In order to serve according to our giftedness, we must make sure that we not only understand spiritual gifts, we must discover, develop and deploy them. Since ignorance about this topic may be a chief cause of retarded spiritual growth, it’s imperative that we unwrap our gifts.
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31Since we’ve been saved so that we can serve, it’s important for us to understand how God has wired us. When we serve in ways that maximize who we are, and what we’ve been given, the church will be fortified and we’ll experience fruitfulness and fulfillment. This message will introduce the topic of spiritual gifts.
Text: Romans 12:1-8In contrast to our self-seeking ways, Jesus is the personification of servanthood. Just as He came to serve and not to be served, we’re called to do the same. Becoming a servant means that we swim against the cultural current and follow the model of the Master.
Text: Matthew 20:20-28; John 13:1-17God designed us to live in community with others and to work in partnership with one another for the sake of the kingdom. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
Text: Colossians 4:7-18Many scholars believe this passage was based on a hymn that was sung by the early church. We all need to answer the question: Is Christ prominent in my life, or is He preeminent? He doesn’t just want a place in our lives, He demands first place.
Text: Colossians 1:15-23Following a list of rules and regulations will never lead to spiritual vitality. Grace demands that we avoid judging others according to our standards.
Text: Colossians 2:6-15When we think of God’s work in the lives of other believers, we should be moved to thankfulness for the faith, hope, and love that we see demonstrated in Christ followers.
Text: Colossians 1:1-8After contributing significant resources to the construction of the temple, David led his people into a time of praise and thanksgiving. When we partner with God, we will be moved to praise Him and to break out into a time of celebration for what He has done.
Text: 1 Chronicles 29:1-20Christian giving is not about legalism, but about grace. Love asks, “How much can I give?” Legalism asks, “How little can I give?” We don’t give because we have to, but because we want to. Authentic and joyful giving is an unmistakable sign that we’ve been changed by God’s grace. Our giving should be thoughtful, enthusiastic, voluntary and cheerful.
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15Jesus reminds us that we can only serve one master – money or the Almighty. If we don’t manage our money, it will manage us. Mammom is personified as a rival god because it fights for supremacy in our lives. Contrary to popular opinion, money is not just a neutral medium of exchange but a “power” with life of its own. As we focus on building for the future, we’ll disarm the dollar dragon by transferring ownership of everything we have to God.
Text: Matthew 6:19-24