Serving in Grace: Use Your Gifts

“Don’t be spiritually unemployed.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

Every believer has received a gift of grace, and we are called to steward it faithfully for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

 

1 Peter 4:10–11 (NKJV)

¹⁰As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

¹¹If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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Three truths about SERVING IN GRACE:

• RECOGNIZE the Gift You’ve Received.
• RELEASE the Gift You’ve Been Given.
• REFLECT GOD Through Your Gift.

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Recognize the Gift You’ve Received (v10)

 

“Many times you don’t see it as being a gift; it’s something you do naturally.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

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Each One Has Received a Gift

Your gift will be unique to you.

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Each One Is a Steward of the Gift

You are instructed to manage another’s resources.

“The gift is not yours to own, but it’s God’s to loan.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

God’s Gift Is Multicolored

The way you do something may be different from how someone else does the same thing.

“I can do it, but I can’t do it like you do it.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

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Release the Gift You’ve Been Given (v11)

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TWO CATEGORIES OF GIFTS

Speaking Gifts

When speaking be sure you are speaking as God is speaking through you. Recognize the thoughts and words coming from you.

“Don’t waste a good thought; don’t waste a good idea.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

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Serving Gifts

Don’t serve in your own strength so you won’t get burnt out.

“Serve with the ability that God gives.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

 

Gifts Are Meant to Be Used, Not Buried (Romans 12:6)

Don’t wait for “perfect” conditions.

You may have different gifts in different situations.

 

Reflect God Through Your Gift (v11)

“The gift is not for your glory.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

WHY WE USE OUR GIFTS

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For Others’ Benefit (1 Peter 4:7-9)

Our gifts bless and strengthen one another.  Others are in need of what you have.

“Just because the circumstances are difficult, it does not exempt you from serving.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

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For God’s Glory (Colossians 3:23)

The ultimate purpose

“The light bulb doesn’t shine by itself; it has to be plugged in.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

 Application

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Identify Your Gift

Take time this week to identify your gift.

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Invest Your Gift

Don’t bury your gift. Use it!

“Some of you have the solutions for your community.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

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Inspire With Your Gift

“Let others see Christ through you as you serve.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

Reflection Question

Who needs your gift this week? Who might experience God’s grace if you simply release what He has placed in you?