Last week we continued our teaching series “Beyond Me,” a teaching on the gifts of the Spirit. The first week recap can be found on an earlier post on this website. Below is the recap of week two. I’m looking forward to seeing you in week three of “Beyond Me.”
Scripture:
Romans 12:3-8; John 1:12
Shared Identity
All of God’s children have the same identity. We all have gifts, but these gifts do not make us more significant, they allow the body of Christ to remain at homeostasis. Out gifts do not identify us, rather, they make us useful to God and one another. Christ in me, is who I am, not the gift in me.
It’s Mutual
We need each other. Ranging from the person you like least in the body of Christ to the person who you like most, you need them. Not in an unhealthy manner, but in the context of organism. So often Church is viewed as an organization, this is false. The Church is an organism. Since the Church is an organism, there must be constant health and maintenance to keep her healthy. The body works together as one, not separate. With that said, we now know we need each other. What God has gifted you with was intended to minister to me and to others. Don’t sit on your gift, and don’t let your gift become a pedestal for your glory. Gifts for are the Father to be known, not you.
Same Fight
Since then we share the same identity, and that our need for one another is mutual, our body should not fight against itself. We are now blessed to know that the fight we are in is the same as our brothers and sisters in Jesus. Our gifts then are to be used as means for ministry to one another, not as a means of competitiveness to demonstrate our spiritual or carnal superiority. Once we realize we are all in the same fight, we all have each other’s backs. It is then, when gifts minister beautifully in the Body of Christ.
See you tomorrow!
Nate Staton 