Awakening Your Gifts (1 Tim 1:6-7)

Have you ever wondered why God made you the way you are, with the unique talents and abilities you possess? Why did He choose to give you these specific gifts? It's a question that can lead us down a path of profound discovery.

Imagine a tool, perfectly crafted, designed for a specific purpose, yet left unused in a toolbox. It’s not that the tool is broken or inadequate; it simply hasn’t been put to use. In many ways, we are like that tool. Each of us has been given gifts by God, not to be tucked away or overlooked, but to be actively used in His grand design.

I want you to think for a moment. What's something you're really good at, something that comes naturally to you? Maybe you're great at listening to others, or you can fix just about anything, or you're the one who can always make people smile, no matter how tough things get. These aren't just talents; they're gifts from God, given to each of us for a reason, and they are as numerous as the stars.

But here's where it gets intriguing: what happens when those gifts, those unique abilities God has entrusted to us, lie dormant? What causes them to remain unutilized, gathering dust in the corners of our lives? Is it fear, uncertainty, or perhaps a lack of understanding of their true purpose? We get busy, life gets tough, or maybe we just don't think we're good enough to use them. Today, we're going to dive into the Bible and see what God says about these gifts.

Today, we're going to explore the concept of awakening the gifts within us. We will delve into Scripture, examining how individuals like Timothy needed a reminder to stir up the gifts he had, how different attitudes towards these gifts can shape our life’s journey, and most importantly, how using our gifts aligns with God’s grand mission for us.

As we embark on this journey, let's ponder on our own lives. Think about the talents and abilities you possess. Are they actively being used for God's glory, or are they waiting to be awakened?

This is more than just a lesson; it's an invitation to rediscovery, to awaken the potential that lies within each of us, and to embrace the purpose for which we were created. So, as we get started, I want you to keep that one gift in mind, the one you thought of just now. And let's ask ourselves: Are we using it the way God wants us to? Are we ready to dust off those tools and put them back to work? To find out, we are going to look at three passages. Each of these passages tell us something about our need to use these gifts we have inside of us. The first one is an encouragement, the second is a warning, and the third is a mission statement.

Encouragement: Rekindle the Embers (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

2 Timothy 1:6–7 (ESV) — 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, we find Paul addressing his young protégé, Timothy. Picture Timothy at this moment: he's like a skilled craftsman who's put his tools down. He's not as fiery as he once was in his ministry; his zeal seems to have cooled. What caused this in Timothy? Perhaps, like many of us, he faced challenges that dampened his spirit – maybe it was fear, maybe discouragement, or the sheer weight of his responsibilities.

Paul, seeing this, steps in not with criticism, but with a gentle reminder: "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you..." Paul's words are like a hand reaching out to stoke a dwindling fire, encouraging Timothy to fan those embers back into a blaze.

Then, he tells him that he has no need to fear because God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. The us here I take as a collective us. He has given this spirit to all of us collectively. So what does it mean to have a "spirit of power, love, and self-control"? How does that help us be on fire for God? Let's break this down:

1. This isn’t just physical strength; it’s the inner resilience to face challenges, to stand firm in faith even when things are tough. It's the power that comes from God, enabling us to do what we can't on our own. Did you know this spirit of power is within us?
2. This is the love that sees beyond oneself. It’s not just affection; it’s action. Love that serves, that forgives, that reaches out. It's the kind of love that changes not just us, but those around us. It’s the love of God coursing through our veins. A love that’s patient and kind, even when wronged. Did you know God has given us a spirit of love?
3. This is about having a disciplined spirit, one that doesn't get swayed by every wind of challenge or temptation. It's about staying true to our course, being consistent in our walk with God, and in the use of our gifts. Did you know God has given us a spirit of self-control?

For Timothy, and for us, these aren’t just nice qualities to have; they are essentials. They are what turn our gifts from dormant potential into dynamic tools for God's work.

So, as we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we like Timothy, needing to stir up our gifts? What's holding us back? Fear? Fatigue? Doubt? Remember, the spirit God gave us is not one of timidity, but of power, love, and self-control. These are the keys to rekindling the gifts within us, to moving from burnout to being ablaze with purpose and passion in God’s work.

God wants us to awaken the zeal inside of us to use our gifts once again. Now, let’s move to our second point, where we will examine two different mindsets towards gifts in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25.

Warning: Service or Self (Matthew 25:14-30)

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, a story about a man who entrusts his property to his servants before going on a journey. Each servant receives different amounts according to their ability. This already tells us something important: God knows our capabilities and entrusts us with what He knows we can handle.

The first two servants understand the purpose and importance of this opportunity and use what they've been given to create more. They don't sit on their gifts; they invest them, work them, grow them. But the third servant? He's different. He's driven by fear and self-preservation. He buries his talent, thinking it's safer to return exactly what was given rather than risk using it.

This story paints two clear mindsets towards the gifts God gives us:

1. Mentality Ready to Serve: The first two servants demonstrate this. They see the opportunity and responsibility in their gifts. They're not just thinking of themselves; they're thinking about the master's return, about how they can contribute to something bigger. This is a mindset focused on service, on using what we've been given for the good of others and the glory of God.
2. Self-focused Mentality: The third servant embodies this. His actions are guided by fear and self-interest. He doesn't think about how he could benefit others or please his master. He's more worried about losing what he has than using it for a greater purpose.

The big question for us is: Which mindset do we have? Are we like the first two servants, eager to use our gifts in service, to take risks for God's kingdom? Or are we like the third servant, holding back, letting fear or self-concern keep us from stepping into the full potential of what God has given us?

God's expectation is clear. He wants us to use the opportunities He gives us, not for our own gain, but for His purpose, to serve others, to build up His kingdom. This isn't just about doing good; it's about being faithful stewards of the gifts and talents He's entrusted to us.

But that’s not all. He reveals a strong warning in this text. What happens to the servants who have a mentality ready to serve? They receive access into the joy of the master and more talents are given to them. But the one who does nothing with what he has been given is cast out. He’s left to weep and gnash his teeth in anger and anguish. So, the first text gives us an encouragement to fan into flame what God has provided us, but this text gives us a warning. If we refuse to use the gifts of God, we will miss out on the joy God has prepared.

With this understanding, let's now turn to our final point, exploring how these gifts unite in one mission and one goal, as we read in 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Mission: Serving for God’s Glory (1 Peter 4:10-11)

1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV) — 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

As we turn to 1 Peter 4:10-11, we find a clear and compelling directive: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." This passage beautifully ties together everything we've been talking about – our zeal for using gifts, our mindset, and now, our purpose.

We are stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Peter tells us that these are Gifts with a Divine Purpose: It's vital to recognize that the gifts we have are not by accident or for our own benefit alone. They are bestowed by God, each with a specific purpose in mind. This purpose is far greater than anything self-serving; it's for His glory. When we use our gifts, we're not just filling a role or doing a job; we're participating in God's grand design, in His story of redemption and grace.

If you don’t believe that you have a gift, or you don’t feel like you are any good at what you do, notice that God gives you what you need. We are all empowered for Service: God doesn't just give us gifts and leave us to figure out how to use them. He provides the strength and wisdom we need. This means we have no excuse for letting fear or uncertainty paralyze us. We have been equipped and empowered by God Himself. This empowerment removes the burden of feeling inadequate or unprepared. Our focus shifts from our limitations to God's limitless power working through us. Obviously, we are all at different levels of growth in our abilities, but this tells us that God provides what we need to advance and use our abilities for his purpose.

When we think about the mission and purpose of our gifts, we must remember that our call is a stewardship and a service: Being a steward means managing something entrusted to you with care and responsibility. Our gifts are a trust from God, and He expects us to use them wisely and diligently. But how? The key lies in the first and latter part of the passage: “use it to serve one another” and "so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." He tells us the way we glorify God with our gifts is by serving one another.

This brings us to a profound realization: It's not enough to devote our lives solely to worshipping God in a traditional sense – singing praises or participating in religious rituals – if it isn't coupled with actively serving and loving each other. Our worship becomes complete and genuine when it translates into acts of service, kindness, and love towards others. This is how we truly reflect the heart of Christ and bring glory to God.

In conclusion, each of us is a unique part of the body of Christ, each with different gifts, but united in one mission – to serve for the glory of God. As we use our gifts in service to one another, we not only fulfill our role as stewards of God's grace but also actively participate in the spread of His love and light in the world.

As we close this part of our discussion, let's carry with us this vital truth: our gifts are not just for us; they are a means to serve, to bless others, and to bring glory to God. Let's not bury them or let fear hold us back. Instead, let's step forward in faith, using what God has given us to make a difference in the lives of those around us and in the world at large.

Application: Utilizing Our God-Given Gifts

As we move into the application of today’s message, it’s time for each of us to take a moment and reflect on our own lives. It’s easy to listen to a message about using our gifts and agree in theory, but the real challenge comes in applying it to our daily lives. Let’s consider some pointed questions to help us analyze where we stand and what steps we can take to better utilize the gifts God has given us.

1. Confronting Fear: Have we let fear prevent our work’s progress? Fear can manifest in many ways – fear of failure, fear of what others might think, or even fear of success. It’s essential to identify these fears and understand that they can paralyze the potential God has placed within us. Remember, God has given us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control.

   Action Step: Identify one area where fear is holding you back. Pray for courage and take one small step this week to overcome that fear. It could be as simple as offering to pray for someone, volunteering for a task in church, or sharing a part of your testimony with a friend.

2. Dealing with Burnout: Have we burned out? Burnout can come from overworking ourselves in ministry without adequate rest or from doing work in our own strength, without relying on God’s power.

   Action Step: If you're feeling burned out, it’s time to pause and rest. Schedule a time this week for quiet reflection and prayer. Ask God to renew your strength and guide you to a sustainable pace in your service. Remember, even Jesus took time to rest and pray.

3. Learning to Prioritize: Sometimes, the issue isn't fear or burnout; it's that we fail to prioritize our God-given gifts. We might be caught up in the busyness of life, or perhaps we're investing our time and energy in areas that don't align with the gifts God has given us. This misalignment can lead to a sense of unfulfillment or a feeling that we're not making a meaningful impact.

   Action Step: Take some time this week to evaluate how you're spending your time. Are your activities aligned with your gifts? Are there areas in your life where you're spending time that could be better used in service to God and others? Make a conscious decision to re-prioritize your schedule. This might mean saying no to certain things, even good things, to say yes to what God is calling you to do. Remember, it's about quality, not quantity. Prioritizing your God-given gifts doesn't mean you have to do everything. It means doing what you're called to do, well. As you realign your priorities, you'll find that your activities become more fulfilling and impactful, both for you and for those you serve.

4. Zeal for God’s Mission: How do we bounce back and maintain a zeal for God's mission? The key to maintaining zeal is staying connected to the source of our strength and passion – God Himself.

   Action Step: Cultivate a daily habit of spending time with God, reading His Word, and praying. This doesn’t have to be long; even 10 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Additionally, find a way to serve others in a small, manageable capacity. It could be helping out a neighbor, participating in a church event, or simply encouraging someone going through a tough time.

Lastly, always remember that using our gifts is not just a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It’s about daily choosing to say 'yes' to God’s calling, stepping out in faith, and allowing Him to work through us for His glory and the benefit of others.

Conclusion: Embracing Our God-Given Purpose

As we come to the close of our time together today, let's take a moment to gather the threads of what we've heard and woven them into the fabric of our hearts and lives.

God has entrusted us with gifts, not for them to lie dormant or unused, but for them to be actively employed in His service, for His glory. Remember, these gifts are not a burden; they are a blessing. God knows our abilities and he understands that we will struggle to grow in our abilities. But he promises to be with us and help us grow into them.

It’s important for us to see that they are not just for our personal satisfaction but for the edification of others and the exaltation of God. When we use our gifts, we become beacons of God's love and vessels of His grace. So, let us leave here today not with hearts burdened by what we haven't done, but inspired by what we can do. Let us not be paralyzed by past fears or failures but propelled by the possibilities that lie in God’s promises. Let’s commit to examining our hearts, to rekindling our dormant gifts, and to stepping out in faith and obedience.

May we each find the courage to take whatever step is needed to bring our gifts to the forefront of our service to God and to others. Whether it's taking up a new ministry, reigniting a passion long forgotten, or simply using our everyday abilities to show God's love in practical ways, each action matters.

As we go out into the world this week, let's do so with renewed determination to use our God-given gifts to make a real difference in our community and beyond. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus, touching lives with His love, His grace, and His truth.