1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (GW)
If you’re like most people, you struggle to know the unique calling God has for your life. But once you understand the gifts he gives you - and the abilities he’s given specifically to you - you can begin pursuing the plans he’s called you to.
The moment you step across the line and put your faith in Christ, God gives you four major gifts:
Forgiveness.
If you’re like most people, you struggle to know the unique calling God has for your life. But once you understand the gifts he gives you - and the abilities he’s given specifically to you - you can begin pursuing the plans he’s called you to.
The moment you step across the line and put your faith in Christ, God gives you four major gifts:
Forgiveness.
Romans 5:15 says, “For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ” (NLT). When you put your faith in Jesus, the first thing he does is wipe out everything you’ve ever done wrong. You are forgiven! There is no condemnation.
Eternal life.
Eternal life.
God has long-range plans for you. The Bible says in Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV). You’re never going to work your way or earn your way into heaven. The only way you’ll ever get into heaven is by God’s free gift that you accept by faith.
The Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:5 says, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (NIV). How do you know when you’re letting God live through your life? When you embody the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Special abilities.
Special abilities.
In the Bible, these special abilities are called spiritual gifts. They are different from material or physical gifts. They’re the abilities you need to do the job that God wants you to do. Most people who are believers don’t even know they have spiritual gifts, much less what those gifts are. But if you’re a follower of Jesus, you do have them!
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, “There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person” (GW).
God has a purpose for your life, and your spiritual gifts are the tools he gives you to do what he asks. Remember: God will never ask you to do something he doesn’t give you the ability to do!
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, “There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person” (GW).
God has a purpose for your life, and your spiritual gifts are the tools he gives you to do what he asks. Remember: God will never ask you to do something he doesn’t give you the ability to do!
Talk It Over
When you become a Christian, God gives you forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and special abilities. Which of those gifts do you think about most often? Which do you tend to forget? Why?
What special gifts has God given you? How have you seen him use those gifts in the body of Christ?
When have you benefited from other Christians using their spiritual gifts?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
You are the giver of every good and perfect gift. You formed us with intention, weaving purpose into every part of our being. We come before You with an open heart, asking for Your light to shine on the gifts You have placed within us. Reveal to us the talents, passions, and spiritual gifts that You have entrusted to us. Remove any doubt or fear that clouds our understanding, and replace it with wisdom, courage, and discernment. Guide our steps so that we may use these gifts to serve others, bring hope, and glorify Your name. Align our hearts with Your will, so that our purpose is not just known, but lived out daily in love, humility, and faith.
Thank You for creating us with intention and for calling us into a life that matters. Lead us to use these gifts to serve others and glorify You. We trust that as we seek You, You will make our path clear. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thank You for creating us with intention and for calling us into a life that matters. Lead us to use these gifts to serve others and glorify You. We trust that as we seek You, You will make our path clear. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
