Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Summary of a Sermon by Tim Keller
Christians have some common attributes, such as one Spirit, Lord, faith, baptism, and God the Father (Ephesians 4:4-6). But we are equipped differently to serve in different ways, to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7-12).
We have different genes, upbringings, and living environments. Few can be good lawyers and doctors simultaneously. Few can be good preachers, counsellors, and administrators, though a church needs all three types of people to build it up.
Each of us is God’s unique work of art, prepared in advance by God to do different types of work (Ephesians 2:10).
But what should we do? How do we know our calling? Note that the term “calling” implies being called. We do not call ourselves; God calls us. One way to discern a calling is to identify our inner desire (what moves us inside) and our ability. We should also investigate the needs around us.
Having said that, to do a job well, we need to develop the corresponding skills. To be good at something, work hard at it, with discipline and focus. Be sure to diversify your skills to a certain degree.
But accomplishing great Christian work does not guarantee that we’re close to God. Look at the disciple Judas, the prophet Balaam, and the king Saul. An externally successful minister can be spiritually dry, lacking Christian characters. A person can sound very spiritual, but if he does not love, he is only a resounding gong (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Martha did many things for Christ, but Christ reminded her not to worry too much and neglect His teachings (Luke 10:38-42).
Though serving is important, being close to God and developing Christian characters take precedence.
Every Christian is God’s unique work of art, equipped to serve differently to build up the body of Christ. We should recognize our gifts and develop them to serve others. But remember that our relationship with God is more important.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
We have different genes, upbringings, and living environments. Few can be good lawyers and doctors simultaneously. Few can be good preachers, counsellors, and administrators, though a church needs all three types of people to build it up.
Each of us is God’s unique work of art, prepared in advance by God to do different types of work (Ephesians 2:10).
But what should we do? How do we know our calling? Note that the term “calling” implies being called. We do not call ourselves; God calls us. One way to discern a calling is to identify our inner desire (what moves us inside) and our ability. We should also investigate the needs around us.
Having said that, to do a job well, we need to develop the corresponding skills. To be good at something, work hard at it, with discipline and focus. Be sure to diversify your skills to a certain degree.
But accomplishing great Christian work does not guarantee that we’re close to God. Look at the disciple Judas, the prophet Balaam, and the king Saul. An externally successful minister can be spiritually dry, lacking Christian characters. A person can sound very spiritual, but if he does not love, he is only a resounding gong (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Martha did many things for Christ, but Christ reminded her not to worry too much and neglect His teachings (Luke 10:38-42).
Though serving is important, being close to God and developing Christian characters take precedence.
Every Christian is God’s unique work of art, equipped to serve differently to build up the body of Christ. We should recognize our gifts and develop them to serve others. But remember that our relationship with God is more important.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource