Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
The Service Gifts (Part 2)
Week of Sunday, May 29, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Romans 12:6-8
“6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for giving the church the gift of helps and service. It is through this gift that Your hands are made visible through the love and support of people. I ask that you would make me a servant, who would joyfully serve others. May my life exemplify your hand to others. In Jesus’ name I pray . . . Amen. |
Monday |
Dear Jesus, I praise you that you were one who came not to be served, but to serve. May my attitude reflect Yours in every way as I deal with people today. I want to help others when they have a need, just as you have helped me. Help me to follow through with this. In Your name. . . Amen. |
Tuesday |
Father in Heaven, I thank You that You are a giver. You have given me the greatest gift in Jesus Christ Your Son. Because You have done this for me, may I in turn, be a giver to others. Help me learn that I am more blessed when I give rather than receive. In Jesus name . . . Amen. |
Wednesday |
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that You would grant me the desire to give with large-hearted generosity. Forgive me Father when I have not always done so. I want to be a giver when there are needs to be met, for Your glory and honor. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Thursday |
Dear Lord, You are the greatest leader one could possibly follow. I ask that You would help me be one who influences others so that they may know You. I want to lead others into a relationship with You. Help me, and help the leaders of New Life to make serving You a priority. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Friday |
Gracious God, Thank You for Your mercy! Without it, I would be destined for eternal punishment. You have taken a poor sinner like me and transformed me into a new person. Because You have done this, I ask that You would help me to be merciful to others. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Saturday |
Dear Jesus, It is because of Your mercy and grace that I am saved. I ask that You would help me to see those around me that are in need and be compassionate to them. I want to be motivated by mercy rather than judgment. I ask that You would give me eyes to see others as You do. Amen. |
Background on the Text
Romans 12:6-8 provides a list of the spiritual gifts given to believers. This list in not exhaustive, but it is rather an exhortation by the apostle Paul to the church at Rome to use the gifts that God has given by His Holy Spirit. The “service gifts” of service (helps), giving, leadership, and mercy are part of this list. It is important to note that Paul’s statements regarding spiritual gifts come within the context of being “living sacrifices which are holy and acceptable to God” (vs 1). This reveals that we cannot operate in any of the spiritual gifts without complete dedication and surrender of our lives to God. We cannot be carnal Christians with a thin church veneer! It is only in the context of surrender where true power begins to happen both in and through us. The operation of the Holy Spirit, demonstrated through the gifts that He has given, only comes as we yield ourselves to Him and willingly lay our lives down for His purposes. Only those who are living sacrifices to God will operate in the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s power.
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts