Romans 12:4-8
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.
Who doesn’t like to receive gifts? We get all excited as we anticipate what it is. Upon opening it we are already figuring where we are going to put it and how we are going to use it. But most of those thoughts about using it will not be focused on serving ourselves. That is not the purpose of these gifts of the Spirit. These gifts were given for the purpose of using them for the good of the Church.
These gifts are not merely talents. These are special gifts of the Holy Spirit. Gifts that aren’t for personal use or gain but rather for the edification of the Church. There are at least 4 places in the New Testament that list the various gifts (not every list matches the other): Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11. One of the great things about these gifts is that if Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you have at least one of these gifts! It doesn’t mean it is the gift you want, but it is the gift that the Spirit wants you to use to build the Church.
So what does this have to do with worship? Remember that when we speak of worship it is talking about where our focus is and who we are trying to glorify. God not only calls us to serve Him, He equips us. When a Church is found utilizing the gifts from the Spirit, the Church is also found to be healthy. Since we can’t use these gifts being focused on self, they will benefit those we worship with. And when the Church is worshiping with their lives, God can’t help but be glorified. And when He is glorified, He will be praised.
Making It Personal
Do you know what your spiritual gift is? If not go and take the test here spiritualgiftstest.com. How can you use your gift(s) to worship God and edify the Church?
Making It Personal Kids
Make a dish or bowl out of clay or play dough and talk about what it was made for. Can it be used for anything else? Would you want it used for only what you made it for? God wants us to do what He made us to do.
Closing Prayer
Father, there is something special about knowing that You made us for a purpose and that You have gifted us to worship You in ways that helps those around us. Please help us be the Church You want us to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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