Do Something: What's In Your Hand?

DO SOMETHING #3: WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND?

INTRO TO TOPIC: As we’ve been talking about doing something in our world, the first place we should start is in our own back yard – in our own church!

ILLUSTRATION:

A man applied for a job as a handyman. The prospective employer asked, "Can you do carpentry?" The man said, “No.” "How about bricklaying?" Again the man answered, "No." The employer asked, "Well, what about electrical work?" The man said "No, I don't know anything about that either." Finally the employer said, "Well, tell me then what is handy about you?" The man replied, "I live just around the corner."

• Sometimes the greatest ability we can have is availability.

THE BIG IDEA: “God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” (1 Peter 4:10, NLT).

• God wants everyone to do something – what is in your hand?

THE MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS:

“4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. 6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money (giving), share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness (mercy) to others, do it gladly. 9 Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (Romans 12:4-11, NLT).

1. PROPHECY: OBJECT: lighter

Perceiver: Declares the will of God. (Not to be confused with the ‘office’ of the prophet).

• Characteristics: Quickly identifies good and evil and hates evil. Sees everything as black or white; no grey areas. Is frank and outspoken. Speak God’s Word with fire.

• Problems: Tends to be judgmental and blunt. You can use the fire to warm or consume!

• Biblical Examples: John the Baptist, Hosea, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Jonah.

2. SERVING: OBJECT: Windex; paper towels

Server: renders practical service.

• Characteristics: Easily recognizes practical needs and is quick to meet them. Has a hard time saying no. Greatest joy in doing something helpful. Likes to be in the background.

• Problems: Easily hurt when unappreciated, finds it hard to be served by others.

• Biblical Examples: Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Not many listed = behind the scenes!

• Jesus said those who serve are the greatest in the kingdom!

3. TEACHING: OBJECT: dictionary, handbook, Bible

Teacher: researches and teaches the Bible. (this is one of my gifts)

• Characteristics: Presents truth in a logical, systematic way. Loves to read, study and do research. Believes truth has the intrinsic power to produce change.

• Problems: Slow to accept viewpoints of others. Can develop pride in intellectual ability.

• Biblical Examples: Jesus. Apollos (Acts 18:24-28; 1 Cor. 3:6). Luke.

4. ENCOURAGMENT: OBJECT: stationary, Hallmark cards

Encourager: encourages personal progress.

• Characteristics: Loves to encourage others. Encourages others to develop their personal ministries. Loves to do personal counselling. Loved because of their positive attitude.

• Problems: Tends to interrupt others in eagerness to give advice.

• Biblical Examples: Barnabas (son of encouragement - Acts 4:36; 11:22-26). Silas.

5. GIVING: OBJECT: purse & wallet

Giver: Shares material assistance.

• Characteristics: Gives freely of money, possessions, time, energy and love. Loves to give without others knowing about it. Gives to support and bless others or to advance a ministry. Believes God is the Source of their supply. Natural business ability.

• Problems: Tends to pressure others to give. Can spoil own children/relatives.

• Biblical Examples: Abraham (Gen. 13-14). Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42). Lydia (Acts 16).

6. LEADERSHIP: OBJECT: iPhone (day-timer)

Leader: Gives leadership and direction.

• Characteristics: Expresses ideas and organization in ways that communicate clearly. Is a visionary person with a broad perspective. Is willing to let others get the credit in order to get a job done. Is a natural and capable leader.

• Problems: Becomes upset when others don’t share same vision. Tends to drive self.