The Gifts of Grace—prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy—are the tools God has given us to fulfill our Kingdom purpose. Each gift is essential, and each of us has a role to play in expanding God’s rule on earth. By using these gifts, we not only fulfill our calling, but we also help others encounter the love and truth of God.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.
[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,
[00:00:49] rightly dividing the word of truth, and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.
[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast. And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
[00:01:10] to another edition of The Bible Speaks, where we explore the timeless truth of Scripture
[00:01:18] and how they apply to our everyday lives.
[00:01:21] And today, we're kicking off a series on spiritual gifts with a focus on the gifts of grace
[00:01:29] from Romans, chapter 12, verses 6 through 8.
[00:01:37] These gifts are tools that God has given each of us to help us spread His kingdom
[00:01:43] and live the abundant life that Jesus promised.
[00:01:47] Our primary purpose on earth is to help expand God's kingdom.
[00:01:52] Not just in large grand gestures, but in our everyday interactions.
[00:01:59] The way we relate to one another, how we serve others, and how we minister in love are all part of the kingdom expansion.
[00:02:08] And to do this effectively, God has given us spiritual gifts, divine abilities that empower us to fulfill our unique callings.
[00:02:20] Today, Sister Julie and I will explore the gifts of grace found in Romans, chapter 12, verses 6 through 8.
[00:02:29] And reading from the New International Version, it reads,
[00:02:33] We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us.
[00:02:39] If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.
[00:02:45] If it is serving, then serve.
[00:02:47] If it is teaching, then teach.
[00:02:50] If it is to encourage, then give encouragement.
[00:02:54] If it is giving, then give generously.
[00:02:58] If it is to lead, do it diligently.
[00:03:01] If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
[00:03:05] Each of these gifts represent a unique way we can bring the kingdom of God into the lives of others.
[00:03:13] Let's take a closer look at these seven spiritual gifts of grace and how they enable us to fulfill God's purpose.
[00:03:21] The first gift Paul mentions is prophecy.
[00:03:27] When we think of prophecy, we often imagine someone foretelling the future.
[00:03:32] But this gift is more than that.
[00:03:35] Prophecy is about speaking God's truth with clarity and conviction.
[00:03:40] It's about the ability to discern God's will and boldly communicate it to others.
[00:03:46] If God has given you the gift of prophecy, your role in expanding his kingdom is to bring God's perspective into situations.
[00:03:56] It's not just about telling the future, but about calling people back to God's word, providing direction and encouraging others to live according to God's truth.
[00:04:09] To use these gifts effectively, we must align ourselves with God's will, making sure that our words are rooted in scripture and delivered in love.
[00:04:20] First Corinthians 14 and three tells us that the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
[00:04:33] This is the heart of the prophetic gift to build up others with the truth of God.
[00:04:40] Good morning, everyone.
[00:04:43] Next, we have the gift of serving.
[00:04:46] This is the ability to see needs and meet them often behind the scenes without the desire for recognition.
[00:04:55] People with this gift have an instinct to help, whether it's through practical tasks or offering support where it's most needed.
[00:05:07] In a world that often values status and self-promotion, the gift of serving is a powerful witness to the humanity of Christ.
[00:05:17] Mark 10, 45 and the new international version reminds us that Jesus himself said for even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
[00:05:35] Those who have the gift of serving reflect Jesus's heart by putting others needs ahead of their own and bringing God's love into practical action.
[00:05:50] Teaching is another crucial spiritual gift.
[00:05:53] If you have the gift of teaching, you have a God given ability to explain complex spiritual truths in a way that others can understand and apply to their lives.
[00:06:06] Teachers are called to bring clarity to God's word, helping people grasp its meanings and how it transforms their daily lives.
[00:06:16] Jesus was often called rabbi or teacher because his ability to make spiritual truth accessible to the common person was remarkable.
[00:06:27] Those with the gift of teaching are responsible for helping others grow in their knowledge and understanding of God.
[00:06:39] The gift of encouragement is sometimes overlooked, but it's one of the most powerful gifts in helping others fulfill their God given potential.
[00:06:51] Encouragers have the ability to uplift, strengthen and motivate others through their words and actions.
[00:07:00] In a world filled with negativity, discouragement and fear, those who encourage are vital in reminding people of God's promises and their identity in Christ.
[00:07:13] Hebrews 10, 24 through 25 in the New Living Translation tells us,
[00:07:21] Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another.
[00:07:33] Encouragement builds people up and gives them the strength to persevere, especially during difficult times.
[00:07:41] It's a gift that lifts the spirit and energizes people to continue in their faith journey.
[00:07:49] The gift of giving goes beyond financial generosity and is about being open handed with everything we have, whether it's our time, resources or talents.
[00:08:01] Those with the gift of giving have a heart to bless others without expecting anything in return.
[00:08:08] Paul emphasizes that this gift should be exercised generously.
[00:08:14] Giving is a direct way to expand God's kingdom by meeting the needs of others.
[00:08:21] Luke chapter 6, verse 38 reminds us,
[00:08:26] Give and it will be given to you.
[00:08:29] A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap.
[00:08:37] Giving when done with the right heart is a way to reflect God's generosity toward us.
[00:08:43] The gift of leadership is the ability to guide, direct and inspire others toward a common goal.
[00:08:53] Leaders in the kingdom of God are called to serve others by leading with integrity, wisdom and diligence.
[00:09:01] In Romans 12, Paul emphasizes that those with the gift of leadership should lead diligently.
[00:09:08] Leadership is not about control or dominance, but about guiding others in a way that reflects Christ's humility and compassion.
[00:09:20] Proverbs 11, verse 14 tells us,
[00:09:23] For the lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors.
[00:09:30] Leadership is essential for kingdom expansion as it provides direction and vision for the people of God.
[00:09:39] Finally, we come to the gift of showing mercy.
[00:09:43] This is the ability to empathize deeply with others, especially those who are hurting, and to respond with compassion.
[00:09:52] People with this gift are often drawn to those who are suffering, whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.
[00:10:01] Paul instructs us to show mercy cheerfully.
[00:10:05] This reminds us that mercy is not a burden, but a privilege.
[00:10:10] Those with the gift of mercy reflect God's heart as he is described in Psalm 86 15.
[00:10:19] But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
[00:10:28] Brothers and sisters, the gifts of grace, prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy are the tools God has given us to fulfill our kingdom purpose.
[00:10:46] Each gift is essential, and each of us have a role to play in expanding God's rule on earth.
[00:10:54] By using these gifts, we not only fulfill our calling, but we also help others encounter the love and truth of God.
[00:11:03] As you reflect on these gifts, consider which ones God has given you, and how you can use them to build his kingdom.
[00:11:12] Remember, our spiritual gifts are not for our own gain, but to serve others and glorify God.
[00:11:21] I thank you for spending time with us on today, and I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.
[00:11:28] Until then, God bless.
[00:11:31] God bless.
[00:11:38] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:11:48] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.
[00:11:55] You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more.
[00:12:04] Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online.
[00:12:08] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478, or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.