It’s difficult to receive.  Most live by the old adage, “It is better to give than receive.” But, God is the GIVER and we receive His gifts in order to bless others. The stronger we become at receiving, the more powerfully we will bless others.

Most people and Churches Operate On The Merit System. The Church is designed to operate in the kingdom. The Kingdom Is A Culture of Honor. There is a vast difference between Merit and Honor. Merit ensures that only those deemed worthy by men receive the accolades. Honor ensures that we are all looking for reasons to honor each other because of God’s Grace upon them. 

Spiritual Gifts Are GRACE Gifts.  Everyone receives Gifts from God. It is part of the Salvation package. Every believer is gifted. Today we are talking about how to expand in that gift. How to grow in its use. 

So, let’s learn how to receive our GIFT in the largest way. And, let’s become excellent vessels of the gift. 

Surrender Makes Room WITHIN You

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Surrender Frees Your Body. God cares about your body. Many are trapped serving the confusing and destructive expectations of the world. Your body ends up a servant to them. The sins that trap you, are like bondage. You can’t escape them. They claim your time and energy.

WHY? Because we surrender to them. We do it for the promise of … Fun, Acceptance, Freedom, Fame, Money??? But it’s all a lie. Surrender to God, to Christ is the only way to freedom. 

Surrender Frees Your Thoughts. Thoughts are flying at you all day long. Generally unhealthy and destructive ones. Everyone wants you to think about their ideas. Surrender to God, His Thoughts, and His Words. It puts better thinking in your head. And frees you from the mindless and worthless chatter that fills the world. Surrender chooses God’s thoughts above all others.

Surrender Frees Your Will. God’s Will for Your Life is FREEDOM.  I know it sounds like the opposite. But you just weren’t created to be god. All the stress, anxiety, and frustrations are a result of you and me trying to enforce our will upon the world. But, it never works out. Surrender to God’s Will puts the work, resources, and responsibilities on Him.

Surrender empties your calendar, thoughts, and desires to make room for God’s Gifts

Humility Makes Room FOR You.

Romans 12:3-5 (NLT) Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Humility Reminds You. That These Are GIFTS. God gives them of His Grace. Not our effort. Whatever faith you possess is a gift from God. Also, remember that what we do have is for the rest of us.  Jesus won the victory and gave gifts to the Church. (Eph 4:8) 

Humility Finds You. Your Value is in God’s Estimation of You, not Your Efforts False humility walks around claiming to be nothing. No gifts, no talents. LIE.  Let me get this straight. There were a billion ways for you not to be here. BUT GOD decided and created you. The fact that you are here is irrefutable evidence that you have a gift to give.

Humility Keeps You. On The Team. There will be many injuries, insults, failings, and even abuses along the way. Pride takes offense and walks away. Humility values the body. Humility understands that forgiveness, mercy, and kindness or critical to our success

And, In The Field. It takes humility to value others’ souls and growth above your own time and energy. Most will spend their lives put as much as possible into their own lives. Humility values others. Humility places God’s mission above the Mission of You. Humility attracts others to you. 

Surrender makes room within you for God’s Gifts.  Humility makes room for you to use those gifts. And… Now it’s time to make up a word!

GODfidence Makes Room For Everyone!

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT) In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Your Gifts Are God-powered. Of course, I mean confidence in God. For your gift to work, God HAS to show up. No God, No Gift. Isn’t that the problem? God controls your gifts, not you. You only control the step of faith necessary for that gift to operate. So, what if you fail? What if you end up looking stupid? Are you going to let FEAR guide your life? FEAR is a liar.

Besides, Isn’t patience with each other and forgiveness of each other just as much a miracle as a healing, or a sermon, or an encouraging word.

God WILL Show Up. You can have confidence that God will use you. Even if you are a mess. Even if you are sinful. Even if you fail. The scriptural evidence that God uses messed up people is undeniable. 

Discover and Use Your Gifts

Your Gifts Are For Others. Your Gifts are Our Gifts. Discover Your Gifts. Help someone discover their gifts. And, Use Your Gifts. Find a place to serve. Find a place to give your gifts.