Using Your Gifts

1 Peter 4:10-11
 
Peter writes that everyone has some abilities. He also states that we are to use what God gave us to reach the world, not for our pleasure but for serving and edifying God.
Paul mentions various gifts or abilities.

• 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

 
The Holy Spirit determines what our gifts will be, we are responsible for them but cannot take credit what God gives us.

• Romans 12:6-8, Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
• Ephesians 4:11-12, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 
What is a spiritual gift?

• A God-given ability, distributed by the Holy Spirit to enable a person to work through their lives to help the church.

 
What is the difference between natural and spiritual gifts?

• Natural gifts are physical abilities. Sometimes the spiritual gifts will work through the natural, such as a Christian who sings being able to evangelize.

 
Do all Christians have a gift?

• All believers have at least one gift
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

 
So, what did God give us? How do we identify what we have been given from God?

• As we study the Scriptures, do any gifts stand out within us?
• What do we enjoy doing in the church or for the Lord?
• Can we recognize what the Holy Spirit is directing us to?
• Do others see any gifts working in our lives?
• What ministry could God be blessing us with?

 
Whatever God gave you; He did not give it to you for you to hide.

• “If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth,”

One man’s way of teaching and/or preaching may appeal to some and yet another man’s way appeals to others. Give the Word to bring glory to God, not to self.

• Matthew 5:14-16, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
• Luke 8:16, No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but sitteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter may see the light.
• Luke 11:33, No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
• John 1:7-9, The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

This refers to John the Baptist, and like John, we are not God’s source of light. We reflect the Light of Jesus; we shine Christ’s light to a dark world. We are to point others to the Light, Jesus Christ.
 
Even though they are aware of their abilities, some people believe they are entitled to make use of them however they see fit. Others believe they lack any special abilities at all. These verses were spoken by Peter to both groups. Every person possesses some abilities, or “gifts.” We must locate and utilize ours. Every skill we have should be made use of in the service of others; none of them are for our sole enjoyment. Preaching, also known as speaking, and aiding, also known as ministering, are mentioned by Peter (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4:11).

When we use our abilities, how does it glorify God? They will see Jesus in us and praise Him for the assistance they have received if we use them as He directs to assist others.