Reach4Life- Journey 4: ChangeChikamu

DAY 4: USING YOUR GIFTS

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” – Romans 12:6, NIV

LISTEN

Bodies work best when every part of the body does its unique job well. The rest of your body would suffer if one morning your legs didn’t wake up, or your eyes wouldn’t open.

The church is like a body. You are part of the body, and you have a special function that is different to everyone else’s. The purpose of each individual part of the body is to please God by building up the whole body and reaching the world. God gives us certain tools, or gifts, so that we can serve.

Your part – no matter what it is – is critical.

LOOK

Romans 12:3-10

LEARN

What are some of the most common gifts?

· There are those who sense what God is saying to people (v6)

· Others are excellent at doing practical things (v7)

· Some are great at teaching (v7)

· Some are good at encouraging others (v8)

· Some provide resources (v8)

· Others are gifted at leadership (v8)

· Still others are great at helping people who are hurting (v8).

How should these gifts be used?

· Don’t be proud (v3)

· Appreciate everyone and remember everyone has at least one gift (v4, 6)

· Wholeheartedly develop your skills through lots of practice (v8)

· Don’t focus on what you can’t do; serve as much as you can (v10).

This is why I remind you to help God’s gift grow, just as a small spark grows into a fire….God gave us his Spirit. And the Spirit doesn’t make us weak and fearful. Instead, the Spirit gives us power and love. He helps us control ourselves. (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

LIVE

· Looking at the list in Rom 12, what do you think your gift (or gifts) may be?

· How can you, with the help of the Spirit, develop them for the praise of God and the good of others?

LINK

For more on Using Your Gifts, read:

1 Peter 4:10-11