Be the Church: Serve the World Part 1: Gifted to Serve
Matthew 16:13-19, 1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Peter 4:10-11
Find all the info on our series at www.stillnaz.com/bethechurch
Series Verse: 1 PETER 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE BEST GIFTS EVER
As Christians we have been given…
A Person (Jesus) – 1 Peter 2:4, Matthew 16:16
A People (the church) – 1 Peter 2:4-5, Matthew 16:18
A Purpose (the work of priests) – 1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Peter 4:10
A Power (kingdom authority) – Matthew 16:19, 1 Peter 4:10
A Promise (death is defeated) – Matthew 16:18
THE CHURCH IS A SPIRITUAL HOUSE
Built on Jesus – 1 Peter 2:4, Matthew 16:16
Built into a community – 1 Peter 2:4-5, Matthew 16:18
Built for a reason – 1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Peter 4:10
Built with authority – Matthew 16:19, 1 Peter 4:10
Built over death – Matthew 16:18
YOU HAVE BEEN GIFTED TO SERVE
TAKE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS SURVEY AND SHARE WITH US
www.stillnaz.com/spiritualgifts
Message Reflection Questions
Begin with silence.
What did God say to you through the message?
Take a couple minutes to fill out and personally review the results of the survey at https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/.
Share your top three spiritual gifts. How did those responses encourage or challenge you?
Read Ephesians 4:7-13. What does this say about God’s desire for the church? Why is it important to connect grace with God’s gifts?
In 1 Peter 4:7-11 what virtues does Peter encourage Christians to have in regards to their giftings?
What do you think keeps people from using their gifts in the church?
Where do you sense God calling you to use your gifts?
Close in prayer, asking God for guidance and strength in serving Him and others.
DAILY READINGS
We are on a 5 week journey exploring how God has equipped his church to serve the world by making friends, giving gifts, throwing parties and telling stories like Jesus.
Find the whole plan at www.stillnaz.com/bethechurch.
You are Gifted Reading:
Monday: Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 139:1-6
Tuesday: Ephesians 4:7-13, Psalm 139:7-12
Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 12:4-14, Psalm 139:13-18
Thursday: 1 Peter 4:7-11, Psalm 8
Friday: Romans 12:3-8, Psalm 95
Helpful Instructions for reading
Start with silence. Relax in God’s presence. Imagine resting with Jesus.
Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.
Read the verses slowly. Ask: How do I see God’s gifts?
Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.