Introduction

Good morning, family! I'm so excited to share God’s word with you today from 1 Peter 4:10.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

This verse speaks directly to us about the joy of serving willingly, using your spiritual gifts, and the blessing of volunteerism. We've all been blessed with unique gifts by our Creator, and we are called not just to recognize them, but to use them in service to others.

Neil T. Anderson once said, "Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the LORD." When we find joy in serving others through our gifts, we are honoring and glorifying God.

The Joy of Serving Willingly

The joy of serving willingly is the idea that we find true happiness and fulfillment not in serving ourselves, but in serving others. This is a radical departure from the world's view, which often promotes self-interest and personal gain as the path to happiness. However, the Bible teaches us a different way. It tells us that true joy comes from putting others before ourselves, from serving them without expecting anything in return.

Not dependent on our circumstances or feelings: It's not about what we get out of it, but about what we give. It's about making a difference in someone else's life, about showing them God's love in a tangible way. And when we serve willingly, with a joyful heart, we are not only blessing others but we are also blessed in return.

Serving without any ulterior motives: It's not about earning brownie points with God or trying to impress others. It's about genuinely wanting to help, to make a difference, to show love. It's about seeing a need and stepping in to meet it, not because we have to, but because we want to.

Tied to our understanding of God's grace: We serve because we have been served by God. We love because we have been loved by God. We give because we have been given so much by God. Our service is a response to His grace, a way of saying thank you for all He has done for us.

Brings us closer to God: It's a way of participating in His work, of joining Him in His mission to love and serve the world. When we serve, we are not just doing good deeds, we are partnering with God, and we are being His hands and feet. This brings a deep sense of joy and fulfillment, knowing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, something eternal.

Doesn't mean serving without boundaries/taking care of ourselves: It's not about burning ourselves out or neglecting our own needs. It's about finding a healthy balance, about serving from a place of abundance, not scarcity. It's about recognizing that we can't pour out if we are not filled up.

Not about doing it all on our own: It's about working together as a body of believers, each one using their unique gifts and talents to contribute to the work of the church. It's about recognizing that we are not alone, that we are part of a community, and that we need each other.

Using Your Spiritual Gifts

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