Unwrapping Your Spiritual Gifts

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12When we are born again and become children of God, we receive spiritual gifts. Discovering, developing, and putting to work our spiritual gifts is how we find joy and fulfillment in the Christian life.1 Corinthians 12 explains how children of God can unwrap their spiritual gifts.“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant…” (1 Corinthians 12:1).Our spiritual gifts are supernatural, graciously given to us by the Holy Spirit when we are born again. There is no room for pride or selfishness; we’ve received our spiritual gifts to serve each other. The Holy Spirit chooses our gifts; our responsibility is to discover what He has sovereignly imparted in us.Adrian Rogers says, “These spiritual gifts are not for evidence, they are equipment. They are not for your enjoyment, they are for your employment.”“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).Some of the diverse gifts listed in Scripture are:-Wisdom-Knowledge-Faith-Healing-Miracles: physical, mental, and spiritual-Prophecy: for edification, exhortation, and comfort-Discernment of the spirits-Speaking in tongues, or speaking in a language you have never learned-Interpreting tongues, or translating tongues so others can understand-Ministry, or serving within the church-Teaching-Exhortation, or leading others in worship-Giving-Ruling, or the ability to administrate-Mercy, or showing the love of Jesus ChristIt is our joy and responsibility to discover our gifts. We must first present ourselves to God’s lordship. Secondly, we must become good stewards of our gifts with renewed minds and good faith.Finally, we must stay in fellowship with other believers. We were meant to serve one another well, to operate as one fully-functioning body. Our spiritual gifts will be confirmed as we begin serving each other however we can.Apply it to your lifeIf you haven’t discovered your spiritual gifts, ask yourself: Have I presented myself to the Lord? Have I decided to be a good steward of whatever the Holy Spirit has confirmed in me? Am I serving faithfully in my church?