Scripture: Romans 12:4-8

C.I.: “Gifted for a Purpose!”

In this series we have seen how God has saved us by His grace – and that we have been saved to be His witness.
Today we will see how God has shaped us to be a witness by our service – (Eph. 2:10).

I. “We Who are Many are One Body in Christ!”

A. “We are Fearfully & Wonderfully Made!”

1. As we have noted throughout this series – God uses a body to illustrate His church.
a. The body of Christ, like our own body, has multiple parts which work together for the good of all
b. Illust.: The acid-base physiology and neuro-musculo-skeletal interaction of breathing.
1) (Psa. 139:14), “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
2) “What’s your point?” – “Only this, if God took such great pains in the creation of our physical bodies … Just think what He has done in the creation of His spiritual body, the church?!”
3) For the church is the visible manifestation of Christ on earth – (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:23)!

B. Our Function is Determined by Our S.H.A.P.E.?!”

1. As God created different systems to all function together so we can breathe – He also created the spiritual body to function all together – even though it has many individual parts.
a. (Rom. 12:4-5), “For just as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, - so we, who are many, - are one body in Christ, - and individually members….”
b. Just like a pathologist - can determine what function a cell has by its shape – our Creator has determined how we can function best – by how He has shaped us!
c. So if our FUNCTION is determined by our shape – how has God S.H.A.P.E.(d) you?!

2. Spiritual Gifts: (I Pt. 4:10-11)
a. God has blessed each of us with one or more gifts that we can use for His glory…
1) (Rom. 12:6-8), “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each…”
2) (Eph. 4:11-12), “Now God gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as….”
b. If you are unsure of how God has gifted you – I have some tools in my library, - which you can use to help you determine you gifts.
c. Generally, two things will be true of your own area of giftedness:
1) Others will probably see it more clearly in you – than you will see it in yourself.
2) Using your gifts energizes you – working outside of your gift will frustrate & tire you out!

3. Heart:
a. What is an area of passion for you? – What areas really push your button?!!
1) Some people love working with the really young – others have a passion for our seniors.
2) Some folks feel a strong need to help people spiritually – others feel their physical needs!
b. The areas where your heart takes you – will probably be the areas where you will function best!
1) (Matt. 15:32), “I feel compassion for the people, for they have remained with Me for 3 days – and have nothing to eat; I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on….”
2) (I Cor. 9:16), “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”

4. Abilities:
a. This area answers the question, “What am I good at?”
1) You may be great at carpentry – but don’t know if God can use you / Noah comes to mind…!
2) You may have talents with computers, electronics and the like – but don’t see how that helps.
3) Maybe you are good at cooking, automobile repair, talking on the phone, letter writing, etc….
b. All of these are abilities that are currently needed by various ministries here at Golden.
1) (Esther 4:14), “Who knows whether you have attained royalty [or any other ability] for…?”
2) (I Cor. 12:18), “But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”
3) There are no vestigial organs in the body of Christ!!! – Every member is not only important – THEY ARE VITAL!

5. Personality:
a. Our personality helps us see what roles we can be best suited for…
1) Out-going people are best in visible settings – teachers, greeters, ushers, visitors, etc.
2) People who are more shy – are better in one-on-one settings – letter writing, scoring evangelistic correspondence courses – preparing & taking things to shut-ins, etc.
b. For every Paul there is a Timothy – and for every Mary Magdalene this is a Tabitha/Dorcas.
c. Your personality suits you just fine to work in one of our areas!

6. Experience:
a. Your past has brought you to this moment – God can use your experience to His glory.
1) Your education – your training – your job or hobbies – all can be used by God!
2) When God needed someone to watch over and take care of His people – He chose a shepherd – (II Sam. 5:2), “You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.”
3) When God needed someone who could bring people into the kingdom – He chose a fisherman – (Matt. 4:19), “Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.’”
b. Your education, your training, your up-bringing – all can be used by God to grow His church!
c. Therefore, all the things that have gone into making you, you – can be used by God here at Golden

CONCLUSIONS:

God has S.H.A.P.E.(d) you to be effective in your function in His body.

Just as there is no physical life outside our human bodies – even so there is no spiritual life outside of the body
of Christ – (Ephesians 5:23; 1 Cor. 12:13).