USING GIFTS FOR GOD'S GLORY

USING GIFTS FOR GOD'S GLORY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7

Key Verse: “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Matthew 5:16; Colossians 3:17

Description: God gives every believer spiritual gifts so that those gifts may be used to serve others, strengthen the church, advance the Gospel, and ultimately glorify Him. The value of a spiritual gift is not measured by how visible or impressive it appears, but by whether it fulfils God's purpose.

INTRODUCTION

God has deposited different gifts and abilities in His people for the advancement of His kingdom. No believer is without something to offer. First Corinthians 12:7 teaches that “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” Spiritual gifts therefore have a divine purpose beyond personal fulfilment or recognition.

One of the greatest dangers in ministry is using a God-given gift for self-glory. A person may begin by serving God sincerely but gradually become more concerned about applause, position, popularity, or recognition. Yet the gift belongs to God, the grace comes from God, and the strength to exercise it comes from God. Therefore, the glory must return to God.

The proper question is not merely, “What gift do I have?” but, “How can I use what God has given me to glorify Him and bless others?” When our gifts are surrendered to Christ, exercised in love, and directed towards God's purposes, our lives become channels through which people encounter the goodness and greatness of God.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE GOD AS THE SOURCE OF YOUR GIFT

Understanding the source of your gift should produce humility.

a) Every Good Gift Comes From God (James 1:17)
Everything genuinely good in our lives ultimately comes from God.

b) The Spirit Distributes Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11)
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts according to His will.

c) Grace Is Given By God (Romans 12:6)
Our gifts are expressions of divine grace.

d) Therefore, God Deserves The Glory (1 Peter 4:11)
We should never take credit for what God has graciously given us.

Biblical Example: Joseph recognised that his ability to interpret dreams came from God rather than from himself (Genesis 41:15-16).

2. USE YOUR GIFT TO SERVE OTHERS

A God-given gift is a ministry responsibility.

a) Given To Profit Others (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Spiritual gifts are intended to produce benefit.

b) Serve One Another (1 Peter 4:10)
Every believer is called to use his or her gift in service.

c) Build Up The Church (Ephesians 4:12)
Gifts equip God's people and strengthen the body.

d) Meet Genuine Needs (Galatians 6:10)
Our abilities should become channels of practical blessing.

Biblical Example: Dorcas used her skills to make garments for widows and served people in practical ways (Acts 9:36-39).

3. DO NOT USE YOUR GIFT FOR SELF-GLORY

Giftedness can become dangerous when pride takes control.

a) Do Not Think Too Highly Of Yourself (Romans 12:3)
Recognise that your ability is a gift, not a reason for superiority.

b) Reject Self-Exaltation (James 4:6)
God resists pride but gives grace to the humble.

c) Point People To Christ (John 3:30)
Our ministry should make Christ greater, not ourselves.

d) Give God The Honour (Psalm 115:1)
God's glory must remain the ultimate goal.

Biblical Example: Herod accepted the people's praise when they acclaimed him as a god, and he was judged because he failed to give God the glory (Acts 12:21-23).

4. USE YOUR GIFT IN LOVE

The character behind the gift matters greatly.

a) Love Must Govern Ministry (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
A gift without love can become spiritually unprofitable.

b) Love Builds Up (1 Corinthians 8:1)
Ministry should strengthen people rather than impress them.

c) Serve With Compassion (Matthew 9:36)
Jesus ministered to people from a heart of compassion.

d) Let Everything Be Done In Love (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Love should be the atmosphere of Christian service.

Biblical Example: Jesus used His authority and power to heal, teach, feed, restore, and save people rather than to exalt Himself (Matthew 9:35-36).

5. DEVELOP YOUR GIFT FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE

Faithfulness includes developing what God has entrusted to you.

a) Stir Up The Gift (2 Timothy 1:6)
Gifts should not remain dormant.

b) Give Yourself Wholly To Your Ministry (1 Timothy 4:15)
Dedication produces spiritual progress.

c) Seek Wisdom And Understanding (Proverbs 4:7)
Growth requires learning and discipline.

d) Be A Faithful Steward (1 Corinthians 4:2)
God expects us to manage His gifts responsibly.

Biblical Example: Apollos was already mighty in the Scriptures but received further instruction that helped him minister more accurately and effectively (Acts 18:24-28).

6. USE YOUR GIFT WITH HUMILITY

True spiritual greatness is expressed through service.

a) Esteem Others (Philippians 2:3)
Do not use your gift to make yourself superior.

b) Serve Rather Than Dominate (Mark 10:43-45)
Jesus defined greatness through servant leadership.

c) Remain Teachable (Proverbs 9:9)
A gifted person must remain open to correction.

d) Remember That You Are A Steward (1 Peter 4:10)
You are managing something that belongs to God.

Biblical Example: Moses accepted help and counsel from Jethro rather than insisting on doing everything himself (Exodus 18:17-24).

7. LET YOUR GIFT POINT PEOPLE TO GOD

Our ministry should become a testimony to God's goodness.

a) Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16)
Good works should direct people towards God.

b) Do Everything In Christ's Name (Colossians 3:17)
Our words and actions should represent Christ.

c) Glorify God In All Things (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Every legitimate activity can become an opportunity for God's glory.

d) Give God The Praise For Results (Acts 14:14-15)
Success in ministry should never become an excuse for self-worship.

Biblical Example: When Peter and John healed the lame man, Peter immediately redirected the people's attention from themselves to Jesus Christ (Acts 3:12-16).

8. USE YOUR GIFT UNTIL CHRIST'S PURPOSE IS FULFILLED

Our gifts should be invested faithfully throughout our lives.

a) Do Not Neglect Your Gift (1 Timothy 4:14)
Neglect can prevent a gift from fulfilling its purpose.

b) Remain Faithful Until The End (Matthew 24:13)
Faithfulness is a lifelong responsibility.

c) Abound In The Work Of The Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Our labour in Christ is never wasted.

d) Seek An Eternal Reward (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Earthly applause fades, but God's reward is eternal.

Biblical Example: Paul faithfully used his apostolic calling until the end of his ministry and could declare that he had finished his course (2 Timothy 4:7).

CONCLUSION

Spiritual gifts are precious divine trusts. God has given them to His people so that the church may be strengthened, believers may be equipped, the needy may be helped, the Gospel may advance, and Christ may be glorified. Therefore, the possession of a gift should never produce pride; it should produce gratitude, responsibility, and a deeper commitment to service.

Let every believer therefore use his or her gift faithfully, humbly, and lovingly. Do not bury your gift, misuse it, or turn it into a platform for self-exaltation. Use what God has given you in such a way that when people see the fruit of your ministry, they do not merely praise the vessel but glorify the God who supplied the grace.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for every gift and grace You have deposited in my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me always to recognise You as the source of every ability and spiritual gift I possess, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from pride, self-glory, selfish ambition, and the desire for human applause, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, teach me to use my gifts faithfully for the blessing and edification of others, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let love govern every aspect of my ministry and service, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me wisdom and discipline to develop every gift You have entrusted to me, in Jesus name.

7. Father, make me humble, teachable, faithful, and accountable in the use of my gifts, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my gifts become instruments through which people encounter Your goodness and grace, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let everything I accomplish through Your grace point people to Jesus Christ and bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to remain faithful until the end and receive the eternal reward You have prepared for faithful servants, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. The grace and gifts God has deposited in you shall not be wasted.

2. You shall recognise God as the source of every gift and ability operating through your life.

3. You shall not be controlled by pride, self-glory, or the craving for human applause.

4. Your gifts shall become powerful instruments for blessing and strengthening others.

5. Love shall govern your service, ministry, relationships, and use of spiritual gifts.

6. You shall receive wisdom and grace to develop every gift God has entrusted to you.

7. You shall serve with humility, faithfulness, integrity, and excellence.

8. Your life and ministry shall point people to Jesus Christ rather than to yourself.

9. The fruit of your gifts shall bring transformation to lives and advancement to the kingdom of God.

10. You shall faithfully use your gifts for God's glory, finish your course well, and receive the reward of a faithful servant, in Jesus name.