Go! And Use What God Has Given You - Romans 12:6–8 Series

Go! And Use What God Has Given You - Romans 12:6–8

Romans 12:6–8 (NLT): “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

Introduction – God Gave You Gifts for a Reason

Welcome again to our series entitled "Go! And…", where we have been reminded time and time again that the Christian life is not a passive one. We are called, we are commissioned, and we are equipped.

Today, I want to speak to you on the theme “Go! And Use What God Has Given You.” This is a call not to sit back in comfort or hide behind humility, but to step out boldly in faith and obedience—because you are not saved to sit, you are saved to serve.

Let me begin with a powerful quote from R.T. Kendall: “The greatest tragedy of the modern Church is not that we lack spiritual gifts, but that we fail to use them.”

Church, God has not saved you just so you can attend church once a week. He’s saved you to be His instrument in a broken world. You are gifted for a reason. There is a supernatural calling on your life!

So let’s go into the Word together and understand how God calls us to GO! And USE what He has given.

Let’s read Romans 12:6–8 again: “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

Paul writes this letter to the church in Rome, a community with diverse backgrounds, facing challenges both from within and outside. Here in chapter 12, Paul turns from theology to practical Christian living.

The Greek word for “gifts” here is charismata, meaning “grace gifts” — these are supernatural enablements given by God’s grace. Importantly, Paul reminds us these gifts are for “doing certain things well” — God’s gifts have a purpose. They are not for our glory or comfort, but for building up the church and advancing His Kingdom.

Notice Paul’s emphasis on faithfulness and joy in exercising these gifts. To prophesy, teach, serve, give, lead, or encourage well requires faith in God’s power and gladness in serving others.

1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (NLT): “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”

Here Paul reminds us again that spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, given for mutual encouragement and the common good. Gifts are diverse, but unified in purpose.

Ephesians 4:11–12 (NLT): “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

This passage highlights that Christ Himself equips His church through gifted leaders to empower every believer for service.

1 Peter 4:10–11 (NLT): “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms... so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

Our gifts are ultimately for God’s praise and glory — a powerful reminder that all our efforts are acts of worship.

Charismata (Gifts): From charis meaning “grace.” Spiritual gifts are not earned, but freely given by God’s grace.

Diakoneo (Serve): The word used for “serve” here implies active ministry and service to others, echoing Jesus’ servant heart.

Propheteuo (Prophesy): Speaking forth God’s message with faith and boldness.

Application for the Modern Believer:

God’s gifts are not just for pastors or church leaders; they are for every believer.

Are you aware of the gifts God has given you? Perhaps it is encouragement, hospitality, teaching, or leadership. Whatever it is, God’s call is clear: Go! And use those gifts boldly and joyfully.