CENTRAL THOUGHT
Every believer has been endowed by God with a particular gift or talent for the benefit of the body of Christ.
HYMN: “ Take my life, and let it be”.
TEXT: MATT.25:14-30; EPH. 4:7-16.
INTRODUCTION:
Man, by nature has been endowed with specific gifts or talents which God expects him to utilize for his own development as well as that of others. These endowments can be called gifts or talents which are unique and specific to the individual. The gifts are entrusted on us by God, therefore, as stewards or servants of His, we will surely give account of how we utilized them. Thus, we are expected to exhibit a high degree of wisdom and faithfulness in all responsibilities assigned to us.
Talents/gifts may also represent any type of resources given to us by God. The all-knowing God gives us the talents/gifts according to our abilities and expects us to use them appropriately. In God, there is no room for irrelevant existence, hence there is no one without talent or gift. These talents are either natural or spiritual and should not be left dormant but should be used for the advancement of the church, society and to the glory of God.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this lesson, the believer should be able to:
- Explain what talents/gifts are;
- Understand how a believer can recognize his/her gift/talents;
- Know how we can develop our talents/gifts;
- Discuss how we can use our gifts/talents effectively; and
- Determine whether one’s talent can be lost.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1.) EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF TALENTS AND GIFTS
Longman’s active dictionary simply explain both talent and gifts to mean a natural ability to do something very well. God, in His infinite mercy has wired or configured every believer to fulfil a particular purpose which is unique to him/her. It is His prerogative to bestow on everyone a special gift, talent, or ability such as singing, poetry, oratory, sports, technical ability, artistry, etc. so as to be able to manifest His glory on earth. The gifts are so many that no one is left without any.
Spiritual gifts include ministerial gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Cor.12:4-11, 28-30 and Ephesians 4:11. Some of them are the gift of apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastoral and teaching as well as faith, ministration, giving, administration and help, tongues, working of miracles and so forth.
QUESTION 2.) DISCUSS HOW A BELIEVER CAN RECOGNIZE HIS/HER GIFT/TALENT.
It is necessary that every believer attempts to identify what his/her gift is. Certain clues to identifying our talents are here highlighted. A Child may be bestowed with some attitudinal dispositions (flair or abilities) which are talents in him/her that begin to unfold as he/she matures. For example, a child who is often engaged in manipulating objects and toys is likely going to be effective in practically-oriented skills. In church such persons can be very useful in decorating, instrumentalist, technical units,etc.
Secondly, a believer could seek counsel from his/her pastor and other leaders regarding the areas of service he could be involved. Pastors, on their own can prayerfully appoint members to areas of ministry they consider appropriate for the member. Personal interests on the part of the member on a particular area of service is also very important. A member that is given to singing at all times could make a good Chorister. Another clue to watch out for is having a burden in a particular area of ministry for example, a believer with strong burden for the unsaved would make a good evangelist or missionary.
Finally, it is of utmost importance that the believer should seek to know from the Lord the particular spiritual gift(s)/talent(s) and He has given to him.
QUESTION 3.) HOW DO WE DEVELOP OUR TALENT/GIFT? (2 TIM.1:6)
Any gift bestowed on an individual should not be left dormant. Upon identification of one’s gift or talent, the believer should pray and ask God for direction in the exercise of the gift/talent. He could identify fellow believers in his area of talent and join them. In order to bring out the best in him, short term trainings, seminars and constant practice may be necessary. In addition he/she should learn to rely absolutely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit who is the giver of the talent. Above all, he needs constant prayer for success in ministry.
QUESTION 4A.) WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS/TALENTS? EPH.4:12-16
From the above text, spiritual gifts/talents are given to us “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” Eph. 4:12-14. This purpose must not be overlooked in the exercise of our spiritual gifts.
QUESTION 4B.) HOW SHOULD WE USE OUR TALENTS/ GIFTS? ROM.12:6-8
Talents/gifts are entrusted unto us by God. Therefore, the believer should see it as a rare privilege to be recognized and blessed by God with His gift. He should in simplicity and humility discharge his duties as unto the Lord (Col.3:17). Also, the believer should do it “heartily” and excitedly as service to God not to man (Col.3:23). He should be motivated to render service with all
the full assurance that he will surely receive his reward (Col.3:24). The believer should also be diligent and committed to his calling. He should not be “slothful in business” (Rom.12:11). Since the purpose of the gift is for the edification of the Church, the Christian must make prayerful preparation before coming up to minister. Believers should follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ who would withdraw into seclusion to pray before coming out to minister.
QUESTION 5.) CAN ONE LOSE HIS/HER TALENT/GIFT?
God bestowed on His children, differing gifts in accordance to the proportion of their faith. Each and every gift is important in the body of Christ. Samson’s gift of supernatural strength became dormant when he fell into sin. When he “repented” however, the gift was reactivated and did more thereafter ( Judges 16).
It must also be realized that one can be substituted if he fails to utilize his talent. God will raise someone else who is willing to work. No one is indispensable and there is no vacuum in God’s business. After Judas Iscariot betrayed the Lord and died, Matthias was elected to take his place in ministry (Acts 1:21-26). May no one take our place in ministry.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
We are all saved to serve with our God-given gifts/talents. There are different activity groups in the local assembly in which we can function. There is no place for idleness in God’s vineyard. In church, there are no spectators; all should be active participants. Therefore, let us use our talents and gifts to serve God and one another. We should constantly remind ourselves that we are stewards. Soon, we shall give account to Him that gave them to us on trust.
MEMORY VERSE:
1 PETER 4:10
“As every man had received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Mon: GIFTS/TALENTS AVAILABLE TO THE CHRISTIAN
Eph.4:11; Rom.12:6-8
Tue: IDENTIFYING YOUR GIFT
2 Tim.2:14-21
Wed: DEVELOP YOUR GIFT
2 Tim.1:1-11
Thu: USING YOUR TALENT
Rom.12:1-8
Fri: SUSTAINING YOUR GIFT/ TALENT
Rom.12:6-10
Sat: PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Col.3:16-24; Rom.12:11