#1452. Let’s pursue using the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the right way (13/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:16, we see how we are to pursue knowing and using our spiritual gifts—always motivated by love and service.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

i. Find your ‘work’

Firstly, our text reminds us that every believer has a part to play in Christ’s body. “Each part” is to “do its work” so that the church may grow in health and love.

God has not called us to be spectators - He has chosen and equipped us to be His servants. So how do we discover our place and calling?

Jesus will guide anyone who humbly seeks Him in faith, patience, and a willingness to serve. Our gifts are usually discovered not through self-promotion, but through faithful obedience in small things.

Here are some helpful ways God often leads us into a clearer understanding of our gifts:

• Joy – What do you find spiritual joy in doing?

• Affirmation – What do others regularly thank or commend you for?

• Holy frustration – What problems burden you most? What do you long to see changed?

• Prophetic encouragement – God sometimes speaks through others to confirm His work in us.

• Leadership confirmation – Wise pastors and leaders can help us discern and develop our gifts.

Paul highlights the importance of encouragement and affirmation in Timothy’s life:

God often reveals our gifts as we walk faithfully in community.

ii. Finally, love is the motive and aim of the gifts

After teaching extensively about spiritual gifts, Paul immediately moves into his great chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13). This is not accidental.

He does not give us these words so that we merely read them at weddings, but so that we understand how gifts are to be used.

Gifts are to be sought so as to love the church! 

Spiritual gifts can be sought because we lack self-worth and want to feel important. However, Jesus gives us His love and adoption, and it’s from a place of overflow, not from a place of lack, that we use our gifts for the good of others.

Response

Somebody once said that ‘The church is a group of people with complementary inadequacies!’. 

We’ve seen over the last two weeks the importance of using our spiritual gifts so that the church - the body of Christ - becomes mature so as to be strong and then do the ministry of Christ in this world. 

We all have gifts, and we all have to start using them in the way that is open to us - what’s the door of service that we have rather that we wished we had!

• How can you love people? Jesus washed His disciples feet, how can you wash feet? 

• Are you passive - it’s time to grasp your gifts and find new joy and fruitfulness. 

• Are you frustrated - God has already given you more opportunities than you can count to love your church through sacrificial service!

Storms writes wisely:

God most often meets us with His gifts while we are already trying to love His people.

So let us pray, serve, love, and step forward in faith.

From Christ, the whole body grows— as each part does its work, in love

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

The summary of our message was:  As each part does its work - as each uses spiritual gifts in love - we are able to stand and serve in the storms of life. 

Please read Ephesians 4:14-16 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• If we remain infantile, what are the dangers we face?

• From these verses, what is a vital key to our growth?

• Take a moment to encourage one another by describing the different spiritual gifts that we see in one another. 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From our text, why is using our spiritual gifts vital to our effectively reaching our community with the gospel? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

• Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.