Presents or Presence: Week 3 - God Given Gifts

Discovering Your Unique Gifts in God's Presence!

Today, we dive into the profound topic of understanding our unique gifts and how they are fully realized in the presence of God. The message is not just about recognizing the talents and abilities that make us special, but also about understanding the deeper purpose behind these gifts. Let's explore how our gifts are meant to be enjoyed and used in God's presence, leading us to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

What Makes You Unique?Understanding Your Gifts

Have you ever wondered what makes you unique? What sets you apart from everyone else? These questions are crucial because they can determine much about your life, including your career path, relationships, and self-worth. God has promised to give us good gifts, making us special and unique. But it's essential to recognize that these gifts are not just for our benefit; they are meant to be used in His presence.

The Story of Jeff and the Drums

Pastor Jeff shared a personal story about discovering his gift for drumming. Initially, he wanted to play the saxophone but found it challenging. However, when he tried the snare drum, something clicked. This moment of realization was like a divine revelation, showing him that his gift was meant to be enjoyed and used in God's presence. This story serves as a reminder that our gifts are often discovered through trial and error, and they are best realized when we seek God's presence.

God's Masterful Creation: Psalm 139:13-16

David beautifully describes how God created us with intentionality and purpose in Psalm 139:13-16. He portrays God as an artist who carefully knits us together in our mother's womb. This imagery reminds us that we are not mistakes; we are masterpieces created by a loving God. When you look at yourself, do you see this kind of artistry on display? Do you believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? In Ephesians 2:10 Paul says that we are God’s workmanship, some versions saying “Masterpiece” and we were created with a purpose in mind. 

Reconciling Self-Worth with God's Creation

How you view yourself often reflects how you view your Creator. If you struggle with self-worth, it's essential to reconcile your identity with God's intentional creation. Recognize that your strengths, quirks, and even weaknesses are part of God's design. Embrace the fact that you are unique and special because God made you that way.

The Purpose of Our Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 that the Spirit gives different gifts to each of us for the common good. These gifts are meant to bless the church and help it fulfill its mission. Whether it's cooking, teaching, or any other talent, your gift has a purpose in God's kingdom. The key is to use these gifts in His presence, allowing them to be fully realized and effective.

Living Out Your Gifting

Our church recently witnessed this during the Damascus Way Christmas party. Volunteers used their unique gifts to serve and bless others, creating a beautiful example of living out their gifting in God's presence. When you use your gifts for God's glory, you find fulfillment and joy that goes beyond personal satisfaction. God gifted each of us differently! If you’re not sure what your gifts might be, a great way to figure it out is to try serving in different areas and seeing which area seems more naturally. If you’d love to know more about your area’s of giftedness, we’d love to connect with you. 

The Greatest Gift: Love: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that our gifts are meaningless without love. Our primary purpose is to love and be loved by God. This love is the foundation of our identity and the ultimate reason for our creation. When we use our gifts in love, we fulfill our true purpose and experience the fullness of God's presence.

Embracing God's Love

God's love is the greatest gift we can receive and give. As we embrace this love, we find our true selves and our ultimate purpose. Jesus exemplified this love by coming to earth, living among us, and sacrificing Himself for our sins. By following His example, we can fully realize our gifts and live out our purpose in God's presence.

Life Application

This week, take time to reflect on your unique gifts and how you can use them in God's presence. Consider the following questions:

1. What are the gifts and talents that make you unique?

2. How can you use these gifts to bless others and glorify God?

3. Are you seeking God's presence in your daily life and using your gifts in His presence?

Challenge for the Week

Identify one way you can use your gifts to serve others this week. Whether it's volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being a source of encouragement, use your gifts in love and in God's presence. As you do, you'll find greater fulfillment and purpose in your life.

Conclusion

Understanding and using our unique gifts in God's presence leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. By recognizing that our gifts are meant to be enjoyed and used in His presence, we can fully realize their potential. Embrace the love of God, seek His presence, and use your gifts to bless others. In doing so, you'll discover the true joy and purpose that God has for you.

The Quite Life: 1st Thessalonians 4

Pleasing God: A Common Struggle

Many of us strive to please the important people in our lives—our spouses, children, parents; even our bosses. This effort can be exhausting because it relies on our own strength. Similarly, we often try to please God through our own efforts, which can be equally tiring. Have you experienced this tension in your own life? The question arises: How do we please an all-powerful God? How do we find rest for our souls from striving in our own efforts?

Biblical Guidance on Pleasing God

Paul addresses this question in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. He instructs the Thessalonians on how to live in a way that pleases God. The key is to love God and love one another, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40. Jesus simplifies the concept of love by saying, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). This love is not a burdensome demand but a guiding principle that leads us to live in a way that pleases God.

Love One Another: A Basic Tenet of Faith

Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love for one another and urges them to do so more and more. Loving one another is fundamental to the Christian faith. This love should extend beyond our immediate community to those in our region and even to the ends of the earth, as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

The Quiet Life: A Surprising Strategy

Paul adds an unexpected element to our understanding of leading a life that pleases God and spreading the gospel: leading a quiet life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, he advises believers to make it their ambition to lead a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands. This approach may seem counterintuitive, but it is effective in winning the respect of outsiders and living a life that is not dependent on others.

The Offensiveness of the Gospel

The gospel is inherently offensive because it confronts us with our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. That’s why it’s critical we avoid adding unnecessary offense by tying our personal views to the gospel. Our role is to plant the seeds of the gospel and let the Holy Spirit transform hearts.

Examples of the Quiet Life

Paul and Stephen are examples of individuals who led quiet lives that had a profound impact. Paul worked hard to avoid being a burden while preaching the gospel, working as a tentmaker to earn a living. Stephen served quietly and faithfully, which eventually led to his bold proclamation of the gospel before the Sanhedrin. Even in martyrdom, Stephen's quiet life planted seeds that would later bear fruit in the life of Saul of Tarsus.

The Impact of a Quiet Life

Lance shared with us the example of Jerry, a quiet man from the church, who exemplified the power of a quiet life. Through simple acts of service and generosity, he impacted countless lives. His life was a testament to the principle that it's not what you gather but what you scatter for the sake of Christ that matters. Jerry's quiet life led his daughters and grandchildren to faith, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of living a life that pleases God. By living a faithful, quite life, Jerry established a gospel genealogy in his family that will be far reaching for many years to come. 

Life Application

Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to focus on loving others and working diligently. Avoid adding unnecessary offense to the gospel and trust the Holy Spirit to transform hearts. Reflect on what a quite life would look like in your scenario. 

Reflective Questions

1. How can you incorporate more acts of love and service into your daily routine? Think about your “One Life” - what’s an act of love you could do for them this week?

2. Are there areas in your life where you are trying to please God through your own efforts? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit? Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30.

3. What personal views might you be tying to the gospel that could be causing unnecessary offense?

4. How can you simplify your life to focus more on living quietly and pleasing God?

By reflecting on these questions and applying these principles, you can live a life that not only pleases God but also impacts those around you in profound ways.