What YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT your SPIRITUAL gift
1 Corinthians 12:14-26
December 5, 2007
mikematijevich
mmatevich@aol.com

Intro:

            *            What did you get for your spiritual gift?

                        How do I use this gift?

Formula to take your first steps in using your spiritual gift.

Three things you need to know:

I.            You need to know your gift (12:14-17)

            A.            Your gift contributes to the health of the body. (Unity is based on diversity)

                        1.            All should be Christ-like and yet different as snow flakes…

Note:            Our strength is based on the concept of diversity that makes us unified.

                        2.            See the diversity in the chair next to you- no 180 pound ears, eyes, etc.

                        3.            All the gifts are to benefit the body- the local church. (Can't discover the proper use for                                     your gifts outside the local church)

Note:            We have worked hard so that everyone is welcome here at Paradise.

                        Because we need diversity.

            B             we need each other (12:15-16)

                        1.            God gifted you and made you the way that you are supernaturally to be part of His                                                 body.

                                    -            No foot can divorce your leg… etc.

                                    -            The foot is suffering from sense of inferiority. (Every time Mike eats he uses the                                                             hand…

                                    Absurd- some one says, "Mike has the gift of teaching - so they don't need me."

Note:            Don't underestimate your gift. You are important!

            C.            WE NEED TO KNOW THAT EACH GIFT IS DISTINCT - BECAUSE THE BODY CANNOT                                                 FUNCTION WITHOUT DIVERSITY.

                        1.            We need to be comfortable with & confident in our spiritual gift.

                                    -            Moses discovered a shepherd's staff (stick) was what God was going to use.

                                                It was in his hand.

                        2.            You will not discover your gift and have confidence in it if you just sit in the chair at                                                 church.

II.            KNOW YOUR PLACE (12:18-21)

            A.            Your gift(s) are given by divine design (v 18a) "God hath set…" (not Mike or you)

                        1.            Your place is set by God - not by popularity etc.

      Rom 9:20-21 "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing       formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"

            *            Can we argue with the Potter? He made us.

                        2.            For you to be down on yourself - you are down on God. (As a believer)

                                    - Common problem in our society- outward appearance.

                                    - Same as what God did for you.

                                    - When down yourself you're down on God.

            Note:            You and I have Dignity by Divine Design.  (12:18)

                                    God is concerned about EVERY ONE of the members.

III.            know your value (12:22-26)

            A.            Know that value does not depend on strength or power (12:22)

                        1.            Your value to Paradise does not depend on whether you are powerful; or not.

            B.            Know that your value does not depend on public recognition. (12:23)

                        1.            We should not do things because we receive recognition for it.

            C.            Know your value does not depend on beauty (12:24a)

            D.            Our value depends on our faithfulness to God's great plan for the body of Christ. (12:24b)

                        - "tempered" an artist mixing colors until they are just right for the appropriate color.

                        * God is seeking just the right mix! (Tempering us together)

Eph 4:7-16 When we learn where God has "fitly joined us together…" that is when we will make             progress. If your ear is on you knee then there will difficulty.

*            We will NOT grow and become what God wants if we are not in our place in the body.

*            There is a place just for you.

Why all of this?

1 Cor 12:25

(1) "That there should be no schism in the body;

(2) but that the members should have the same care one for another."

The consequence of all this:

1 Cor. 12:26

Challenge:

Grasp these in reverse order as presented today.

Value---Place---Gift

1.            Acknowledge that God made you to ADD value to this body. (no longer inferior)

2.            Know your place is WITHIN the body. (stop sitting & serve)

3.            Know your gift… when see your value, & get involved in the body- you will KNOW your gift.