DISCOVERING AND USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

DISCOVERING AND USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 12:3-8

Key Verse: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith." (Romans 12:6, KJV)

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Timothy 1:6; Acts 6:1-7.

Description: God has graciously given every believer spiritual gifts to serve the Church, glorify Christ, and advance His Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION
In Romans 12:3-8, the Apostle Paul shifts attention from personal consecration to practical service within the Body of Christ. Having urged believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, he now teaches that every Christian has a unique role in God's Kingdom. No believer is spiritually insignificant, for each has received gifts according to the grace of God.

Spiritual gifts are divine abilities given by the Holy Spirit to enable believers to serve effectively. They are not for self-promotion, personal recognition, or competition, but for building up the Church and bringing glory to Jesus Christ. God distributes these gifts according to His wisdom so that every member of the Body contributes to its growth and effectiveness.

Many Christians either neglect their spiritual gifts or compare themselves with others. Paul warns against pride and inferiority, urging believers to think soberly and faithfully use the gifts God has entrusted to them. When every believer discovers and faithfully exercises his or her spiritual gifts, the Church becomes stronger, more united, and more effective in fulfilling Christ's mission.

1. RECOGNISE THAT EVERY BELIEVER HAS A SPIRITUAL GIFT
God has given every believer a unique place in His Kingdom.

a) Gifts Are Given By God's Grace (Romans 12:3-6)
Spiritual gifts are not earned through merit but are graciously bestowed by God.

b) Every Believer Has A Purpose (1 Peter 4:10)
Every Christian has received at least one gift to be used in serving others.

c) No Gift Is Inferior Or Superior (1 Corinthians 12:14-25)
Every gift is valuable because each contributes to the health of the Body of Christ.

d) Avoid Pride And Inferiority (Romans 12:3)
Believers should neither exalt themselves nor undervalue themselves but should faithfully embrace God's calling.

Biblical Example: Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up the spiritual gift God had placed within him and to use it boldly in ministry.

2. DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT
Knowing your spiritual gift enables you to serve with greater effectiveness.

a) Seek God's Direction In Prayer (James 1:5)
Ask the Lord to reveal the gifts He has placed within you.

b) Study The Word Of God (Romans 12:6-8)
The Scriptures identify various gifts and explain their proper use.

c) Serve Faithfully Where You Are (Luke 16:10)
Faithfulness in small responsibilities often reveals greater gifts and opportunities.

d) Welcome Godly Counsel (Proverbs 15:22)
Mature spiritual leaders can help identify and encourage your spiritual gifts.

Biblical Example: The Seven Servants (Acts 6:1-7). The apostles recognised spiritually gifted and faithful men who were appointed to serve the growing Church with wisdom and integrity.

3. USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS DILIGENTLY
Spiritual gifts must be exercised faithfully for God's glory.

a) Serve With Excellence (Romans 12:6-8)
Whatever gift God has given you should be exercised wholeheartedly and faithfully.

b) Minister In Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Without love, even the greatest gifts lose their true spiritual value.

c) Depend Upon The Holy Spirit (John 15:5)
Effective ministry flows from abiding in Christ rather than relying on personal ability.

d) Remain Faithful To Your Calling (Colossians 3:23-24)
God honours those who diligently use the gifts He has entrusted to them.

Biblical Example: Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8:5-8, 26-40). Philip faithfully exercised his evangelistic gift, bringing many people to Christ and obediently following God's direction.

4. USE YOUR GIFTS TO BUILD THE BODY OF CHRIST
God gives spiritual gifts for the benefit of the entire Church.

a) Strengthen Fellow Believers (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Spiritual gifts equip believers and promote maturity in the Church.

b) Promote Unity Rather Than Competition (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
Different gifts should work together harmoniously under Christ's leadership.

c) Glorify God In All Things (1 Peter 4:11)
Every act of service should direct honour and praise to God alone.

d) Advance The Kingdom Of God (Matthew 28:19-20)
Our gifts should be used to spread the Gospel and make disciples throughout the world.

Biblical Example: Barnabas (Acts 11:22-26). Barnabas used his gift of encouragement and leadership to strengthen new believers and help establish the Church at Antioch.

CONCLUSION
Romans 12:3-8 reminds us that every believer has received spiritual gifts according to God's grace. These gifts are not given for personal recognition but for serving others, strengthening the Church, and advancing the Kingdom of God. No believer should neglect, envy, or misuse the gifts entrusted to him or her. Instead, each should faithfully develop and exercise those gifts under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, seek to discover the gifts God has placed within you, cultivate them through prayer, study, and faithful service, and use them with humility and love. As every believer fulfils his or her God-given role, the Body of Christ will grow stronger, Christ will be glorified, and many lives will be transformed through His power.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for giving me spiritual gifts according to Your grace, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, reveal every spiritual gift You have placed within me, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to use my gifts faithfully for the advancement of Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, remove every spirit of pride, fear, and inferiority that hinders me from serving You, in Jesus name.

5. Father, fill me continually with the Holy Spirit and empower me for effective ministry, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to serve others with humility, love, and excellence, in Jesus name.

7. Father, connect me with opportunities to use my gifts for Your glory, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my spiritual gifts bring encouragement, healing, and growth to Your Church, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to remain faithful in every assignment You entrust to me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life continually glorify You as I faithfully use every gift You have given me, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall discover every spiritual gift God has placed within your life.

2. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to serve God with boldness, wisdom, and effectiveness.

3. Every gift within you shall flourish and produce lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God.

4. You shall never compare yourself with others but shall rejoice in God's unique calling upon your life.

5. The Lord shall open doors for you to exercise your gifts in greater dimensions.

6. You shall serve with humility, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to Christ.

7. Every obstacle preventing the full manifestation of your spiritual gifts shall be removed.

8. Through your ministry, many lives shall be strengthened, encouraged, and brought to Christ.

9. You shall become a valuable instrument in the Body of Christ, bringing unity, growth, and blessing to God's people.

10. From this day forward, you shall faithfully discover, develop, and use every spiritual gift entrusted to you, bringing glory to God, strengthening His Church, fulfilling your divine assignment, and receiving the reward prepared for faithful servants, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.