God Can Help Us Discover Our Purpose Through Spiritual Gifts
Introduction: There are many New Testament teachings, which we in the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ have allowed to be taken from us by those who choose to abuse them. In so doing, we have become as guilty as they of misrepresenting scripture.
Examples of this are:
1) Justification by faith
2) Sovereignty of God
3) Spiritual gifts
The larger problem is that by neglecting the teachings concerning spiritual gifts, many believers are robbed of ever being able to find fulfillment in serving God.
I) WHY IS AN UNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS SO IMPORTANT?
Our Service for God can generally be characterized by one of the following illustrations.
A) Motion without movement-Leads to burnout
B) Making a mark-Leads to fruitful ministry
1) We are to be aware of Spiritual gifts (I Cor. 12:1)
2) We are to use our Spiritual gifts (I Tim 4:14)
3) We will be held accountable to God for the use of our Spiritual gifts because e we are stewards ( I Peter 4:10, Matt. 25:14-30)
4) We will know God’s will for us if we know what Spiritual gift we have been given (Rom. 12:1,2)
What God has called you to do he has gifted you to do. What God has gifted you to do he has willed you to do.
Knowing God’s Will Changes Our Attitude About Serving
A Christian Prompted by Servility
Serves out of obligation
Is motivated by fear of men
Serves with the attitude not my job
Has a ministry mind set that says me first
Serves with a spirit of pride
The results of such service are self-seeking
A Christian prompted by Servanthood
Serves out of obedience
Is motivated by fellowship with God
Serves with the attitude whatever it takes
Has a ministry mind set that says the Father first
Serves with a spirit of humility
The results of such service are God glorifying
5) We will know the satisfaction of being fruitful and fulfilled (Jn. 15:10,11)
6) You will understand how the Holy Spirit works through you
7) The church will benefit
There will be unity and harmony (Eph 4:13)
There will be less pride and false humility (Rom. 12:3)
There will be growth and maturity (Eph 4:11-15)
8) God will be glorified (I Peter 4:11)
9) You will fulfill a deep inner need
10) Adds to your self-acceptance
II) WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL GIFT?
The problem is not that Christians do not know what their spiritual gift is. The problem is Christians do not know what a spiritual gift is.
1) A spiritual gift is the primary channel by which the Holy Spirit can minister through the believer. (I Cor 12:25 & I Peter 4:10,11)
2) A Spiritual gift is a supernatural capacity
3) A Spiritual gift is a supernatural desire ( I Tim 3:1)
4) A Spiritual gifts are the tools for doing the work of ministry (Eph 4:12)
5) A Spiritual gift is a source of joy
6) A Spiritual gift is a divine motivator
7) A Spiritual gift divinely influences our motives
8) A Spiritual gift is a divine calling and responsibility
9) Spiritual gifts are the building blocks of the church
III) WHO HAS A SPIRITUAL GIFT?
1) Every Christian
A) Spiritual gifts are received at the moment of conversion
B) Spiritual gifts declare the presence of the Holy Spirit
We should not confuse spiritual gifts with
A) The fruit of the spirit
Note this comparison
Fruits of the spirit are:
a) Related primarily to the believer
b) Related to character
c) All are essential for everyone
d) Can never be misused
e) Every believer may and should bare all of the fruits all of the time
f) All of us can be command to manifest the fruits
Spiritual gifts are:
a) Related primarily to the body
b) Related to ministry
c) May be classified as to order of importance
d) May be exercised in a way that offends others
e) No single believer receives all of the gifts
f) No gift can be demanded of all believers
B) Rewards
C) Natural talents
Note this comparison
Natural Talents
Source - God through heredity
Possessed - From birth
Purpose - To benefit self
Process - Developed
Function - Should be dedicated to God for his use
Spiritual gifts
Source - God though the Holy Spirit
Possessed - From conversion
Purpose - To benefit the body
Process - Developed
Function - For God’s use
D) Place of service
