To me, it’s amazing to think that God would include us in the work that he’s doing. To think that Jesus would come here, allow us to kill him so that in his death he could absorb the judgment that we deserve, and then merge us into his cosmic mission – that leaves me almost speechless. I think most Christians would like to experience God continually living through them. Wouldn‘t that be great? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be an instrument of God’s grace in the lives of others? I want to talk about that this week.

As we have been talking about the local church, I’ve tried to do this in an order that makes sense. First we defined “the church” a bit, then we talked about what the church is here to do (worship, grow/sanctify/minister to each other, bring the gospel to the lost). Then I talked about how we are to do this – being transparent and biblical in all that we do.

And last week we talked about church membership – everyone should be committed to a local church. The local fellowship is a God-ordained, PRIMARY, mechanism through which his people become the people they should be. It is through the local fellowship that we cultivate worship, that we minister to each other, and that we show Christ to those around us. That may be a little strong for some so let me clarify. Proper worship and all that it includes cannot emerge without a biblical fellowship of believers. You cannot minister to others, or receive the help you need, without a biblical fellowship of believers. And, a biblical fellowship is critical if this world is to see Christ correctly.

So that now brings us to today, and the question, “How should I, here, align with who we are and what we’re here to do? How should I live out God’s plan for me in this fellowship?”

The simple answer here is – every believer should align with the local body of believers by using their God-given giftedness. Let me say that another way – within the scope of who we are to be, God has gifted each person to excel in ministry for the glory of Christ. This is an amazing thing. Every Christian is designed to play a meaningful role in building the Kingdom. So, we are going to talk, briefly, about spiritual gifts.

Often sermons on spiritual gifts are consumed with the gifts – What are the spiritual gifts? What gift do I have? I’m not going to do that this morning. Maybe at another time. I think we spend too much time talking about that, and not enough time talking about the things that give power to our giftedness.

We’re going to use 1 Peter 4:10-11 as our starting point:

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied (many facets, great diversity, many forms) grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Romans 12:3-8)

First – vs. 10 – each has received a gift.

If you belong to Christ, God has given you at least one amazing gift or ability that, when used as God intended, becomes an instrument of the Holy Spirit to move the Kingdom of God forward.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Sometimes we might think, “God, would you show yourself to me?” Your gifting is a concrete manifestation of God in your life.

Second – vs. 10 – use it to serve one another

This may be one of the reasons we don’t see God working in us. Serving is not natural for us humans – self exaltation and greed is what’s natural. Spiritual gifts are given for us to serve each other. This is one of the ways the world should see us as different – we serve each other.

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Third – vs. 10 – these gifts belong to God, we must not dare think they are ours – as good stewards of God’s varied (many facets, great diversity, many forms) grace.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (ESV)
All [gifts] are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

It is easy to think of God’s gifts as ours. We are prone to pride and self-exaltation while in reality we don’t even take a breath unless it is granted by God.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)
But we have this treasure (the light of the gospel) in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Fourth – vs. 11 – generally, there are two types of gifts – speaking gifts and service gifts

whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If God has empowered you with a speaking gift you should speak – this is why God has given you the gift. You are not a good steward if you are not using God’s gift. But do not take this lightly. Speaking God’s truth is a weighty matter.

If you do not have a speaking gift then you have a serving gift. You should be using it – this is why God has given you the gift. You are not a good steward if you are not using God’s gift.

Fifth – vs. 11 – all is to the glory of God through Jesus.

These gifts are not given to exalt us but to glorify Jesus.

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What if I don’t really know how I’m gifted? I get that. Saturate yourself with the gospel. Study Scripture. Pray that God would show you the fullness of Jesus and all that he is for you. Immerse yourself in Christ-exalting service. Ask other Christians for feedback – where do they see God working through you.

In the end your gifting will make itself known. You cannot sit down and know your gifting without engagement. It is through exposure that we find out how God has made us and how he has blessed us.

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In 1 Cor 12:8-10, Eph 4:7-13, and Romans 12:3-8 we find lists of spiritual gifts. Some think that if we put these lists together we have an exhaustive listing. Other theologians that I respect, don‘t think these lists exhaust or define gifting limits. It’s a good thing we’re not talking about that today. I will put a link on my blog that connects to a quick spiritual gifting test. It might give you some idea as to your gifting.

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Spiritual gifts come to life when done with a deep sense of stewardship (all we have belongs to God), as service to the fellowship, and for the glory of God. In other words, spiritual gifts come to life when we absorb the gospel as we should…. The gospel should change us into people who are stunned at the goodness of God in giving us, not only life, but giftedness. We should see a rejection of self and following Jesus’ example of service as a privilege. And we should long to glorify God as our purpose in life.