“A Gift Unopened” – Steve Blair May 26, 2013

Review It

We have all been given a unique set of gifts that God intended us to use for His Kingdom. Using these gifts gives our life purpose and brings joy and fulfillment. Unfortunately many of us aren't using our gifts, maybe because we're not aware we even have a gift, or we're too busy, or fear keeps us frozen. In today's message we are reminded that God gave us a gift and we can use it to make a difference in our world!

Talk About It

1. Read Romans 12:6. It's clear we all have a gift. However, many of us are not aware that we have a gift, much less what it is. What is it that keeps many of us unaware?

2. Even when we are aware of our gifts, often our enemy gets us too busy to make a difference, or he gets us pulled out of the game into the stands as spectators. What things have made you "too busy" to make a difference? In what areas of your life have you become a spectator?

3. Fear kills our ability to serve and use our gift. What is the worst thing that could happen if we began using our gift? What is the best thing that could happen?

4. The power of Christ living in us is our true identity. We need to be aware of who He is, and therefore who we are because He lives in us. How would your life be different if you lived with full confidence of who you truly are at all times?

5. Read 2 Timothy 1:5-7. Paul acknowledged the people that Timothy had in his life that were building him up. We may not all have family members in our life who build us up, but as members of the Body of Christ, we can have that. Who in your life is helping fan into flame the gifts God has put in you?

Think About It

When we discover the love of the Father, fear is driven out and is replaced by a soundness of mind. Take time over the coming days to evaluate your thoughts. Measure the thoughts that are destructive and the thoughts that build you up. Begin to take authority over destructive thoughts and replace them with the truth of God's Word.

Act On It

God is waiting for us to take a step to discover the thing that He has called us to do. In what small way can you begin moving forward today? Find a place to serve on the team and continue trying new things until God reveals the thing that ignites a passion in your heart.