1. Christ is the head of the Church -- Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16
2. Every Christian is given a
spiritual gift or
gifts --
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men. Ephesians 4:7-8
3. Jesus decides what gift or gifts you
receive --
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.... Ephesians 4:11
4. The role of pastors and teachers is to
train, equip, and build God's people for
ministry -- ...
and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up .... Ephesians 4:11b-12
5. The purpose of spiritual gifts is to glorify God by
building the church (Christ's body) --
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15
From these truths we concluded with these three challenges:
Therefore . . . GET ON THE TRAIN!
1. You are to serve God and one another by using your
spiritual gifts --
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When He ascended on high, He led captives in His train and gave gifts to men". Ephesians 4:7-8
2. You are to work to maintain
unity and
peace in the Church --
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
3. You are to discover your unique
S.H.A.P.E. --
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16
Join us this Sunday as we begin to understand our God-given shape which determines where we sit on the train. This Sunday we will be focusing on how to discover your spiritual gift or gifts. If you can't be with us on Sunday, check out the sermon downloads to either listen to a mp3 or to view the latest service .wmv to find out what you can do to follow up on God's Truth!
What an incredible truth that God not only wants ALL CHRISTIANS to be involved in ministry (all are ministers), but He empowers us to do ministry. Our responsibility is to understand our unique S.H.A.P.E. Each person has been created for a purpose – to glorify God by promoting the values and purposes of the Kingdom of God as we express the way unique way God has created us.
This week we talked about the “S” in our S.H.A.P.E. That is, when you came to Christ, God made His home in your heart through the presence of the Holy Spirit. One of the works of the Holy Spirit in your life is to give you a gift or gifts for ministry. The list of spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible include gifts that:
- Gifts That Communicate God’s Word (to Believers and Non-Believers):
- Gifts that Educate God’s People:
- Gifts that Demonstrate God’s Love:
- Gifts that Celebrate God’s Presence:
- Gifts that Strengthen God’s People:
For a complete list of all these spiritual gifts, please
click here.
We are asking all Christians who call Corinth their church home to take a Spiritual Gifts Assessment. You can find the assessment on our web side by clicking Adult or Youth Spiritual Gifts Assessment links on this page. Please remember to record your results on the card that we passed out during the worship service, or you can receive a card by calling our church office or on one of our sermon information tables (located at the two main entrances and exits to the church.
This week we continued our look at discovering our God-given SHAPE. Remember that…
S = God given Spiritual Gifts
H = God given Heart Desires
A = Abilities
P = God-given Personality
E = Life Experiences
In week #3 we looked at our God-given Heart Desires. We read in Philippians 2:13, For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
God not only wants you to discover your spiritual gift(s), but He wants you to discover your God-given passions (heart desires) as well. Whereas your spiritual gift(s) determine what you do in ministry, your heart determines where you express your gift(s) in ministry. There are four questions we want you to ask as you determine your passions:
1. If I knew I couldn’t fail, what would I want to do in this world for God?
2. Who (age range, type of person, etc.) do I feel I can most profoundly influence for God?
3. What needs do I like to meet in others?
4. At the end of my life I’d love to look back and know I’d done something about…
As you seek to answer these questions, consider this
sample (not complete) list of passions link.
ENJOY THE RIDE
On Sunday, March 14 we completed our morning series called “All Aboard” as we focused on exploring our abilities, God-given personality, and experiences. We also talked about how God has given us everything we need in order to serve – including the power, love, and self-discipline we need to honor God by serving His Church! The following is a summary from Sunday:
Abilities – Two types of abilities…
- Natural, God-given abilities you have had your entire life.
- Abilities you have acquired through training and/or education.
1. What are some consistent activities you have enjoyed since you were a child?
2. What unique training or education have you received that has led to a specific talent or ability?
Personality – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2
Do your natural tendencies tend to be…
Outgoing or reserved?
People-oriented or project-oriented?
Follower or a leader?
Team player or solo?
High risk or Low risk?
Experiences -- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
1. What experiences have shaped your life?
2. What life experiences have placed you in a position to help others?
Get on the Train! For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
- The spirit of power enables you to confront the excuses of fear and insecurity.
- The spirit of love enables you to confront the excuses of selfishness and busyness.
- The spirit of self-discipline enables you to confront the excuse of laziness.
