STIR UP YOUR GIFTS FOR GOD’S GLORY
“WE HAVE BEEN EMPOWERED TO SERVE”
READ ▸ 1 PETER 4:7-11
ANCHOR VERSE “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“Stir up the gift of God which is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:6)
Slide 2: A gifted steward
1. WHAT IS A GIFT?
→ In general: something freely given, not earned, bought or deserved
→ We call them gifts of grace: Greek charismata, literally “grace-gifts” (Romans 12:6).
2. WHO IS A STEWARD?
→ Someone trusted to manage what belongs to another
→ A steward does not own; a steward manages
→ We manage God’s gifts on behalf of Christ
Slide 3: LESSON 1 · WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED A GIFT
No one has been left out: VERSES (1 Peter 4:10 and Romans 12:4-8)
– Everyone in the body of Christ has received a gift
– Not as a reward, but by grace
– “Each one” means all of us have something to do for God
– Kingdom work is not only for pastors, preachers, and worship leaders
Slide 4: LESSON 2 · WE ARE CALLED TO USE WHAT WE HAVE RECEIVED (STEWARDSHIP)
Wherever God has planted you: VERSES (1 Peter 4:11; Ephesians 4:11-16)
– Your cell group/church: we are vessels in the house of God; He is not looking for perfect but willing believers
– Your workplace can be a mission field
– Your business: a platform for Kingdom values
– Your marriage can show Christ; your parenting disciples a generation
– Your neighbourhood can experience God’s love through you
– Your resources become tools for His purposes
Slide 5: LESSON 3 · GOD REQUIRES US TO BE FOUND FAITHFUL (ACCOUNTABILITY)
Faithfulness is what God looks for:
VERSES (1 Corinthians 4:2 · Romans 14:12 · 2 Timothy 1:6-7)
– It is required of stewards that one be found faithful
– Each of us will give an account of himself to God
– Picture a precious gift you gave, left untouched. How would you feel?
– Neglect is a missed opportunity and dishonours the Giver
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Slide 6: REFLECTION
– What are we doing with what God has given us?
– Are we faithfully stewarding His gifts of grace?
– We have been empowered to serve.
– Serve with humility, fervency, and gratitude as unto the LORD (Colossians 3:23)
Slide 7. You are not too young to be used by God. Joseph, Daniel, and Esther were young when God used them, and each served Him through the position and work he or she was given.
YOUNG, BORN AGAIN, AND EMPOWERED TO SERVE
| Example | Their story | For the youth | Verses |
Joseph: Faithful wherever he was placed. He was 17 when he was sold and 30 when he stood before Pharaoh. He kept his integrity when no one was watching. Be faithful in the small job or first post, because God sees and promotes. Genesis 37:2; 39:2-9, 23; 41:46
Daniel: Excellent in his studies and his work. He “purposed in his heart” not to defile himself, and was found “ten times better” than the others. | Study hard and work well, because excellence and conviction go together. | Daniel 1:8, 17, 20; 6:3-4
Esther: Courage to use her position. She acted “for such a time as this” and said, “If I perish, I perish.” Your platform and influence are for serving others. | Esther 2:7; 4:14-16
CONCLUSION
My prayer for each of us: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
