Using God's Gifts for His Glory and Service
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of humility when encountering people from different lifestyles. I was also reminded of the grace God has shown our church over the years, including the gift of two church buildings. Our church is located in the heart of our community and we strive to serve our community in various ways. We have a recovery ministry, a soccer program for elementary school students, Bible studies at local schools, and more. We are actively sharing the gospel with our community because Christ is worthy. I also shared about the diversity in our community and the commonality of poverty. The main point of the sermon was that Christians should use God's gifts for God's glory in view of Judgment Day.
In the sermon, I also emphasized the importance of using God's gifts for His glory. This includes using our skills, talents, and aptitudes to serve those in need around us. Misusing these gifts, such as using them to amass power, prestige, and money for ourselves, reveals the contents of our hearts and how we view God. I also spoke about the consequences of misusing God's gifts, which can lead to the eternal deprivation of God's good gifts. However, I also highlighted the good news that Jesus is the faithful servant who used all of God's good gifts for His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Christians should use God's gifts for His glory and serve their communities actively. This is a way of sharing the gospel and showing Christ's worthiness. ([37:57])
- Misusing God's gifts, such as using them for personal gain, reveals how we view God and can lead to the eternal deprivation of God's good gifts. ([01:02:11])
- Jesus is the faithful servant who used all of God's good gifts for His glory. He is the perfect example for us to follow. ([01:03:59])
- Each person has a role in their church and should use their spiritual gifts to serve the mission of the church. ([01:10:49])
- Justice is when everyone is faithfully doing their vocation. Injustice occurs when there is an abdication or abuse of one's vocation. ([01:09:39])
Study Guide
Bible Passages:
1. Matthew 24:30-31
2. Matthew 25:14-30
3. James 1:17
Key Points from the sermon:
1. Christians are called to use God's gifts for His glory, especially in anticipation of Judgment Day.
2. The safe choice is not always the obedient one. We must discern God's calling even when it seems risky or uncomfortable.
3. God's gifts are abundant and varied, and we should recognize them as such.
Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 24:30-31, what does Jesus say will happen when He returns?
2. What does the parable in Matthew 25:14-30 teach about the use of God's gifts?
3. According to James 1:17, where do all good gifts come from?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable in Matthew 25:14-30 relate to our lives as Christians?
2. What does it mean to use God's gifts for His glory?
3. How does James 1:17 shape our understanding of our abilities and blessings?
Application Questions:
1. How can we discern between safe choices and obedient ones in our lives?
2. In what ways can we use our gifts for God's glory?
3. How can we cultivate an attitude of gratitude and stewardship for the gifts God has given us?
Devotional
Day 1: Using God's Gifts for His Glory
God has bestowed each of us with unique gifts and talents. These are not just for our own benefit, but are meant to be used for His glory and to benefit those around us. When we use our gifts in this way, we are fulfilling our purpose and bringing glory to God.
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: Reflect on the gifts God has given you. Are you using them to glorify Him and benefit those around you? If not, what steps can you take to better utilize these gifts for His glory?
Day 2: Faithfulness in Our Vocations
Our vocations are not just jobs or careers, they are callings from God. He has placed us in our specific roles for a purpose, and we are called to be faithful in these roles, using our skills and resources for the good of those around us.
Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Reflection: Consider your current vocation. Are you faithfully using your skills and resources for the good of those in your sphere of influence? If not, how can you better serve God and others in your current role?
Day 3: Serving the Poor as Part of Our Vocation
God calls us to care for the poor and needy. This is not just a suggestion, but a command. When we use our resources to serve the poor, we are not only helping those in need, but we are also glorifying God.
Proverbs 19:17 - "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done."
Reflection: Reflect on your interactions with the less fortunate. Are you using your excess resources to serve the poor and glorify God? If not, what steps can you take to better serve those in need?
Day 4: Serving the Church as Part of Our Vocation
We are all part of the body of Christ, and each of us has a role to play. God has given us spiritual gifts to use in service to the church, and when we do so, we are fulfilling our purpose and glorifying God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 - "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Reflection: Consider your role in your local church. Are you using your spiritual gifts to serve the mission of the church and share burdens? If not, how can you better contribute to the body of Christ?
Day 5: Doing Justice in Our Vocations
God is a God of justice, and He calls us to promote justice in our vocations. This means standing up for what is right, defending the oppressed, and working for fairness and equality.
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: Reflect on your current vocation. Are you using your role to promote justice and glorify God? If not, what changes can you make to better serve God and those around you in a just manner?
Quotes
1. "God has been really gracious to our church...we try to use all that we can to serve our community...we'd be out there sharing a gospel with people because Christ is worthy and God has been gracious to our church in the spirit and spiritual ways as well." - 36:55
2. "There is a danger of quote unquote safe choices instead of obedient ones. You can make a choice in your life that is safe and that everybody thinks is a smart and good idea but that does not necessarily mean that you are making the obedient choice." - 50:23
3. "We recognize that every single thing that we have is yours and we offer it open-handedly to you. I pray that you would use us, give us joy in serving you, Lord." - 29:19
4. "Christians ought to use God's gifts for God's glory in view of Judgment Day. Father, please help us to understand your word and Lord not only to understand it but to obey it." - 39:39
5. "You have some callings and some obligations and some responsibilities that are right in front of you and are you using what God has given you to be faithful in your roles and your responsibilities...use your role well, use what you have for God's glory and the good of those around you." - 01:07:41
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