Paul describes the Church as one body that has many parts. This means that as a follower of Jesus, YOU are part of the body of Christ. The Church would not be the same without you! Can you imagine how different it would be living with only 9 fingers instead of 10? Without you as a part of the Church, it would be like missing a part of the body! As one body, we need to work together to fulfill God’s mission on earth. To do this, God has given all of us spiritual gifts so we could edify the body of Christ.

 

Through God’s dunamis (as we saw day one), we have access to all kinds of great abilities that the Spirit wants to use us for to advance God’s kingdom. God designed every single one of us with unique talents and abilities that can be used for His glory.

 

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) we see two servants who used what they were given and multiplied it and the Master was happy with what they had done. Yet one buried and hid what he was given because he was afraid and didn’t know what to do with it. Which are you?

 

If we are honest, we don’t always use our God-given gifts. Some people haven’t figured them out. Others maybe are afraid of using their gifts. And there are others who simply just don’t put them into practice. As you get close to God and as you discover more about God in his Word and through prayer, you will slowly discover more about yourself too and the gifts God has placed in your life.

 

God wants to use YOU! Not just pastors. Not just the special speaker at a conference. YOU! God has chosen you for a great purpose. You are not alone. You have access to God’s dunamis. Don’t just be a bystander. Let yourself be used by God.

 

Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power (dunamis) at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Don’t be afraid of what He will do with you. Step out in faith and let God use you. The rewards will be great for you, the Church, and those around you.

 

REFLECT: Do you know your spiritual gifts? If yes, what have you done to help them grow and develop more? If no, have you prayed for God to reveal them to you? What has stopped you from leaning into your spiritual gifts? Fear? Judgement? Laziness? What impact do you think we could have as a Church if we all put our gifts to use?

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PRAY: Pray that God would reveal to you your spiritual gifts and help you develop them.

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ADDITIONAL READING: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-31; Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 25:14-30

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ADDITIONAL EXERCISE: Take a spiritual gifts test and discover more about the natural abilities God has given you! Check this one out: giftstest.com

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Take a few minutes to think about this and write your thoughts down in a notebook or notes app.