EVERYONE HAS ONE - SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Ephesians 4:4-7

Many of you are familiar with the book by Alexander Dumas entitled “The Three Musketeers”. The heroes of that story had as their motto “All for one and one for all”. This meant that each member of that group of men would fight for the group or for any of the others. In other words, they were vowing to stand together in their common fight.

Don’t you think that if anyone had that motto it should be the church?  It seems to me that if there were a group of people who could be on the same page, get along with each other, and support one another, it would be the church.  It’s too bad that is often not the case.

What is the basis of unity?  How can a diverse group of people, with different personalities and backgrounds, experience togetherness?  This is Paul’s discussion in chapter 4.  He is laying out all of these unity words and phrases like - “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”  See the unity in that?  He also says there is “one body and one Spirit and one hope.” In the midst of our diversity there is a great unity.  Here is what Paul is saying:

Verses 4-6 We Share Common Ground - The night before Jesus was crucified, He prayed for His people. In John 17, one of the things He prayed for us that His people would be “one”, John 17:20-23. To ensure that we would have the foundation upon which build in unity, the Lord provided us with 7 great possessions that every Christian shares in Him.  We only mention a couple here.

Verse 7 We Share Common Grace - Now a new thought, in which Paul will speak of the spiritual gifts that are given to the church to profit the church.  Note here that every believer possesses at least one spiritual gift, 1 Cor. 12:4-27.  THAT’S RIGHT - EVERYONE HAS ONE.  That gift that you have been given was given to you to use for the glory of God and to be a blessing to the church! As each believer uses the gifts he or she is given, the unity of the church is strengthened and the church is helped!

Notice some of words used in verse 7.  He says “each one of you.”  There is no way to miss that.  Each person, each believer, has been given at least one spiritual gift.  This refers to each one separately.  It is funny how many christians eliminate themselves as recipients of spiritual gifts. Some how they have been left out, forgotten, or not worthy. Wrong! It is very clear you have at least one. 

The real discussion is not do you, but what it is. Do not confuse spiritual gifts with talents. Playing the piano is a talent, not a spiritual gift. How do I know? Because the bible gives us several lists of what these gifts are. Find them listed in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.

A spiritual gift is a divine enablement. Ok, let’s phrase that differently - a spiritual gift is your ministry in the church. It is what you have been fitted to do. You can do other things, but nothing fits like serving in the capacity of your gift. For example, I can be a part of the evangelism team of the church or I can be a part of an organizational committee. The process of serving in those areas is Ok, but not nearly as fun as serving in the area of my giftedness. Nothing will bring you the fulfillment and comfort as being where you belong.  For me, teaching and communicating is where it is. It comes with ease and is seldom a chore or a bore. Why? That’s where I am gifted. The same is true for you.

The bible uses to word “grace” when referring to spiritual gifts. Here grace is the ability to perform the task God has called us to. How cool is that? The Lord not only gives us a gift, but follows that with the ability to perform it...to carry it out.

You did not get short changed. Got gifted you with exactly what He wanted you to have. Then God gave both the grace and the faith to energize whatever gift He gave. Knowing this, do not seek after other gifts. Be satisfied with God’s plan. It’s time for you to discover your spiritual gift.