Serving the Lord – Spiritual Gifts
Pastor Tan Thai · Oct 13, 2019
This sermon explains what spiritual gifts are, the difference between gifts and natural abilities, and the inseparable relationship between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. The purpose of spiritual gifts is not personal fulfillment but the edification of the body of Christ, the church.
The sermon opens with a critique of the 'consumer mentality' infiltrating the modern church, where many believers ask 'What can the church do for me?' rather than 'What can I do for the church?' This attitude stands in direct contrast to Scripture and the example of Jesus Christ, who declared: 'The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45).
Spiritual gifts are defined as special endowments given by the Holy Spirit to those who have believed and received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives, for the purpose of bringing people to Christ, building up fellow believers, and benefiting the church. The sermon distinguishes gifts from natural abilities: natural abilities are given to all people at birth through common grace, while spiritual gifts are given only to those who are born again. Vivid examples of Charles Spurgeon and D.L. Moody illustrate that spiritual gifts can transcend the limits of human ability, and that it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately produces results.
The relationship between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit is emphasized as two inseparable sides of the same coin. In all three key New Testament passages on spiritual gifts (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4), the apostle Paul lays a foundation of humility, love, and unity before listing the gifts. Having gifts without the fruit of the Spirit leads to pride, division, and harm to the body of Christ rather than edification.
The sermon identifies two concrete purposes of spiritual gifts: first, to share and encourage one another to be stronger in faith (Romans 1:11-12); and second, to help everyone mature in Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). The pastor also reminds the congregation that gifts must be practiced and exercised, drawing on the image of the desert and examples of Moses, David, and Paul, who all underwent periods of preparation before being used powerfully by God.
The sermon concludes with a reflection on legacy: history does not remember what people received or possessed, but what they left behind. Biblical figures such as Moses, David, Peter, and John are remembered not for their status or wealth, but for how they used their God-given gifts to serve others and bring glory to God.