Unwrapping The Gifts Series

DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS #3: UNWRAPPING THE GIFTS

OPENING: Discuss Beausejour Blades hockey game this past Friday night. Why did they lose? No teamwork, no training, no tenacity / passion. What’s our win as a church? Why are we here in our community? Our vision is to become a centre of love, designed for the healing of broken people, and a force for God. We want to provide hope, healing and restoration through God’s Word. But how does this happen? When all of us – the body of Christ – discover and develop our spiritual gifts! This is part of our mission (see the back of our bulletin).

OPENING TEXT:

“God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” (1 Peter 4:10).

THE BIG IDEA: God has given everyone spiritual gifts. Our job is to discover and develop those gifts so that we can be a blessing to others.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT IS?

How do you know if you are functioning in your gift? Your life will be characterized by JOY.

REVIEW THE MANIFESTATION GIFTS: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12). (see session #2 for an overview of these gifts)

THE MINISTRY GIFTS: (Gifts from Jesus)

“And He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

KEY TEXT:

4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.

• We are a family – we’re all parts of the body.

• We belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others!

• IMPORTANT NOTE: No matter what your gift is, all believers are called to serve, share truth with others, encourage people, give, and show compassion.

THE MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS: (Gifts from God the Father)

6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money (giving), share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness (mercy) to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (Romans 12:4-11).

1. PROPHECY: ILLUSTRATION OBJECT: lighter

Perceiver: Declares the will of God. (Not to be confused with the ‘office’ of the prophet).

• Characteristics: Quickly identifies good and evil and hates evil. Sees everything as black or white; no gray or indefinite areas. Is frank, outspoken, doesn’t mince words. Speak God’s Word with fire.

• Problems: Tends to be judgmental and blunt. Often intolerant of different views. You can use the fire to consume or warm them!

• Biblical Examples: John the Baptist, Hosea, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Jonah.

2. SERVING: ILLUSTRATION OBJECT: Windex; paper towels

Server: renders practical service.

• Characteristics: Easily recognizes practical needs and is quick to meet them. Has a hard time saying no to requests. More interested in meeting others needs than their own. Feels greatest joy in doing something that is helpful. Like to be in the background.

• Problems: Easily hurt when unappreciated, finds it hard to be served by others.

• Biblical Examples: Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Not many listed = behind the scenes!

• Acts 6 describes: people full of faith, wisdom & the Holy Spirit: ministers, not slaves.

• We need your gift or we would have to pay for a janitor.

• Jesus said those who serve are the greatest in the kingdom!

3. TEACHING: ILLUSTRATION OBJECT: dictionary, handbook, Bible

Teacher: researches and teaches the Bible. (this is one of my gifts!)

• Characteristics: Presents truth in a logical, systematic way. Loves to read, study and do research. Believes truth has the intrinsic power to produce change.

• Problems: Slow to accept viewpoints of others. Can develop pride in intellectual ability.