GOD’S GIFTED CHILDREN
I CORINTHIANS 12:1
INTRODUCTION: You are a gifted child! I’m not talking about skill or talent, but a spiritual gift. This is a supernatural gift, a special gift given by God to empower us for service in the body of Christ. Note five things.
I. The References
We need to learn what God says.
A. Rom. 12:3-8
B. I Cor. 12:4, 7-11, 27-31; 14:1
C. Eph. 4:7-13
D. I Pet. 4:10-11
II. The Reflections
We need to ponder what God does.
A. Gifts Come From God: He chooses. He alone decides. I Cor. 12:11, 18. We don’t choose we only unwrap.
B. Gifts Are A Result Of His Grace: God gave you the free gift of salvation (by faith, free, full and forever). He also gave you a gift for service. It’s a spiritual gift. It’s not earned. It emanates from the Holy Spirit.
In the flesh Jesus possessed “all” the spiritual gifts. He wants to accomplish through the spiritual body (church) all he accomplished through His physical body. You are part of that plan. You don’t have to ask God for a gift. Ask Him to reveal what gift He has given you. Your gift is your “assignment”!
III. The Reasons
We need to understand why God acts. See John 14:12. Why is it we don’t accomplish greater things? Some are lost. Some who are saved don’t know what their gift is. Some may have discovered but not interested in using it. If we had a relationship with the Father that Jesus had we would be doing a lot more. What are the reasons for using our gift?
A. Build up the Body: I Cor. 14:5, 12, 26; Eph. 4:6.
B. Minister for the Master: I Pet. 4:10
C. Glorify God: I Pet. 4:11. “Glory” = make Him renowned.
IV. The Responsibility
We need to understand our obligation. We are gifted. The gift is our assignment. Keep in mind some dangers.
1. We can glorify the gift and not the giver.
2. We can require everyone to possess the same gift.
3. We can covet another’s gift.
4. We can disdain another’s gift.
5. We can become a spiritual show-off.
6. We can wear it as a badge of spirituality.
7. Gifts can bring disorder.
8. We can deny our gift.
9. We can neglect our gift.
What is our responsibility?
A. Discover Your Gift: A mandate
B. Develop Your Gift: Develop our understanding of it. I Tim. 4:14; II Tim. 1:6.
C. Deploy Your Gift: It was given to you to use. Use it! It’s a tool not a toy.
V. The Rewards
A. It Will Bring You Joy: Charis = grace. Root word “char” = joy.
B. It Will Keep You Active: I Cor. 12:4-6. Activities = effects/results/active/energy.
C. It Will Build Up The Church: I Cor. 12:7. Common good = sympheron = symphony.
CONCLUSION: God has gifted you. Use your gift to enhance His kingdom here on Earth.
