A Presentation by
Elechi Udochi Alegua
During
the 2015 YOUTH CELEBRATION of Wonderful Works of God Church Rumuekini/Rumuosi
on Sat. 7th August 2015
Text: 2 TIM. 1:6-7; ROM. 11:29
Introduction:
1. Calling:
Klesis – an invitation, a saint God has
invited us to live a crucified life, a life of victory, a kingdom-oriented
lifestyle.
2. Gift = Charisma – root word – Charizomai
The Greek
word most frequently used for spiritual gifts is charismata, a word that
relates to the grace (charis) of God. Concerning these gifts, Paul
writes, But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the
gift of Christ (Eph. 4:7 NET
Bible). Another word, pneumatikos, means spiritualities, or spiritual
things. William McRae defines a spiritual gift as a divine endowment of a
special ability for service upon a member of the body of Christ. C. Peter
Wagner offers a similar definition: A spiritual gift is a special attribute
given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the Body of Christ according to
God's grace for use within the context of the Body.
God has given each believer a combination of
opportunities and gifts that is perfectly suited to his or her situation in
life. Every Christian is really a minister with a unique contribution to make
to the body of Christ. The central thrust of your ministry depends on the
spiritual gifts you have received.
AREAS OF
CONSIDERATION
1. It is a free gift
ü You don’t
qualify for God’s gift, your gift actually qualifies you.
ü There are no
strings attached that’s why your gift is to express God not to impress Him – 1
Cor. 12:28; Col. 1:27.
ü Whenever we
express Him an impression is left in the hearts of man.
ü It is the
proof that you are forgiven
ü It is the
proof that you are saved / born again
In
conclusion – every believer has been given a “free” gift by God
v A
qualification for spiritual expression
v A
miraculous faculty – you can now operate in that which is extraordinary
v A point of
contact for deliverance from danger – Prov. 27:8.
2.
You “cannot
lose” your gift and calling:
You can lose or cut off your opportunity or
point of contact to express it – David/Samson/Eli
You can make it dormant:
v Samson’s righteousness didn’t
increase with growth of his hair
v You cannot
stop water from being in the mains but you can stop it from flowing into your
house by tuning off the stopper or clogging the lines.
v Stir up
your gifts 2 Tim. 1:6-7 – “If you don’t use it, you will lose it”.
3. Your gift is needed to complete or complement the body of Christ – Eph. 4:16; Eph. 3:14ff, Rom. 12:1ff; 1 Pet.
4:10ff.
Your gift is an integral part of the body
of Christ – Eph.4:7-11.
4. Your spiritual gift needs a yielded body and a renewed mind to be
properly expressed – Rom. 12:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:23.
v The usefulness
of your gift is in this physical/material realm
v We have
this treasure in earthen vessels – 2 Cor. 4:7.
v The
material world helps us to appreciate the concept of growth.
5. You can only express your gifts by faith – Rom. 12:3
& 6.
v You’ve got
to believe in it – Prov. 17:8.
v Your faith
in your gift expresses your faith in the giver; God – 2 Cor.1:19.
6. Your gift is your key to walking in love – Rom.
12:9; Gal. 5:6.
v God gave
you the gift so you can express His love to others – 1 Cor. 12:31ff
v Through
your gift you become a gift from God to men – Eph. 4:8.
v You cannot
properly express your gift except in “love” – 2 Tim.1:6-7.
7. You will be rewarded for utilizing your gift properly and punished
for utilizing it wrongly – 2 Tim. 4:7ff; Mt. 7:21ff.
v God always
rewards our faithfulness / fruitfulness – Matt. 25:14-30.
Title : UNDERSTANDING THE GIFTS AND CALLING OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF A YOUTH (1)
Description : A Presentation by Elechi Udochi Alegua During the 2015 YOUTH CELEBRATION of Wonderful Works of God Church Rumuekini/Rumuosi o...