The Church of Jesus Christ is composed of all sorts of people who have different gifts. But all of those gifts come from the Lord – who gives gifts according to His wisdom, plan, and design. It is important that Christians see the gifts they have as being for others, not for themselves. This allows believers to earnestly seek the gifts, while not being puffed up by them. It also means that one who has a gift must use it – there is no room for false humility here. Thinking properly about yourself means to serve others with the gifts that God has given to you. They are not your own; in fact, you are not your own. You belong to the Lord, and He has given His people to each other, for the building up of His Church. The Lord has given each of His children “Gifts for Service” (Romans 12:3-8).

I. The Context for the Gifts
A. The Gifts Come from the Lord
B. The Gifts Are Different
C. The Gifts Are to Be Used

II. Gifts for Understanding
A. Prophecy
B. Teaching
C. Exhorting

III. Gifts for Community
A. Contributing
B. Leading
C. Mercy

Questions for consideration: (1) Why is it important to understand that the gifts are given sovereignly by the Lord? (2) What gifts have you exercised? How are you using your gifts now? (3) What does it say about a Christian who is not active in the body of Christ?