"Sharing Our Gifts" - An exploration of Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:7-11)

1. Introduction – Our Church Goals

2. Context (v.7-9)

(a) Urgency

The beginning of this passage, this thought process, brings a sense of urgency (v.7a). Generally the first century apostles believed that Jesus’ return was immanent. Of course these days, whether we feel Jesus’ return is close or not, we should retain a sense of urgency due to the broken state of the world, disintegrated communities and troubled families. Whereas the first century apostles suffered the pressure of much persecution, our pressure more surrounds planting the gospel message of peace and hope in the minds and hearts of members of a rapidly growing community. There is never any time to waste!

This very challenge should focus our minds and make us commit to being modern day disciples of Jesus (v.7b). The integrity of our attitudes, priorities and lifestyle has a direct connection to the outcome of our prayers.

(b) Love

The overarching ethic of our service to others is of course love. Unless we truly have a heart for others, especially the lost and suffering, then we needn’t read or listen any further. Before we can truly make a difference for good, we have to really care about the well-being of others.

And in so loving, we will be naturally forgiving people, even when deeply offended. This is because of the love and forgiveness we have been first shown by Jesus. We notice here (v.8b), that where we truly have a loving attitude, and we make some effort to practically put this level of care into action, we can be cut a little slack. God looks favourably upon selfless acts of kindness, despite the fact that our human frailty still causes us to stumble.

Love itself will lead to the transformation of many lives and situations.

(c) Hospitality

One very effective aspect of love is opening our lives and homes to others, especially those who we might normally shy away from. Serving others often needs to be very relational and personal requiring great investment of ourselves. So in considering the gifts of God given to us and their use, we need to foster hospitality becoming a natural and uncomplicated part of our life.

3. Sharing our Gifts (v.10)

(a) The Manifold Grace of God

“Grace” is God’s wonderful free [yet priceless and costly] gift of His glorious love and concern for all humanity. “Grace” sums up all God’s creative and re-creative activity, as well as God’s heart for compassion and forgiveness. “Grace” is God’s basic positive consideration of us all; which we can never earn, only experience.

The “grace of God” here is described by Peter as the “manifold grace of God”, meaning that this “grace” is multi-faceted, has various applications, and performs several functions at once. So, at the same time that “God’s grace” is bringing forgiveness and salvation into someone’s life, this “grace” is also preparing and challenging them to put their faith into action.

(b) Good Stewardship

A “steward” is a person who has been entrusted to manage another’s property; and in this case the ‘property’ (God’s grace) belongs to God! “Good stewards” will do everything in their power to make sure that the ‘property’ they are looking after will be well taken care of, will maintain its value, that there won’t be any damage done to it, and that such a valuable asset will not be allowed to waste away! “Good stewards” of God’s grace will ensure that this ‘grace’ will be utilised for God’s glory in the world. We have been given a very valuable resource to manage.

(c) Serving with your Gift/s

Part of God’s grace that has come to us is actual ‘spiritual’ giftedness, which is to be utilised co-operatively within the fellowship of the Church, for the purpose of the development of the Kingdom of God on earth!

We note verse 10 has the words “with whatever gift each of you has received”, denoting that every one of us (who has become a Jesus follower) has been given at least one gift (through which we are to serve other people and thus glorify God). And such ‘gifts’ have been deliberately shared out amongst us according to God’s wisdom and design, in such a way that we are obliged to work together and share together (if we are going to be effective with any degree of strength).

(d) The Common Good (1 Cor.12:7)

Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, in complete agreement with Peter here, states that such spiritual gifts are given and should be used for the “common good”. There should be a mutual dynamic of giving and receiving the giftedness of one another. This would not only happen with the church insiders in mind, but also include the needs of the community at large.

Thus ‘spiritual gifts’ are not given for our personal use or individual enjoyment, nor are they given as any special mark of merit; and they are never given as a reward. ‘Spiritual gifts’ are given as part of a big picture approach to the needs of the world around us. And it is only as they are used collectively that they will be seen for the beauty and effectiveness they possess.

That whole chapter in 1 Corinthians deals with God bringing together a whole lot of diversity into one unified body with Jesus as the head. The diversity of personality and background, together with the perfectly bestowed diversity of gifts, brings the possibility of great combined effectiveness.

We need everybody and nobody is superfluous or unneeded. Everyone has an important role to play. Picture a drama play … if two people are in an acting scene, and the storyline depends upon their dialogue, and if one doesn’t turn up that day, then the whole play will make no sense.

‘Spiritual gifts’ should not be subjected to a matter of choice or whim, where we try to maintain control of when or where we will use our gift or not. The use or otherwise of our “gift” should not be a matter of whether we feel like it or not. If we hold back, we are robbing others; and we are all the less for those ‘gifts’ we don’t have access to and remain unused.

Just like in our physical body, deficiencies occur when one or more member parts of the body fail to perform their function. In the same way, each member of a spiritual community is indispensable, and the good functioning of their gifts is vitally important to the church’s health.

(e) The Giver of Gifts

‘Spiritual gifts’ are often referred to as the ‘Gifts of the Holy Spirit’. When we respond to the offer of God’s grace, and accept Jesus Christ into our lives as Saviour & Lord; then we receive the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit (being a member of the Divine Community that we call the “Trinity”) brings the essence of God and Jesus into the very heart of our being.

The Holy Spirit within will convict us to become more like Jesus, guide us to an understanding of how we should live in the light of the dawning of God’s grace upon us, and, to the degree that we are willing, transform us into the person God created us to be. The Holy Spirit will also bestow gifts upon us according God’s big picture agenda.

Because of all this inspired and complimentary allocation of gifts, there is no room for jealousy of other people’s gifts, nor competitiveness with people who have similar gifts. Instead we celebrate, enjoy and support the functioning of each other’s God given abilities. Each gifting should work in harmoniously and cohesively with each other gifting in the spirit of mutual affirmation.

4. The Spiritual Gifts (Exodus 31:3-5; Romans 12:6-8;
1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28; Ephesians 4:11)

Some of these ‘Spiritual Gifts’ will have their origin in certain talents and abilities that we’ve always seemed to have. Yet since we’ve known Jesus, these talents have become re-rooted into God’s being (become spiritualised if you like), and thus gained the potential to really develop out-of-sight. They have also gained tremendous new significance as they’re utilised in combination and co-operation with other gifts in the church community.

Other ‘Spiritual Gifts’ have come to us ‘out of left-field’, as a complete surprise to us. We had no idea that we would be able to express God’s grace in such a way as this! This is all a vivid reminder that God is certainly working in and through us.

There are quite a collection of ‘Spiritual Gifts’ mentioned in a few passages of the Bible (mainly New Testament), however these are mentioned in broader contexts – usually the proper use of such ‘spiritual gifts’. Thus there is no actual definitive list which we could regard as complete, but rather a biblically supportable list that have been evident in church life over the centuries.

· Apostleship (Missionary) – the church planter, the initiator of new ideas or ministries, the traveller where no one has gone before
· Shepherding (Pastoral) – has particularly good caring and support skills, thus nurturing people in their faith, promoting feelings of value to God, and guiding people’s growth toward spiritual maturity
· Leadership – able to promote vision, guide organisations, motivate activity, and have the trust of people (eg. steering committee)
· Intercession (Prayer) – demonstrates a high priority and commitment to prayer, and a certainty concerning God’s response
· Wisdom – regularly provides good counsel and guidance, offering helpful solutions in situations of conflict or confusion, brings God’s best to others
· Knowledge – has a particular clarity concerning God’s ways, or receives a special revelation that brings understanding to a certain issue
· Discernment – provides vital and Godly insight into decision-making; distinguishes clearly and helpfully between truth and error
· Prophecy – able to speak strongly and with God-sensitivity into societal evils and perpetual problems
· Teaching – able to interpret, explain and apply God’s Word to a variety of ages, putting effort into times of study, reflection and preparation
· Encouragement (Exhortation) – speaking words that strengthen and comfort, or work towards positive change in people’s lives … including preaching that promotes a response
· Evangelism – to seek to build relationships outside the church, and to live speak and act in a way that leads to people accepting and following Jesus
· Artistic Communication – eg. musicians, singers, worship leaders, writers, participants in drama and dance … that inspire other people to move closer to God
· Administration – able to efficiently deal with matters of organisation and finance (eg. secretary, treasurer)
· Faith – over and above the norm … a radical and unwavering confidence in God that leads them places most others fear to go, inspiring others to do likewise
· Healing – able to touch people’s lives in a way that brings new wholeness, health and well-being
· Miracles – a special instrument in God’s hands to bring about supernatural interventions, pointing towards the need for a relationship with Jesus
· Mercy (Compassion) – an elevated propensity to empathise and sympathise with the broken and downtrodden, lighten their burden, and address systemic suffering
· Giving – a naturally and broadly generous heart … providing resources for others
· Helping (Practical) – contributes to important yet behind the scenes ventures (eg. set-up/pack-up), responding to logistical needs as they arise
· Hospitality – a particular and natural openness and willingness to let other people into their life, church and home … providing fellowship, food and shelter (one application would be our ‘welcomers’ at the door facilitating a feeling of safety and providing a point of relational connection)
· Craftsmanship – especially creative and good with their hands
· Tongues – the bringer of a message from God in an unfamiliar language
· Interpretation of Tongues – able to interpret a message that has come in an unfamiliar language.

5. Recognising Gift/s

(a) Observation

In the case of others, mature leaders in the church can observe others in their interaction and participation and gauge how and where God may be leading them. Conversations about interests, passions and experience can then bring further clarification.

In the case of ourselves, we can assess where we are easily suited within the activities of the church, where we are naturally drawn and find a good fit. However, this may be selling ourselves and God short, for other giftedness may be there … but not so easily apparent.

(b) Experimentation

Therefore it’s good to have a go at things which may be a little different, previously untried, and out of your comfort zone. If this is not where your gifting lies this will soon become apparent. But then you may well be pleasantly surprised how well it goes. If one experiment draws a blank, put your hand up to try something else.

This means that leaders will have to allow space and offer opportunities for others to have a go, and give encouragement along the way. We have to find ways of allowing new people to express their particular giftedness; otherwise, there may be treasure that will remain forever undiscovered!

Yet at the same time those trying something new will have to be prepared to receive constructive feedback about how they’re progressing and the overall suitability of this ministry area for them.

Where there are gaps in the church’s program or vacancies on various committees could be a place to start. Also, small home groups are one of the best forums for experimentation – many a gift gone previously unnoticed arises in the more intimate circle of a small group night.

(c) Course work

There are courses available that take people through a process which brings certain results as to where one’s particular gifting lies. We will make one such course available to those interested.

There are so many ministries we could offer if we really experienced God’s power operating through us!

6. Developing Gift/s

Once we know what our gift/s are, how can they be developed?

(a) Allowing Holy Spirit to be in full control – this is so that we are more open and ready to be used by God. Then, the resultant impact is not someone just fiddling about with some activity they’re reasonably good at, but rather, someone who God is mightily and creatively working through.

This involves dealing with any preoccupation with self, thus leaving room for the Spirit to move within you. This involves reflecting constantly on Jesus who provides the framework for our life. This involves praying with an openness to God’s voice, being prepared to see things in new ways and apply new insight to old problems. This involves daily experiencing other people as opportunities for ministry.

(b) Keep trying

We should not be deterred nor ‘put-off’ by what we might see as personal limitations. God doesn’t make mistakes in His allocation of gifts; and where God allocates gifts, God will also supply the strength and insight with which to exercise such gifts.

We should also not allow ourselves to be discouraged by what may seem like failure. Don’t worry if you don’t get it quite right the first time! If you have sincerely served in God’s Name, then God will transform even your weakest effort into great blessing; and you would have learned something as well. And even if you have temporarily lost your way – that’s OK – God hasn’t gone anywhere!

Our responsibility is to put our gifts into action; its God’s role to bring about the positive outcomes! This is a very liberating truth. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant”.

(c) Accountability

One can also develop in the use of their gifts (and in their Christian life generally) through being prepared to seek and implement good feedback and advice. Also each of us need to be willing to act under the leadership of others, and participate in teams, where we are accountable for our actions and level of effort.

7. Bringing Glory to God (v.11)

Everything about the use of our ‘spiritual gifts’ should focus toward the recognition of a living God. In sharing our gifts we point to God and reflect the light of Jesus. We should be very concerned that we are accurately representing the interests of God. We should never rely on our own energy or ability, but seek God to work through us – for this is where real effectiveness will derive.

Thus, our ‘spiritual gifts’ should never be used to draw attention back to us, nor to earn ourselves praise. When our efforts have led to significant blessing and the building up of others, it is the giver of the ‘gift’, and the creator of all life, who has been active and deserves all the due recognition!

EACH ONE OF US HAS BEEN GIVEN A UNIQUE ROLE TO PLAY IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD! AS EACH OF US FIRST RECEIVE, THEN RECOGNISE, UTILISE AND DEVELOP OUR ‘SPIRITUAL GIFTS’ TOGETHER IN THE CHURCH, A BEAUTIFUL COMPLETENESS EMERGES, WHICH HAS AN ATTRACTIVENESS THAT CAN’T HELP BUT BE NOTICED, AND THEN BE ATTRIBUTED WAY BEYOND HUMAN ORIGIN!

A Reflection on the Anniversary of Black Saturday in connection with 1 Peter 1 - "The Ever-present God"

Twelve months ago today horrific fires hit Victoria. In places like Marysville, Kinglake, Flowerdale and many others, there was the tragic loss of 173 human lives, so much animal life, countless properties, and the landscape was blackened. We saw pictures of heartache across the media, and some of us may know people who suffered loss. Our hearts went out to these people, who like us, were just going about their daily lives.

Then we responded with donations of goods and money. There was an unprecedented response to the various appeals that were set up; even Midnight Oil re-formed to perform at a fundraising concert. The broad community response was heartening, and brought a ray of hope to those who had lost a lot if not everything.

We were caused to think about where God was in all of this!?!

We hopefully concluded that God was with the suffering, seeking to offer comfort and peace. God was also active in raising up a human response to this tragedy. God’s hand of compassion was hopefully recognised in all those who selflessly sought to help. These people, whether they be CFA or Salvation Army or Red Cross or Baptist chaplains, or just general collections of volunteers, exhibited the best of what it is to be human – that which most resembles God as seen in Jesus, and touched people with real expressions of love.

We might have been caused to wonder why this would happen!?!

We probably concluded that this sort of thing – raging fire – happens in this world; and that humans in certain places and at various times get caught up in this. Such a fire could be through lightning – the most natural of fire-starters, or electrical faults – where there could have been less maintenance than there should have been, or arson – where the worst and most destructive of human activity is experienced.

There is much natural ‘fuel’ for fire out there, and the need to balance all the environmental and practical concerns is very complex. Even though the earth continues to spin on its axis and orbit around the sun, there remains a certain fragility about the earth, that is exposed through earthquake, tsunami, volcano eruption, tornado, flood, drought and fire.

Then when human beings are factored in, through either their deliberate or neglectful behaviour towards this planet, we can definitely understand that stuff will happen! This is a fragile environment being managed by broken people. If not for some level of seeking after God, and God’s faithfulness to us, life might have all ended by now.

The Apostle Paul, some twenty centuries ago, remarkably understood all this when he wrote (in Romans 8:19):

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.

The story of CFA volunteers remembering the hell of Labertouche North Rd on Black Saturday available at: www.heraldsun.com.au/news/cfa-volunteers-remember-the-hell-of-labertouche-north-rd-on-black-saturday/story-e6frt7jo-1225823440240

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.

Some people, whether they believe in God or not, respond with compassion by their own choosing when certain circumstances arise. Others might turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. However, for those who believe in God and follow Jesus in life, there should certainly be a developing and growing commitment to the welfare of others.

This is what Peter teaches in his letter. If this early Christian movement, so much in the minority and facing so much opposition, is going to survive, then they better think about the needs of others. Peter was not thinking about those outside of the church so directly in his time (being in such a survival mode), but our understanding of Jesus’ mission would certainly take our minds out into the world as broadly as possible (when indeed we are so free to act).

God’s creation, so badly affected by negative human behaviour, awaits those who have committed themselves to Jesus, to properly exercise their freewill in caring for the whole earthly environment. Those who are truly inclined towards God’s Will - will be revealed in how they respond to each crisis of suffering. As Peter’s letter in the first chapter points out, an outgoing and outpouring love is the most tangible sign of spiritual maturity (1 Peter 1:22). This is all about offering hope in the very face of hopelessness.

We can partner with God in this, for this too is what God is all about … offering the possibility of renewal in the midst of ruin. Built into creation itself, as well as within the human being, is the capacity for re-birth.

Let’s backtrack a bit to examine this source of rebirth and this motivation to love.

When Prince William recently visited a property destroyed by fire, it was interesting to hear the property owners talking about the signs of regrowth in the trees … here were tiny little green shoots of hope. Something new has emerged out of what appeared dead! This is the capacity for nature to regenerate that God originated in the beginning. Hopefully people might also recognise the capacity of humans themselves to be able to experience such a renewal.

1 Peter chapter 1 encapsulates this human process of regeneration in the midst of the challenges of life. This was a letter addressed to widely spread Jesus-followers to encourage them in their walk with God. Encouragement was absolutely necessary as they faced persecution for maintaining their adherence to the way of Jesus.

We read of the writer’s praise for the God who has made possible such a second chance at life … a re-birth into a new life of purpose and hope, and his thanksgiving for a God who will honour all his promises concerning ultimate salvation. This has all come out of God’s gracious act of mercy enacted in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our new life is God’s own life fused to our human personality. And we thus rejoice in knowing Jesus, loving Jesus, and believing in Jesus. Faith that brings renewal and salvation was much needed, long awaited, and spoken of by the prophets of old. Our life rests assuredly in God’s hands.

And this is so important to hold onto given how hard life was at times. We might be spared some difficulty and suffering as we cling to God, however not all of it. We are not exempt from all the world’s turmoil, nor the grief and pain of this life. And as we put Jesus first in our lives, with all that this means on a daily basis, we should expect some opposition, even if it’s only a little vilification or harassment (because of our attempt to positively challenge the prevailing culture). While enjoying God’s good gifts, we will still feel the pain of our losses and various reverses of fortune. We shouldn’t doubt the reality of our relationship with God just because we endure trials!

After all, if life on earth were a constant joy without difficulty, how would we remain sensitive to our ultimate need of God? As we read in verses 6 & 7, suffering reveals the genuineness of our faith, such faith of course being absolutely precious in value. Faith is more precious than gold because it takes us further!

When gold is refined, its impurities are removed by a fiery process. Our faith (and our life) is refined by our testing challenges. Thus, we can look beyond our difficulties to what God is bringing out of them and through them. We become stronger. The way in which we deal with our trials can also reveal Jesus in all his light, and bring honour to God. Indeed, how we act in any circumstance should prove that our faith is genuine.

Facing reality in times of crisis can create opportunities for new creative responses that would not have been otherwise pursued. Suddenly the tool-bag around the builder’s waist has way more tools in it, and thus has broader applications to tasks that might arise. Peter himself had to rebound from the torment of past failure and more recent incidents of persecution, to stand determined and active in his faith in the resurrected Jesus. So Peter spoke with some credentials in this area. Without being brought so low and embracing humility and dependence upon God, Peter may never have been able to rise to such heights (in the power of the Spirit).

This chapter goes on to talk about the discipline required of the Jesus-follower, which is a proactive call to become a modern-day effective credible disciple of Jesus. This is because God doesn’t just redeem us, but brings truth to bear on us as well, which begs a reformation of our life.

So that returns us to where we were earlier – where we see that the ultimate application of our experience of regeneration and our purification in the truth (verse 22) – is loving deeply from the heart out of a genuine mutual love for other people. [To have our souls “purified” is to cleanse or restore the health of our souls.] The assumption drawn on here is that naturally our experience of faith and salvation will draw us toward a corporate worshipping community in which we can grow in our capacity to love others.

Now, love is God’s greatest motivating factor. We can’t really have God’s life within us and remain unchanged (in terms of our attitudes to others). Yet, how hard is it to love others following past experiences of abuse, rejection and the destruction of trust!! It’s hard enough to love ourselves let alone loving others!

How hard is it for trees to regrow following being totally assuaged by thousand degree temperature fire!! That would seem hard alright ... yet ... God makes it possible!!!! It is within the capacity of all creation – environmental and human – to see beauty emerge out of the ashes (refer Isaiah 61:3).

And so we, who have experienced so lavishly the love of God, should allow God to work in our lives, so that we can love in such a way as to reveal Jesus whenever and wherever he is needed, and especially where suffering dominates. The Greek adverb translated “deeply” in verse 22 in terms of describing our degree of love, could also be translated “constantly” or “persistently” – there is a sense of effort involved. And this “agape” love has been defined as “a self-sacrificing desire to meet the needs of others that finds expression in concrete acts” (E.A. Blum).

In this way we partner with the ever re-creative and ever-present God in seeding new (green) shoots of hope. “Love is the authenticating sign of a renewed life” (Donald Senior). And thus we are well-placed to respond to all need as it presents itself. We can participate in the redemption of our community, not just in our own limited strength, but in the effectiveness and wisdom of God working through us.

In this, I suspect, we would still need a burst of confidence! And where would our confidence come from? 1 Peter 1:23-25 reminds us where! Our confidence comes from the living and enduring ‘Word of God’! Whereas our human flesh is frail, just like grass and flowers in the face of fire, the ‘Word of God’ stands in its constant worth forever, providing the good news of hope.

If this ‘Word of God’ can become imbedded in our minds and hearts enough, we will have the confidence to make a difference for good. And the ‘Word of God’ is not just the pages of the Bible with all their helpful teaching, but essentially the one in person who the Bible points to … Jesus! This term ‘Word of God’ in its most general understanding would refer to God’s self-revelation, which would include both his spoken (or written) word and the personification of that ‘Word’ in Jesus. Jesus will never lose his relevance nor his throne. Does this inspire you??

I hope I am like that green shoot rising from the ashes of total destruction, giving testimony to the regenerating love and mercy of God operating in my life and in the world. You thought a ‘desalination plant’ was a big project … well God has embarked on a massive overhaul project with me, dealing with my hurts and fears along the way.

God lives in the suffering of his people everywhere, calling humankind into solidarity with his hurting world. We can be stirred by stories of terrible loss and brave heroism remembered this day, but we can also take to heart our call to love and to participate in the rebuilding of God’s world. As we read earlier from Romans:

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.