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Proverbs: A Strong Man Is Wise.

So now we will begin a series within a series focusing on the Spirit Gifts. This will take a few days to get through, but each component of these teachings is critical to our correct biblical understanding of our Spiritual Gifts and the Spirit.

Today, we are focusing our teaching on a text written by Peter. He said this in his first letter, chapter 4:10-11.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. — 1 Peter 4:10-11

I am focusing on this text because the first sentence says everything we need to know about understanding our Spirit Gifts. Here are two critical imperatives about knowing your spiritual gifts:

First, you receive them. Note Peter's wording in the text, "As each has received a gift." You receive them because you don't get to pick them. They are chosen for you and then given. That's why they are called a "gift." They are gifts selected and distributed by the Holy Spirit. Listen to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:11. "All these [the gifts] are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who [distributes] to each one individually as he wills." This means the Holy Spirit is the one who distributes his gifts, and he gets to pick who gets what gift. Just to remind you, we have said this before. The Spirit is a person of the Godhead. He has a will. And by his will, he decides who gets what gift he gives you.

Second, they are for use to serve the believing community. Peter says, "Use [your gift] to serve one another." This has two implications. First, it implies your spiritual gift is not for you. And it's not. It is for others, and Paul, in another letter (Romans 12:3-5), tells us this is to keep from becoming arrogant. Second, it implies the first context is the church community. It is supposed to be used in the body of Christ. You can use your spiritual gifts outside the believing community, but they should first be used in the church. And this is why the believing community is essential. It gives us a context for working out our gifts with one another.

So now to the question: how can we know our spiritual gift?

First, you have to walk in his will. You need to know the Spirit's will because, as we said, you receive them from the Spirit as he wills. And to know his will, you have to walk in step with his will. This would be a great time to go back to that lesson on Walking In The Spirit. Walking with Spirit reveals his will, clarifying the gifts he distributes to you.

A lot of people want to begin with a spiritual gift assessment. And I get it. We want to know our gift. However, the first disciples did not have a spiritual gift assessment to determine their spiritual gifts. They obeyed God and got in tune with the Spirit's will, and he revealed them. And by the way, these assessments put too much emphasis on what we want for a gift and too much focus on the gift itself. Our focus should be less on the gift and more on the Giver of the gift — the person of the Spirit acting on, in, and through us.

Second, you need to use it with believers. You need to be blessing the believing community with your gift. Just like I am using my teaching gift today to bless you, you, in turn, should use your gift to bless others like me. This is because I need your gift just like you need my gift. When we do this, a supernatural and synergetic impact is felt on the believing community. I enjoy experiencing this every day, and you should, too. It's intoxicating in a very appropriate and spiritual way.

So, how do you know your spiritual gift or gifts? You walk in the Spirit's will and discover the gifts given to you, and then you quickly and repeatedly use them inside the believing community, and you will see the fruit of this event.

ASK THIS:

1. How can you cultivate a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit to discern and embrace the spiritual gifts He has uniquely bestowed upon you?
2. In what specific ways can you actively utilize your spiritual gifts within the believing community to contribute to its growth and well-being, aligning with the principles highlighted in the devotional?

DO THIS: Know his will, receive his gift, and use it daily with a believer.

PRAY THIS: Heavenly Father, guide me to walk in step with Your Holy Spirit, unveiling the spiritual gifts You have lovingly entrusted to me. May I use these gifts to serve and bless the believing community, contributing to its unity and growth for Your glory. Amen.

PLAY THIS: In Christ Alone.