LESSON TWO – “Use My Gifts”
Introductory Considerations:
1. Having prayed the “Use Me” prayer this past week, allow the class members to relate how God is renewing and rekindling in their heart a passion for service.
2. In the introduction of this chapter, the authors describe the enthusiasm and spiritual vitality of the early church (Acts 2:42-47).
a. From page 31, “there is something so compelling, so inspiring about that account of life in the early church. What seems to reverberate in my spirit are the words all, everyone, and together. A spiritual vitality simply enveloped that early church and infected everyone in it. There is something contagious and exhilarating about being part of a movement, a flood tide, a winning team.”
b. “Imagine a church outperforming every institution in society!”
i. What would characterize this type of church?
Dig Deeper:
1. One of the things that would characterize this type of church is a recognition that every believer is a priest (1 Peter 2:9-10).
a. The authors comment on page 33 – “Tragically, many churches are still functioning under the Old Testament model where the members view the pastor (minister), and perhaps a few staff members, as the priests.”
b. How easy is it for you to see yourself as a priest or minister?
c. Can you think of a time when someone ministered to you?
What impact did it have on you?
2. Secondly, “the genius behind the church is the concept, authored by God, of spiritual giftedness” (last paragraph on page 33).
a. What are spiritual gifts?
i. “divine enablements (endowments) – to help us carry out the specific role that God calls each of us to play in building his kingdom” (1 Peter 4:9-11; Eph. 4:7-13; 1 Cor. 12:8-11; 27-31; Rom. 12:3-13)
ii. “Giftedness is never seen as a merely human quality; it is intimately connected to the Spirit of God.”
b. To whom are they given?
i. Every believer is given at least one spiritual gift for the advancement of God’s purpose (1 Cor. 12:7, 11; Rom. 12:6).
c. Why are they given?
i. “to prepare God’s people for works of service” (Eph. 4:12)
ii. “for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7)
iii. “to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10)
3. Share Yourself!
a. In your life, describe a person who has been a role model for you in using their gifts in service to God and to others.
b. Read entire section (pages 34-35)
Conclusion:
From page 35 –
“Imagine if each of us decided to take our priestly giftedness and responsibilities seriously. Imagine what would happen if that concern was on the front burner of each believer’s mind.
I think it would shape the entire “feel” of a Body. A church can be a sterile place where believers just attend. It can be a hotel where people check in and out. Or it can be a home where you feel like you belong because people are sharing their lives with each other, expending themselves for one another, making a difference together. The choice is ours.
So, grab a robe – you’re a priest!
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