8-30-2026: Discover Your Gifts and Use Them!

8-30-2026: Discover Your Gifts and Use Them!

Sermon Title: Discover Your Gifts and Use Them!

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:3-11; Acts 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Sermon Focus: How do you discover the spiritual gifts God has given you so that you can use them for his glory? In the final message of our series, Pastor David offers practical guidance for discerning spiritual gifts through prayer, faithful service, spiritual maturity, community affirmation, and openness to the Holy Spirit. Rather than waiting for certainty, believers are encouraged to begin leading, serving, and trusting that God reveals our gifts as we faithfully participate in the life and mission of the church. 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion: 

  1. Begin by reading Romans 12:3-11. What are your initial observations and thoughts about what the Spirit has communicated through Paul? What is the Lord saying?
  2. Pastor David showed a Karate Kid (1984) movie clip and then said, “Sometimes we’re going through the motions, we’re working hard, but we’re just not sure what it has to do with us becoming like Jesus or what difference it’s making in our lives, the church, and for the Kingdom. Maybe we’re looking for something spectacular to happen—a voice from heaven, an undeniable calling, or a dramatic spiritual experience. But Jesus, as we see in Mr. Miyagi’s character, may already be revealing our gifts through the seemingly ordinary ways we are serving.” What thoughts do you have in response to this video clip and application?
  3. Pastor David talked about natural gifts vs. spiritual gifts, as well as the limitations of personality assessments. How do you think your personality, natural abilities, and life experiences might intersect with the spiritual gifts God has given you? Where might God be asking you to serve beyond what comes naturally to you?
  4. The sermon addressed these next steps to discovering and using your gifts: 
    pray & discern, experiment & explore, ask & take to heart, trust & obey. Which of these steps comes most naturally to you, and which one do you need to take more seriously? For example, do you need to “pray and discern” how God is inviting you to serve in this season of life? Do you need to “explore” new ministries? Do you need to “ask and take to heart” what others say about you and your gifts? Are you simply needing to “trust and obey” as you get out of the boat and follow Jesus?
  5. The Apostle Paul's relationship with Timothy is one of the New Testament's clearest examples of discipleship, mentoring, and spiritual gift development. What can we learn from this “apprentice” understanding of spiritual formation, calling, and commissioning? Were you ever discipled/mentored in this way? Why do you think we don’t do this more often in the church today? Imagine what this might look like at Grantham if younger people were mentored by mature believers.
  6. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION – Paul told Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6). What is one gift you sense God has entrusted to you that you could develop or use more intentionally? What specific step will you take this week to put that gift into action for the sake of Christ and his Church?