Morning Message Text: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11
Concerning Spiritual Gifts
1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Morning Message:
Thanks, but no thanks. Have you ever used this phrase? Usually this is something that we might say when we are offered something that we really don’t need or want. Would you like an extra helping of mashed potatoes? Thanks, but no thanks. Personally, I can’t ever remember saying that. Someone offers you a ride or help with something like your homework, we might politely reply, thanks, but no thanks; it’s a nice day and I will enjoy the walk, or I am okay with my homework. There are many good reasons for turning down something that someone wants to do for you or give you. Let me ask you this. At Christmas time when someone has given you a gift do you ever open it, look at it, and then give it back, saying thanks, but no thanks? I would hope that we are too polite to do such a thing. Even if we didn’t like the gift we would keep it, most likely acting as if we like it. I am reminded once again of the movie, A Christmas Story. Those pink pajamas with the bunny ears that Ralphie received from his aunt. When his mom finally told him that he could take them off, she said, “You only have to wear them when your aunt visits.”
Now it’s one thing to receive a gift from someone, decide that you don’t like it, and give it back or maybe re-gift it. That would be rude and hurtful enough. But what if you gave your child a gift and he/she didn’t even bother to unwrap it. Parents, what if you were cleaning your closets and discovered a gift, still in the wrapping paper and the name tag still intact with your child’s name on it in your handwriting? The first thought that comes to my mind is: this child of mine must have too much. The second emotion we might feel is unloved or unimportant. I mean, you took the time to thoughtfully pick out this gift especially for this child, and they couldn’t even take the time to look at it. I wonder if that’s how God feels. For the most part I believe that we remember to give thanks to God for his blessings. We may not do a very good job of it, but we at least acknowledge those things that we see in our lives that we know come from God. There is one very important gift that we overlook: the spiritual gift that God has placed within every one of us. God, when you were being formed in your mother’s womb, placed a spiritual gift inside of you. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior that gift is activated and available for us to use to build up the church, the body of Christ, and to glorify God.
Every born-again Christian has a spiritual gift, given by God. I have taught many classes on how to discover your God-given gifts. I would gladly teach many more if there are those who really want to know what their gifts are. Why do I say that? Because once you know your gifts, you are expected to use them, and I get the feeling sometimes that the most likely response is thanks, but no thanks. I am always amazed at the lack of interest in a Holy Spirit power that is available to God’s people. We need to feel a sense of urgency and the call that God has for our lives. You exist in this time on earth for a reason. I am always reminded that this life is not mine; it belongs to my Creator and my Savior. A song comes to mind that I have shared with you before. It was not meant to praise God but many times I praise him with it. “What am I living for, if not for you? What am I living for, if not for you? What am I living for, if not for you? Nobody else, nobody else will do.”
I will give you five steps to discovering your Spiritual Gifts; if you would like further instruction just ask.
1. Investigation: Spend time discovering what the gifts are, how they function, and how they benefit the church. Read and study.
2. Involvement: Get involved in spiritual activities. Some Christians think they should wait until they know their gifts, but steering a moving car is much easier than one that is stopped.
3. Interaction: We will be most effective in the ministries for which the Spirit has gifted us. Interacting with others will help us understand where we are having an impact.
4. Introspection: Believers should look into their hearts. There will be joy in serving with their particular gifts.
5. Interest: What opportunities for service compel us? If you are paying attention and listening for God, there will be something that you want to do. What is that something for you? Will you respond, or will you say “Thanks, but no thanks.”
In Christ’s Love and Peace
Pastor Bob
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