The Quest for the New (Part 6)

Sermon Series: The Quest for the New
Part: 6
Primary Topic: The Church (with a focus on Spiritual Gifts & Service)
Scripture:

• 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4–7, 11

• 1 Peter 4:10–11

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

In this sixth sermon of the series, Pastor John Walls turns his focus to the spiritual gifts given by God and the believer’s responsibility to use them in service to the Church. After revisiting the idea that worldly quests for “new” things often leave us empty, he teaches that true fulfillment is found through transformation (a new heart and mind), reformation (new priorities and behavior), and active service in the body of Christ.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Peter 4, Pastor Walls outlines eight key truths about spiritual gifts:

1. God does not want us to be ignorant of spiritual gifts.

2. There are a variety of gifts.

3. There are different kinds of service.

4. The gifts produce varied effects in others.

5. The Trinity is unified in the distribution of gifts.

6. Each believer is given a gift.

7. Gifts are meant for the benefit of others.

8. The Holy Spirit determines which gift each person receives.

Pastor Walls also emphasized that spiritual gifts are not for personal benefit but for building up the Church and glorifying God. They may lie dormant for years until activated by obedience. He encourages believers to discover, develop, and demonstrate their gifts—even if it takes stepping out of their comfort zones. He gave practical suggestions for discovering gifts, including online assessments, and closed with an inspiring example of Isaac Watts, who used his poetic gift to shape worship for generations.

The sermon culminated in a time of Communion, emphasizing grace and the invitation to relationship with Jesus, even in the act of receiving the elements.

Discovery – Have you taken time to explore what your spiritual gifts might be? If not, what is stopping you?

Development – Are there areas where your gift might be lying dormant? How might you begin to use it more fully in service to the Church or others?

Purpose – In what ways can your gift help others grow closer to Jesus?

Faithfulness – What does it look like to use your gift “faithfully”? Are you dependable and available for God to work through you?

Power – Do you feel you are using your gifts in your own strength or with the strength God provides? How can you depend more on the Holy Spirit?

Worship – Reflect on the idea that all service should point back to the glory of God. How does your service reflect worship?

Encouragement – Who in your life has demonstrated a spiritual gift that has impacted you deeply? Have you told them?