READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The gifts of the spirit come together to provide different kinds of service for the church of Christ. These gifts are required for the different activities and ways of delivering the service. We compromise on our giving when we do not let God have our time, talents and treasures. We are likely to compromise when we forget that it is God who gives us our time, talents and treasures; and that we are merely stewards of these gifts.
The wall of Jerusalem was not built just by Nehemiah and the leaders. Many people with different talents were involved. They worked together to build the walls and to protect their families. Many were called upon to give their treasures and to provide for the needs of the poorer among them. When the wall was completed, everyone came together to worship. The dedication of the wall was a wonderful and joyous celebration.
The various gifts come from the same Holy Spirit. God distributes these gifts for the common good. Paul was not talking about natural talents and strength, but about the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Unlike natural talents, which everyone can be endowed with; spiritual gifts are manifestations like wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of leading, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues. The Holy Spirit distributes these spiritual gifts to minister to and build up the body of Christ.
We do not try to develop spiritual gifts because they are given to us whole and miraculously by the Holy Spirit. When we receive Jesus as our saviour, the Holy Spirit indwells us and distributes the spiritual gifts as God sees necessary. Jesus says, if you love me, and keep my commands, I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the spirit of truth. (Jn14:15-17) The Holy Spirit lives in us and spiritual gifts are given when we love and obey Jesus.
We each have different personalities and spiritual gifts. If we focus on our differences, there may be disagreements, conflict and divisions which sow hatred. Working together requires an attitude of humility and an acceptance that others are different. We are not good at everything, and all of us can contribute in our own way.
Let us focus on being faithful to love those we work with. We can be good stewards, care for and encourage others, serve with humility and work in unity. Each of us brings various strengths and talents, but we are all doing God’s work. We need not envy those with superior talents and higher spiritual gifts. But with humility, we can remain faithful in love to those we minister to. It is the Holy Spirit that does the work of ministering. When the Holy Spirit works through us, those we minister to will grow spiritually.
God accomplishes His purpose through us. (1 Cor12: 6,7; Ph 2:13) It would be wise to work with God and not independently of God. Jesus reminds us that we only need to look to God, see what he is doing, and follow. (Jn 1:19) God wants to make us more like Jesus. God never overwhelms us, but gently reveals to us how he is working in us. We can serve as a community, reminding each other that we are serving God and not our selfish ambitions and desires.
When we study God’s word, we understand how God works and moves, and what God likes and feels. Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith. (Heb 12:2) When God accomplishes his purpose through us, it is the most humbling but truly meaningful experience. We are serving the same God. We serve because God loves us, and because we want to love those around us. With humble confidence, let the Holy Spirit use our strengths to serve in unity, so that those we serve may feel God’s love. God is working in us and through us. Let us continue to be faithful in love.
(Sermon notes by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How has the Holy Spirit spoken to you through the preaching of God’s word?
- How would you summarise the message of this section or story?
- What are the implications for us through this message?
a. What are the personal implications (for you)?
b. What are the communal implications (for our gospel community)?
c. What are the missional implications (for those we want to reach for Christ)?
