thousand plus some people say it was over ten thousand people there and and what's great about this miracle is that this is the only miracle that is listed in the all four Gospels was that tell us that millions upon millions and billions of people have been has been blessed by what was in this boys lunch back and what I want to encourage you with guys if God if Jesus can do this with a boy's lunch bag what can he do with what's in your bag what can he do with what's in your bag I want you to remove the and understand that anything is possible with God." (63 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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