Unity and Gifts in Service

OBJECTIVE

  • Today's objective is to learn why there are a diversity of gifts in the service and how these unite us by looking into 1 Co. 12:1-12.

INTRODUCTION - 5 Minutes

  • We may approach tasks in different ways since each person is unique
  • Despite how different we may all be, we are all God's people and our aim is sanctification, to become living Gospels, and to present such Gospel and lifestyle for the edification of others
  • Consider this Example: Wear a pair of mismatched gloves, socks, or shoes, just so it is prominently visible and clearly different
    • (If anyone asks why you're mismatched, explain that in the early morning darkness and rush of getting prepared, you didn't manage to grab items that were exactly the same)
  • The gloves and sock don't match because they are different.
    • However, both of them will keep the hands and feet, respectively, warm
  • They will still accomplish the purpose for which they were made
    • They do not look the same, and they might even feel slightly different
  • Nevertheless they will still protect the body so it can function well.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 25 Minutes

  • 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ (1 Co. 12:1-12).

Memory Verse

"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ" (1 Co. 12:12)

CONTENT - 20 Minutes

  • Humility in Spiritual Gifts (1 Co. 12:1)
    • Reviewing from last week, we can take no pride in whatever spiritual gifts or talents the Lord gives us, because these are gifts freely given, and are not a result of our own efforts
      • Paul calls these gifts spiritual because they are the work of the Spirit alone
      • We can take no credit for the gift that comes from the Spirit, but thank God
    • This is important to ministry because the servant should never consider that service depends on his skills or abilities, but rather is blessed to be a part of God's work
  • Diversity of Gifts (1 Co. 12:4-6)
    • Whether one gift is greater than honor, they each have the same honor since these come from God
    • We should not be jealous of another person's gift because, since they have a greater gift in the service, they have a greater labor
  • Gifts are given for Common Good (1 Co. 12:7)
    • Our spiritual gifts are given for our own repentance, and for the edification of others
    • We each receive a gift according to our faith, but we cannot all attain every gift
      • However, in a community, we share in each other's gifts and therefore are edified by all the gifts of God
  • The Gifts (1 Co. 12:8-10)
    • Wisdom and Knowledge
      • This is not something we get from a book, but from the Holy Spirit
      • It is not only to know, but to live according to what we are taught
    • Faith
      • This is not limited to doctrinal faith, but a faith that empowers activities surpassing human nature, a faith that moves mountains----full trust and belief in the power of God. This is to place God before every problem, knowing He will overcome
  • Unity of Spirit in Service (1 Co. 12:11-12)
    • Service is not according to any one person's will, but rather is according to the Holy Spirit
    • Even the distribution of gifts is according to God's wisdom, so we can't say that it is unfair that one person has a certain gift or we deserve another
      • Therefore, in service, we are to appreciate the tool and ministry God has given us
  • We are the Body of Christ
    • Diversity of gifts are not give so that we can compare each other, but for harmony and love because we need one another, and this need brings us closer together
    • Therefore, the most excellent gift for the service is love

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 10 Minutes

  • Why wouldn't the Holy Spirit just give everyone every gift?
  • Why is it important to remember our own struggles and shortcomings when serving?
  • What should I do if I do not know my gift or my purpose in service?

APPLICATION - 5 Minutes

  • The Holy Spirit gave us diversity of gifts so that we would rely on one another and become united through common need.
  • It is always good to remember how much God has worked in our lives, knowing that we aren't perfect, having empathy for those we serve, and protecting ourselves from falling again
  • If a Christian does not know their gift or their purpose in service, talk to the members of the church, ask about them, ask if they need anything, pray for them, and God will reveal a ministry

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

  • Talk to your child about their gifts or passions to see whether there is anything they can do to serve
  • Introduce them to people in the congregation and help them form relationships with others
  • Remind them that the service and work in the church doesn't belong to any person, but rather is Christ's work through the congregation, which is His body