Scripture text: Romans 12:6-8
The Lord gives gifts to every member in His Church. To be part of His Church, we must first receive Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. Thus as a child of God, we serve Him out of gratitude and love for Him.
As children of God, we are all called to serve Him. Each member in the body of Christ has a function to play. Each is unique and fit in differently in this family. It is our privilege to serve Him. God does not need our service, we are not indispensable – “for without me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
To serve God, we must first be willing. God gives us “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us” (Romans 12:6a). There are seven gifts listed in verses 6 to 8:
1. Prophecy – This refers to the ability to carefully appropriate God’s Word for edification and comfort.
2. Ministry – Various service rendered in the church.
3. Teaching – Teaching of God’s Word.
4. Exhortation – Giving useful instructions, encouragement from God’s Word for the edification of His church.
5. Giving – It is an expression of gratitude and stewardship and is a Christian’s duty. We are to give simply, wisely, cheerfully and liberally (2 Cor 9:6-7).
6. Ruling – Supervision and maintaining discipline in the church.
7. Showing mercy – Caring for the sick and fatherless.
When we come to God willingly, God will make us useful for His glory. We must avail ourselves, be responsible and faithful as His instruments. A Christian must not despise the talents or gifts entrusted by God or think highly of oneself because of the manifold gifts given. We are not to judge others because we do not know everything about someone but just to do our best and be useful for the Lord.
Our humility before God will keep us faithful and consecrated whatever our gifts, to the glory of His Name. May we reflect on the gifts entrusted to us and be faithful in how we are using them.
As children of God, we are all called to serve Him. Each member in the body of Christ has a function to play. Each is unique and fit in differently in this family. It is our privilege to serve Him. God does not need our service, we are not indispensable – “for without me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
To serve God, we must first be willing. God gives us “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us” (Romans 12:6a). There are seven gifts listed in verses 6 to 8:
1. Prophecy – This refers to the ability to carefully appropriate God’s Word for edification and comfort.
2. Ministry – Various service rendered in the church.
3. Teaching – Teaching of God’s Word.
4. Exhortation – Giving useful instructions, encouragement from God’s Word for the edification of His church.
5. Giving – It is an expression of gratitude and stewardship and is a Christian’s duty. We are to give simply, wisely, cheerfully and liberally (2 Cor 9:6-7).
6. Ruling – Supervision and maintaining discipline in the church.
7. Showing mercy – Caring for the sick and fatherless.
When we come to God willingly, God will make us useful for His glory. We must avail ourselves, be responsible and faithful as His instruments. A Christian must not despise the talents or gifts entrusted by God or think highly of oneself because of the manifold gifts given. We are not to judge others because we do not know everything about someone but just to do our best and be useful for the Lord.
Our humility before God will keep us faithful and consecrated whatever our gifts, to the glory of His Name. May we reflect on the gifts entrusted to us and be faithful in how we are using them.
Speaker: Pr John Loo
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