Introduction:
A. The story is told about a young schoolboy who was trying out for a part in the school play.
1. His mother knew that he had set his heart on getting a part, but she was afraid that he would not be given a part in the play.
2. On the day the parts were awarded, she drove to school to pick him up.
3. His mom was relieved when she saw her son rushing towards her with eyes shining with excitement and giving her a “thumbs up.”
4. The boy burst out the words: “I have been chosen to be part of the group that claps and cheers.”
5. It is a lesson that all of us need to learn: God has lovingly assigned each of us different gifts and special parts to play – some get to play the leads and others get to clap and cheer.
B. For a couple of months, we have been engaged in a sermon series about the Holy Spirit called “The Holy Spirit, Our Helper.”
1. I hope we have been learning to appreciate how the Spirit helps us and have been learning to rely more on the Spirit as our helper.
2. So far in our series, we have learned that the Holy Spirit is not an IT or an impersonal force, but is the third person of the Godhead – the trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We have learned that the Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide.
4. We have learned that the Holy Spirit is like the wind and that the Christian life should be more like sailing a boat than rowing a boat as the power of the Spirit carries us along.
5. We have learned that the Holy Spirit is our intercessor and how the Holy Spirit prays for us and does so especially when we don’t know what to pray for.
6. We have learned that the Holy Spirit is our seal; marking God’s permanent ownership and guaranteeing our place in God’s family and our heavenly inheritance.
7. We have learned that the Holy Spirit is like a dove bringing us peace, protection and comfort as we are under His wings.
8. We have learned that the Holy Spirit is a fire that purifies us, energizes us, melts us and protects us.
9. Finally, last week, we learned that the Holy Spirit is a stream of living water that flows from within us; refreshing us and allowing us to refresh others.
I. The Holy Spirit is the Gift Giver
A. Today, we want to explore the fact that the Holy Spirit is not only a gift, but is the gift giver.
1. All of us like to give and receive gifts, right?
a. Many of us exchange gifts with our family and friends – wedding gifts, anniversary gifts, graduation gifts, birthday gifts, and Christmas gifts.
b. It is fun to give and to receive gifts!
B. Where did we learn this joy of giving? We learned the joy of giving gifts from our God who loves to give gifts.
1. Jesus tells us: “For God so loved the world He gave His only Son…” (Jn. 3:16)
2. On another occasion during Jesus’ ministry, Jesus said: 9 Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him. (Mt. 7:9-11)
3. God’s love is greater and purer than our own love, so if we love our children and give them good and appropriate gifts, then we can know that God will give even better and more appropriate gifts.
C. And so, we see that God gives gifts to His children, but more specifically, it is God the Holy Spirit who has the role of gift giver.
1. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains: 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: 8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. 11 One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills. (1 Cor. 12:4-11)
2. We learn a number of important truths from this passage.
a. First, we learn that it is the Holy Spirit who is the giver of the gifts – as the Spirit wills.
b. Second, we learn that every Christian is given a spiritual gift or gifts.
c. Third, we learn that the gifts are “given” and they cannot be earned or demanded.
d. Fourth, we learn that the gifts are diverse, but their goal is singular – the common good.
3. Sadly, like the Corinthians many of us have forgotten these truths.
a. In the Corinthian church the spiritual gifts were leading to division, to showing off, to jealousy, and to confusion.
D. But rather than that, the spiritual gifts we have should lead to humility, unity and faithfulness.
1. When it comes to having and using spiritual gifts, our basic attitude should be humility.
a. None of us should have too high or too low opinion of ourselves.
b. 1 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that all we are and have comes from God: For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?
c. Because all we are and have comes from God there is no room or reason for boasting or superiority and God gave us the abilities we have for the benefit of others and for the glory of God – that should humble us.
2. As we employ our spiritual gifts it should lead to unity because the body is made up of many parts, but all parts are needed for the body to function properly.
a. It takes the coordination of all the body parts working in harmony and unity to accomplish God’s purposes.
b. Imagine the feet trying to walk in opposite directions or the hands refusing to work together to carry something.
3. Knowing that the spiritual gifts we have come from God should lead to humility, unity and finally faithfulness.
a. 1 Corinthians 4:2 says: Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (NIV)
b. The body is depending on each part to faithfully do its function and responsibility.
II. What Are Spiritual Gifts?
A. So, exactly what is a spiritual gift?
1. A spiritual gift is a divine endowment or supernatural enabling of a special ability.
2. Natural talents and spiritual gifts are not the same thing, although God may take a natural ability and turn it into a spiritual strength.
3. The apostle Paul was a powerful teacher before he became a Christian, but then through the Holy Spirit, God took Paul’s natural gift and supercharged it.
4. If you had been a good manager of people before you became a Christian, then the Spirit might empower you with the gift of leadership and you may manage people for kingdom purposes.
5. But on the other hand, the Holy Spirit might grant you a new spiritual gift altogether that is different from any of your natural abilities.
B. The New Testament has at least five lists of gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10, 28-30; Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11-12; and 1 Pt. 4:10-11).
1. I don’t believe it was the intent of the apostles nor the Holy Spirit to provide us an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts.
2. This is shown in the fact that no two lists are identical.
3. I think the lists are given to suggest some of the ways the Holy Spirit works through us.
4. Let’s notice what abilities show up on the lists.
5. The list from 1 Corinthians 12 includes: message of wisdom, faith, healing, miracles, prophesy, distinguishing spirits, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues, but then in verse 29 mentions some roles, like apostle, prophets and teachers.
6. The list from Romans 12 contains some similar things and some new ones: prophesy, faith, service, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and mercy.
7. The list from Ephesians lists roles rather than abilities: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and says that God gave some the ability to have these roles in order to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” (Eph. 4:10-11)
8. The final list in 1 Peter 4 says: Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Pt. 4:10-11)
C. I don’t want to spend much time elaborating on all the different gifts of the Spirit – that can be a long and productive study, but it is not my aim for this sermon.
1. The gifts can be gathered into different groups to show the kinds of areas of service the Spirit equips us for.
2. Some of the gifts might be called discerning gifts (wisdom, distinguishing spirits, interpret).
3. Some might be called dynamic gifts (faith, miracles, healing).
4. Others might be called declarative gifts (prophesy, teaching, exhorting).
5. A final category might be called practical gifts (service, mercy, leading).
6. Each of these kinds of gifts have their important purposes and no one possesses all the gifts and that’s why we need all the parts of the body carrying out their functions using their giftedness.
D. Another good question for different sermon is: Are all these spiritual gifts still being given by the gift giver?
1. Let me say briefly say that from my study, understanding and experience, I would question whether some of the dynamic gifts like healing are still being given in the same way they were given when Jesus and the apostles were alive.
2. I have never seen anyone in my lifetime possessing the kind of powers that the apostles had to heal the sick or raise the dead or speak in languages they had not learned.
3. But, of course, God is still as powerful as ever and God has the right and authority to do anything in any way that God wants.
4. So, I in no way want to limit God or attempt to control what God wants to do.
5. Our God continues to dwell in a supernatural realm and doing the miraculous is still His stock-in-trade.
E. The famous, well-respected scholar, Donald Barnhouse was invited to speak in chapel to his alma mater, Princeton Theological Seminary, 12 years after his graduation.
1. After Barnhouse made his presentation, his former Hebrew professor complimented Barnhouse saying: “I am glad that you are a bog-godder. When my boys come back, I come to see if they are big-godders or little-godders, and then I know what their ministry will be.”
2. Barnhouse asked the professor to explain what he meant.
3. The professor said, “Well, some men have a little God and they are always in trouble with Him. He can’t do any miracles. He can’t take care of the inspiration and transmission of the Scripture to us. He doesn’t intervene on behalf of His people. They have a little God and I call them little-godders. Then there are those who have a great God. He speaks and it is done. He commands and it stands fast. He knows how to show Himself strong on behalf of them that fear Him. You, Donald, have a great God; and he will bless your ministry. God bless you” and the professor walked away.
4. Are you a big-godder or a little godder? I hope you are a big-godder!
5. We have a big God and God the Holy Spirit is directing the church in extraordinary ways.
6. The Holy Spirit has gifted every one of us and wants to do amazing things through us to expand the kingdom, strengthen the body, and serve the hurting world.
7. What would happen if each believer identified and employed his or her Spirit-given gift?
8. What if each one of us operated according to the prompting and provision of the Spirit?
9. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities!
III. Identifying and Using Spiritual Gifts
A. So, how can we identify what our Spirit-given gift is?
1. First, we can identify our Spirit-given gift by spending time talking with the One who gave you the gift.
a. Ask God the Holy Spirit to make clear the way He has gifted you.
b. The Giver of the gift is the best One to identify it and guide you in the use of it.
2. Second, we can identify our Spirit-given gift by studying the Bible.
a. Look especially at the passages that reveal the different kinds of spiritual gifts mentioned. b. Knowing those verses will help you sort through the possibilities.
c. Also, take notice of the ways the Spirit empowers and works through people in the book of Acts and the letters of the NT.
3. Third, we can identify our Spirit-given gift by asking those who know us well.
a. Since our spiritual gifts are intended to be used in community, then those in the body of Christ can help us identify how God has gifted us for service.
b. Give permission for those you trust to give honest feedback and evaluation.
c. We can be blinded by our own desires and blind spots, but others can give us valuable insight and counsel.
4. Finally, we can identify our Spirit-given gift through experimentation.
a. One of the best ways to learn how God has gifted us is to give it a try and test the waters.
b. We can start with the opportunities that God makes available when we are asked to serve.
c. When we get involved and try to serve in some way, then we can look for how it makes us feel and how effective or fruitful it appears.
d. God will verify that we are on the right track by internal affirmation and external fruitful results and feedback.
B. What are some of the reasons that Christians don’t put their Spirit-given gifts into use once they have identified their gifts?
1. First, fear is something that might hold us back.
a. Fear of failure and embarrassment can get in the way.
b. Being more conscious of what people think rather than what God thinks will be immobilizing.
c. Listening to Satan will result if fear, but listening to God will give us faith and courage.
2. A second thing that might keep us from using our Spirit-given gift is pride.
a. Pride might tell us that a certain call to service is beneath us – we might think that are made for more important things.
b. Pride says that we shouldn’t serve unless we are allowed to be in control or we get the recognition we deserve.
3. A third thing that might keep us from serving is selfishness or laziness.
a. Serving requires time and effort.
b. Saying “Yes” to God’s work means saying “No” to certain activities and freedoms.
c. When our priorities are in the right place and in line with God’s priorities, then we will have the desire and motivation to employ our gifts.
4. Discouragement is another thing that can keep us from using our Spirit-given gift.
a. We might be discouraged by a lack of results, low turnout, or negative or critical feedback.
b. Maybe we just need some encouragement to get us to get over the hump until some fruit reveals itself, or maybe we need to serve in a different way.
5. Our enemy actively presents reasons and excuses for us to stop using our Spirit-given gifts, but we must not let him stop us.
C. In Matthew 25, Jesus told the Parable of the Talents.
1. In that story, Jesus talks about a master who left each of his three servants with an amount of money to invest while he was away.
2. Each was given the amount according to their ability.
3. Those who put whatever they received to good use were commended – Jesus said: “Well done, good and faithful servant!...Share your master’s joy.” (vs. 21 and vs. 23)
4. But the one who did not use what was given to him was rebuked sharply – Jesus said: “You evil, lazy servant!...Throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (vs. 26 and vs. 30
5. I am sure that none of us want to disappoint God and receive His punishment and I am also sure that all of us want to please God and receive His reward.
6. Not using our Spirit-given gifts has a tragic outcome, but employing our gifts leads to a terrific outcome.
7. And that terrific outcome isn’t just in eternity, but starts right now.
D. When we use our Spirit-given gifts then we experience the joy of serving and the thrill of making the difference God created us to make.
1. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul wrote: For we are his workmanship (handiwork, masterpieces), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
2. There is no better feeling than knowing that God made us and has work for us to do and gives us the gifts and power to carry them out.
3. There are people in our church family and out in the community who are searching or struggling and are praying for God’s help.
4. God often answers the prayers of people through a person God gifts and commissions.
5. What an awesome privilege it is to be God’s answer to someone else’s prayer!
a. It might be a prayer for someone to listen and be a friend.
b. It might be a prayer for help to carry a burden or figure out a way out of trouble.
c. It might be a prayer for someone to show the way to Jesus or the way to rebuild a life.
d. It might be a prayer for someone to give a ride, or fix a roof, or shovel a driveway.
e. It might be a prayer for someone to visit the sick, or the shut-in, or the prison.
f. It might be a prayer for someone to teach a Bible class or lead a ministry or become a preacher, deacon or elder.
g. You can be God’s answer to someone’s prayer.
6. Let’s not bury our talents and quench the Spirit’s work, but let’s be God’s hands and feet, God’s instruments to accomplish the good works God prepared for us in advance to accomplish using the gifts we have received from the Holy Spirit, the gift giver!
Resources:
Help Is Here, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, 2022
The Transformed Life – Using Our Spiritual Gifts to Serve One Another, Ram Kishnamurthy
The Holy Spirit (Part 4) - How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, Chip Ingram
