SUNDAY WORSHIP GUIDE - EMPOWERED: GIFTED TO SERVE

1. GRAVES INTO GARDENS

2. BREAK EVERY CHAIN

3. SURRENDER

MESSAGE: EMPOWERED - GIFTED TO SERVE

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.   1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV)

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?                              1 Corinthians 12:29-30 (ESV)

1. GOD GIVES DIFFERENT GIFTS BY HIS GRACE

2. GOD GIVES GIFTS FOR SERVICE, NOT STATUS

3. GOD GIVES DIFFERENT GIFTS TO BUILD ONE UNITED CHURCH

What has God entrusted to me? Consider your abilities, passions, experiences, opportunities, and possible spiritual gifts.
 
 Who could benefit from what God has entrusted to me? Look beyond yourself and notice the needs around you.
 
 What is one step I can take to serve? Choose a ministry, talk with a church leader, volunteer for a task, or take a spiritual gifts assessment.

Spiritual Gifts Assessment:

https://groupleaders.org/curriculum-feed/spiritual-gift-assessment

Moving Forward: Put Your Gifts into Practice

READ

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4–11. Notice how Paul repeatedly emphasizes that the gifts, service, and workings are different, but God is the source. Pay special attention to verse 7: the Spirit's work is given for the common good.

Also read Romans 12:4–8 and 1 Peter 4:10–11. Reflect on how God calls His people to use what they have received to serve others.

FAITH EXERCISE

This week, take three practical steps.

1. Discover: Complete a spiritual gifts assessment, or begin exploring your gifts through prayer, Scripture, and conversation with mature Christians.

2. Discuss: Ask a pastor, ministry leader, or trusted Christian friend what strengths they see in you and where those strengths might serve the church.

3. Do: Choose one practical act of service. Welcome a visitor, help with a ministry, encourage someone who is struggling, assist with a community outreach, or meet a need behind the scenes.

Do not wait until you understand every gift you may have. Start serving faithfully with what you know and remain open to learning.

PRAY

"Father, thank You for the gifts You freely give. Help me stop comparing myself with others and recognize the opportunities You have placed before me. Show me how I can use my abilities, experiences, and spiritual gifts to serve Your people. Give me humility to work with others, courage to try new opportunities, and love that puts the needs of others ahead of my desire for recognition. Use me to strengthen Your church and demonstrate Your love to the world. In Jesus' name, amen."

LIVE

At the end of the week, ask yourself:

• Did I take a step toward discovering or developing my gifts?

• Did I use an ability or opportunity to help someone else?

• Did I appreciate someone whose contribution was different from mine?

• What need can I help meet next?

Challenge: Do one act of intentional service this week that benefits someone else and does not depend on receiving recognition.