Talk 2: Spiritual Gifts Series USING AND EXERCISING THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS Part 1

INTRODUCTION Spiritual gifts are like a light bulb Spiritual gifts, when not in use, remain worthless Christianity is like that, too We need to use and make the spiritual gifts operational (or functional) in us, in the body.

BASIC PRE-REQUISITES FOR USING THE GIFTS 1. First, you have to be a Christian Not a “cultural” Christians or “nominal” Christian Have a living and personal relationship with the Lord “Born again”, “renewed”, ”committed”, ”saved” or “converted” – the point is relationship

BASIC PRE-REQUISITES FOR USING THE GIFTS 2. Second, you have to believe in spiritual gifts Many Christians do not believe that spiritual gifts really exist or exist today This is an issue of faith: you must believe that God has given you a spiritual gift even before you start the process of discovering and exercising them Believe God can and will use you

BASIC PRE-REQUISITES FOR USING THE GIFTS 3. Third, you have to be willing to work. a. “Grace builds on human nature” - the human being is the raw material for God’s action - while gifts are God’s actions, it is also our actions b. willingness to work on and develop the gift - practice and knowledge - taking steps to exercise the gifts for growth - effort and hard work c. God has a reason for giving you the gifts: there is work to do for the body - God equipped you with a gift for a job to be done - Gifts are not just for kicks but for producing results

BASIC PRE-REQUISITES FOR USING THE GIFTS 4. Fourth, you have to pray. Before, during, after the process of discovering and using the gifts - pray for understanding 4 steps: - desire the gifts (1Cor 14:1) - ask for the gifts (Luke 11:9-13; 1Cor 14:13) - receive the gifts (Acts 2:38) - exercise the gifts (1Cor 14:26) Ask for guidance in the exercise of the gifts

HOW ARE THE GIFTS EXERCISED 1. 1 Corinthians Guidelines as to how the gifts must be exercised In the body of Christ (1Cor 12) – take a corporate concern - the variety of gifts, service/ministry, workings, are distributed and allocated to all the members of the body - the gifts are to operate in and for the body - we cannot exercise the gifts solely for ourselves or for our personal advantage So that the body can move as one (unity) If done out of order, there is trouble and disturbance

HOW ARE THE GIFTS EXERCISED 1. 1 Corinthians Guidelines as to how the gifts must be exercised In love (1Cor 13) - without love, I gain NOTHING - we exercise the gifts out of our love for the brethren - in order (1Cor 14) - for edification not exhibition (3-5, 12) - for communication, not confusion (6-19) - appropriately, not randomly ( 20-25) - one by one, not all at once (26-32) - in submission, deference, not assertion (29,37)

HOW ARE THE GIFTS EXERCISED 2. The “role” of common sense People tend to think that common sense is unspiritual Use common sense as we exercise the gifts: - consider the needs/concerns of others as well as yours - consider the group’s experience and background, history, and maturity level - consider your limitations and strengths - consider the groups experience as well as yours - consider the confirmation of others

HOW ARE THE GIFTS EXERCISED 3. Exercise the gifts Boldly and in faith - step out of your comfort zone - be pioneering - be open to be misunderstood, reacted to, or you might gain attention and approval With preparation - praying and seeking the Lord - living righteously

HOW ARE THE GIFTS EXERCISED 4. Exercise the gifts in holiness You are a vessel holding tremendous power - notice the danger when the vessel cannot handle the power well Lack of holiness will not prevent God from using us, but will affect the gifts effectiveness.

OBSTACLES TO USING THE GIFTS WELL 1. Fear Fear of what people will say, fear of the unknown, fear of the future, fear of making mistakes Leads to timidity, paralysis, insecurity Comes from lack of faith 1Tim 1:1 “ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control” “Fight Fear with Faith”

OBSTACLES TO USING THE GIFTS WELL 2. Ignorance or lack of understanding Ignorance is not bliss! The root of much of the discouragement, frustration and guilt We deny people the experience of God’s power because of ignorance Overcome by study, reading, learning from others We cannot be the obstacle for God to move

OBSTACLES TO USING THE GIFTS WELL 3. Self-centeredness (love of self or lack of love) This brings about competitiveness and other obstacles e.g., gift projection, gift exaltation, using the gifts for selfish ends, with-holding the gift from others.

What did you learn today and what struck you in the talk? What obstacles to you face in exercising the spiritual gifts?