Opening Your Gifts
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
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.
There are going to be a lot of gifts given and received over the next few days. Today I
would like to focus on the ‘gifts’ we as believers really should be focusing on. Paul
speaks to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. There are still too many who are
ignorant of the value and purpose of these spiritual gifts. There are still far too many
who are clueless concerning their own spiritual gifts and make no effort to seek after
spiritual gifts. Paul writes about the diversity and the differences but makes it clear
that it is the same Spirit that works in all of us. I believe it’s also clear that He wants to
give to each of us individually.
I was in a discussion this week concerning spiritual gifts and it dawned on me that
many people do not distinguish between spiritual gifts and just regular gifts. Did you
know that there is a difference? Had you ever considered it?
Romans 12:3-8
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you,
not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think
soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have
many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same
function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually
members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion
to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in
teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he
who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Paul mentions several gifts to the Romans here, but he doesn’t call them spiritual
gifts. What he does do is tell us not to get all high and mighty concerning our gifts.
Whatever gifts we have come from God not our own self. We have no right to be
arrogant concerning them. Whatever gifts we each have should clearly be used for
the kingdom. Now, we should all know that our most valuable gift from God is this.
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Most believers recognize this gift but unfortunately many seek nothing else. But still,
what’s the difference between gifts and spiritual gifts?
James 1:16-18
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with
whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He
brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of
His creatures.
Every good gift is from God! Everything! There are things that I was good at before I
was born again. I have always been a very good speaker. So, though I can use that
talent for the kingdom and rightly say it is a gift from God, I cannot call it a spiritual
gift. You will know that you have been given a spiritual gift when you recognize you
can do something you were never able to do before.
I have never been a good leader. In fact, I was the opposite of a good leader, I was
bossy, and no one wanted to follow me anywhere. I was rarely given any authority
over anyone and on the few occasions where I was, I found it very difficult to delegate
that authority properly. Yet one of the first things that happened, less than a year
from getting saved, I was along with my husband, given authority over an entire youth
department…. and it fit! We even excelled! Though I had never even been good with
teenagers even when I was a teenager, somehow God had given me this spiritual gift
of leadership when I was not even looking. I have no idea when I got. I just know that it
is not something I was born with and definitely has not come from anything I did. That’
s how you know something is a spiritual gift that has come through the Holy Spirit of
God.
Ephesians 1:15-21
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love
for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of
you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of
Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know
what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His
inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His
power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated
Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and
power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in
this age but also in that which is to come.
When I was just a baby believer, newly born again, my spiritual mentor encouraged
me to read this prayer from Paul to the church at Ephesus and to personalize it and
make it my own prayer to my Father in heaven. I will encourage the same to you.
Thank Him for all He has given you. Pray for the spirit of wisdom and knowledge.
Pray that He open your eyes to see and understand the call He has for you. Scripture
tells us that we have not because we ask not. So we should be asking Him for these
spiritual things. Those first few months as a believer, I cried out so diligently for these
things and I can testify without batting an eye that God has been so faithful in giving
me these things. He will be faithful to you as well if you are diligent to ask.
Luke 11:9-13
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and
he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks
for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks
for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an
egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give
good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give
the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Messiah is clear that if we ask, our heavenly Father will, as any good father, will give
us the good things we need. As I said, most times we have not because we ask not.
So, besides spiritual gifts and the use of the other gifts we have been given, what else
should we seek?
1 Peter 4:8-10
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover
a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As
each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of
the manifold grace of God.
Love for one another is a powerful thing. Whatever we do, love should be the
motivation. That is our gift to His glory. Yeshua said that the world would know Him
because they see us loving each other.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I
have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the
gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though
I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I
give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing..
Sermon by: Denise Baxley
Date: December 21, 2008
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
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.
There are going to be a lot of gifts given and received over the next few days. Today I
would like to focus on the ‘gifts’ we as believers really should be focusing on. Paul
speaks to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. There are still too many who are
ignorant of the value and purpose of these spiritual gifts. There are still far too many
who are clueless concerning their own spiritual gifts and make no effort to seek after
spiritual gifts. Paul writes about the diversity and the differences but makes it clear
that it is the same Spirit that works in all of us. I believe it’s also clear that He wants to
give to each of us individually.
I was in a discussion this week concerning spiritual gifts and it dawned on me that
many people do not distinguish between spiritual gifts and just regular gifts. Did you
know that there is a difference? Had you ever considered it?
Romans 12:3-8
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you,
not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think
soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have
many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same
function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually
members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion
to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in
teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he
who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Paul mentions several gifts to the Romans here, but he doesn’t call them spiritual
gifts. What he does do is tell us not to get all high and mighty concerning our gifts.
Whatever gifts we have come from God not our own self. We have no right to be
arrogant concerning them. Whatever gifts we each have should clearly be used for
the kingdom. Now, we should all know that our most valuable gift from God is this.
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Most believers recognize this gift but unfortunately many seek nothing else. But still,
what’s the difference between gifts and spiritual gifts?
James 1:16-18
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with
whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He
brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of
His creatures.
Every good gift is from God! Everything! There are things that I was good at before I
was born again. I have always been a very good speaker. So, though I can use that
talent for the kingdom and rightly say it is a gift from God, I cannot call it a spiritual
gift. You will know that you have been given a spiritual gift when you recognize you
can do something you were never able to do before.
I have never been a good leader. In fact, I was the opposite of a good leader, I was
bossy, and no one wanted to follow me anywhere. I was rarely given any authority
over anyone and on the few occasions where I was, I found it very difficult to delegate
that authority properly. Yet one of the first things that happened, less than a year
from getting saved, I was along with my husband, given authority over an entire youth
department…. and it fit! We even excelled! Though I had never even been good with
teenagers even when I was a teenager, somehow God had given me this spiritual gift
of leadership when I was not even looking. I have no idea when I got. I just know that it
is not something I was born with and definitely has not come from anything I did. That’
s how you know something is a spiritual gift that has come through the Holy Spirit of
God.
Ephesians 1:15-21
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love
for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of
you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of
Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know
what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His
inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His
power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated
Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and
power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in
this age but also in that which is to come.
When I was just a baby believer, newly born again, my spiritual mentor encouraged
me to read this prayer from Paul to the church at Ephesus and to personalize it and
make it my own prayer to my Father in heaven. I will encourage the same to you.
Thank Him for all He has given you. Pray for the spirit of wisdom and knowledge.
Pray that He open your eyes to see and understand the call He has for you. Scripture
tells us that we have not because we ask not. So we should be asking Him for these
spiritual things. Those first few months as a believer, I cried out so diligently for these
things and I can testify without batting an eye that God has been so faithful in giving
me these things. He will be faithful to you as well if you are diligent to ask.
Luke 11:9-13
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and
he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks
for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks
for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an
egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give
good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give
the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Messiah is clear that if we ask, our heavenly Father will, as any good father, will give
us the good things we need. As I said, most times we have not because we ask not.
So, besides spiritual gifts and the use of the other gifts we have been given, what else
should we seek?
1 Peter 4:8-10
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover
a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As
each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of
the manifold grace of God.
Love for one another is a powerful thing. Whatever we do, love should be the
motivation. That is our gift to His glory. Yeshua said that the world would know Him
because they see us loving each other.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I
have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the
gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though
I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I
give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing..
Sermon by: Denise Baxley
Date: December 21, 2008