Today on the verdict with Pastor John Monroe. Every Christian, every authentic follower of Jesus Christ has received a gift. That's good news, isn't it? It's a true gift. Totally of God.
A manifestation of the grace. Oh god. Welcome to the verdict, featuring the Bible teaching of Pastor John Monroe. Have you ever wondered if you have a purpose? Or perhaps you feel that you have something to accomplish and you're wondering what that is?
Today, we're continuing in 1 Peter and discovering that's exactly God's design. Each believer is uniquely gifted by God's grace for a purpose.
Now, here's Pastor John Monroe with part two of his message. You are gifted. If you're a follower of Jesus Christ, do you realize that you're gifted? gifted by the Holy Spirit. He gives a gift to each one of us.
In our study of 1 Peter, we're looking now at 1 Peter 4, verses 10 and 11. Every Christian has received a gift. Not one of us has all of the gifts. And therefore, there is an interdependence and interconnectedness as we function in the body of Christ. Scripture is full of one another's.
And as each of us use our spiritual gifts, the body of Christ is edified. In this message, we take a closer look at these verses by Peter. I know you'll be encouraged to use your gifts and to learn to appreciate the gifts of others in the community of believers where God has placed you. First Peter four, verses ten and Eleven. As each has received a gift.
Use it to serve one another. as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God. Whoever serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies. In order That in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
To him. belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. brilliant verses that the Apostle Peter gives us. He presents here at least four important truths.
Here's the first one. Every Christian, every authentic follower of Jesus Christ has received. A gift. That's good news, isn't it? That's the first principle.
The second one is this. Use your gift. to serve others. Third. Our gifts are multifaceted.
Notice again. Verse. Ten. As each has received a gift, Use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's Buried. Great.
I love that. God's grace is Multifaceted. It is Varied grace.
Some translations talk of God's manifold grace. One translation says God's grace in his various forms. Does that surprise you? Of course it shouldn't surprise you. Because think of who is the giver of the gift.
It comes from God. Who is infinite in his creativity. And these grace gifts, which come from a creative God, are multifaceted, they're multicolored. They're manifold in their diversity. Does God produce clones?
Of course he doesn't. Jesus says in the Gospel, look at the birds of the air. We have in our home a couple of bird feeders. And here are at least four of the birds that like to come and eat at the expense of the Monroes. There's a beautiful cardinal Look at that color.
Uh there's the yellow goldfinch. There's a beautiful bluebird.
Well look at them. I think, why hadn't God created all the birds alike? And why are the different colours? Why are they not just all grey or or a dull brown. And you think, of course.
It shouldn't surprise us. No more than we think of the variety. of different flowers. The different colors, the combination of the colors. We have a God.
Who is infinite in his creativity. And we see that in creation. And so are we surprised then? That this God When he gives gifts to us, That they are Multifaceted, multi- Coloured. When Jesus tells us to consider the birds, he tells us you're of more value than the birds.
Listen, if God takes care of the birds. If God's creativity is seen In his creation, how much more? and the summit of his creation. Men and women, and how much more. and those who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.
that he shows Grace upon grace on us. Grace, gifts. in their various forms. The manifold grace of Gods. The varied grace.
of God. Have you noticed?
Something about cults. There's many ways in which you can recognize a cult of this study, most of all, by their teaching, by their false teaching. but also how they look. Cults produce great uniformity, don't they? People begin to dress alike.
They speak alike. They have the same likes and dislikes. There's a a legalness, there's a a uniformity, there's a A boring, oppressive spirit comes an occult. In order to be a member of the cult, you have to lay aside your own personality, individuality, and creativity, and adopt. the dress, the thinking The behavior of the cult.
God doesn't produce cults, does he? Think of this congregation. Think of all of the different personalities here. Think of all of her gifts. all of our talents.
All of our Abilities. manifold, multifaceted. And you, whoever you are, you are unique. A unique person. With a unique combination of your personality, your talents, your experience, and your gifts, all put together under the lordship of Christ and all to be used.
to serve others. Do you think of it that way? We see God's grace, don't we? And what is doing that church? People say, well, we're very different.
Aren't you glad we're very different? Imagine how Imagine a church. That was all like you. are all like me. We're all the same.
That would be a travesty. Wouldn't it? Don't allow that brother, that sister who looks at things a little differently from you. Who's got a different personality? A different outlook.
Don't allow that to frustrate you. Rather, be thankful for it that God is bringing people. Yes. Literally from all over the world, and he puts us together, and we're very different, and we're very diverse, and this is an evidence of the. Manifold grace of God, so that an unbeliever comes into Calvary Church and they look around and they get to know us and they say, Well, I don't understand.
much of what they're saying, but I see the love of God. And they understand something. of the grace of God.
Now if it's true, if that's true. And it is. Peter is telling us. Here's something which is encouraging. As you serve God, Be yourself.
I don't mean be yourself in a sinful sense. I don't mean by yourself in your flaws. But be yourself. One of the deterrents I found in people being slow to get involved in ministry. is comparison with others.
Listen to Paul. in Romans 12. He's really saying As human beings, we either think too highly of ourselves, Or too lowly. Romans 12, we've heard verses 1 and 2. Here's verse three.
For by the grace given to me, Paris. For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought. You think you're pretty good? You think you're gifted? You think God has used you a lot?
Don't think. more highly of you than you are. But to think with Sober judgment. Each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members.
We've had that before. And the members don't have all the same function.
So we, though many, are one body in Christ. and individually members one of another. One body, many members, interdependence, interconnectedness again. Verse 8, having gifts that differ. according to the grace given to us Let us use them.
Your gift. It's different. From the person next to you. In fact, you can have the same gift as someone, but use it in a different way. Why?
Because you're different. You are a unique individual. You have talents, you have an experience. You have gifts, upbringing, perspective. that we are uniquely made By God.
Do not. As you serve God, don't compare yourself with others. That will lead to pride. or false humility. Fear A failure.
Fear what someone may think about us. They prevent us from serving. And if you stop serving for too long, you know what will happen to you? You'll become very, very lazy spiritually. Use your gift.
in your unique Way. Why is that? God's grace is manifold. multifaceted. Be yourself.
Learn from others, but don't copy others. A unique individual made in the image of God. Made by God, uniquely gifted by God, to demonstrate to us. and to the unbeliever the manifold grace. of God.
We're saved by grace alone. Everything we are and have is a manifestation of the grace of God.
So appreciate your uniqueness. and also appreciate The uniqueness of others.
Sometimes we get frustrated by others, and someone says, Well, I wouldn't do it that way. No, you wouldn't do it that way, but you're not that person. Here's the third point. Our gifts. are a demonstration of the multifaceted grace of God.
Here's the final one. Verse 11. I think you knew this one was coming. Use your gift. for the glory of God.
Verse 11. Whoever speaks. as one who speaks oracles of God. Whoever serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies in order That in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
Amen. Use your gift for the glory of God. That means as you use your gift, do so. in conscious Dependence on God. Peter here presents two basic kinds of gifts.
The speaking gift, we might say the public gift. And the serving gift, the p the private gift. Public gifts of preaching and teaching and exhorting. And then the service gaps, which are often hidden from public view. but are absolutely essential.
If you've got the gift of teaching and preaching, what are you to do? You are to speak. Peter says. The oracles of God. The New International Version says: if anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
Here's an important reminder. to those of us who have a gift of preaching and teaching. whether that be from this pulpit. In your live group? And your men's Bible study, the women's Bible study?
On Wednesday? Discipling someone. Even in your own home. What is the focus? Remember to speak the oracles of God.
The very words of God. We don't want to hear your opinions. We don't want to hear your ideas. We know they're absolutely fascinating. to you and your pet dog, but We don't want to hear them.
Don't use The pulpit. The live group. Your Bible study. A counseling situation. to promote your own agenda.
Don't do that.
Some people have got very upset with me because I've not gotten involved in partisan politics. They've told me I should be promoting a particular candidate or telling people how bad another candidate is. You don't come to the house of God. to hear about partisan politics, do we? Absolutely not.
When we come. We want to hear the very oracles of God. The very word of God. Not someone's ideas. Not their political views.
Not some platitudes that they've dreamt up, giving us six little techniques to make life comfortable for ourselves. And you think, where on earth did they come from, Scripture? No. Peter is saying something very strongly. Speak.
the oracles That's a very high view of scripture, isn't it? that we come to hear The living word of God. Not someone's thoughts, not someone's opinions. Not someone's prejudices, not someone's dreams. Not someone's personal vision that they've dreamt up.
We come to hear the oracles of God. Those of you who handled this book, can I remind you? to do it's very easy to put the focus on ourselves. It's very easy. If you've got the gift of preaching and teaching, To use that for your own agenda.
for your own hang-ups. For your own prejudices, don't do that. We speak the very oracles of God. And then. There is the gift of serving.
Notice what he says. Whoever serves, this is so encouraging, isn't it? As one who serves by the strength that God supplies. As you serve, Serving conscious dependence on the power and the strength of God. You say, well, I'm gifted.
Don't rely on your gift. Don't rely on your experience. Don't rely on your education. Pray. That the power of God and the strength of God will be given to you.
That as you serve others, That the grace of God will be displayed through you. And that you realize at the end of the day, as you put your head on the pillow, that you understand that God. In an extremely gracious way, has been fit to use you. to bless others as he has given you. The strength.
And the wisdom. and the grace. That keeps you humble, doesn't it? By the strength That God supplies. Experience this?
I'm sure many of you have. That's why we pray, isn't it? That's when we when we ask God Without you we can do nothing. Strengthen me, help me. Give me your grace.
Give me your insight. Give me your wisdom, Lord. that I as I use this gift. in the service of of others and then use it Peter says here at the end of verse 11, use it for the glory of God. What's the goal of all this?
The people would admire you, the people would applaud you, really? Yeah. In order that in everything God may be glorified. Through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
Amen. You say, how could we bring glory to God? He's all glorious. As you use that gift. And the way Peter is saying.
depending on the power of God. Taking responsibility and using your gift for the common good. God is. glorified. He is the Fountain.
And the source. of all of our gifts, of everything we have, our resources, everything comes from God. And we then present it as an offering to God. And as you serve others, do you know what you're doing? You're glorifying our great, eternal God and Father, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
That's our motive, isn't it? There can be nothing higher that we are servants of the living God. If your goal is recognition. If your goal is to feel good about yourself, If you've got a desire to be valued and applauded by everyone, you're missing the point. No God.
It's glorified. When we use our gifts depending on the power and the strength that God alone gives. Through the Spirit of God. What an incredible. Concept.
And Peter then moves. As I conclude to that magnificent doxology, the end of verse 11. To him. Peter knew his God. and the Saviour to him, he says, belong.
Glory and dominion. Forever and ever. Amen. God dwells in majestic glory. To Him belongs all glory and dominion.
He is the supreme sovereign over all, the great eternal God. And His glory and His dominion will last forever and ever. Yes, the end of all things is at hand. This world is going to come to an end. Everything that you possess is going to be burned up.
Life as we know it on this earth is going to come to an end, but this will never end. His kingdom. and his glory. And his dominion will last forever and ever. Therefore, Because the end of all things is a hand.
Use your gift. to serve others. As stewards of the manifold grace of God. And as you serve God, Draw on his strength and his wisdom and his help. and our great magnificent God.
will receive all of the glory. all of the praise and for all of eternity We will sing. the praises. of the Saviour. Who so loved the world.
That he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have. Everlasting life. As you listen to this, you think, well, my life is pretty selfish. My life is very, very small. Do you know what you have to do?
You have to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you'll be saved. You got to confess that selfishness, that sin, and that failure, and look to Christ who came to forgive us, to give us eternal life. and through his spirit. strengthens us. to fulfill the purposes that God has for you.
who has made you in his image. Who has purposes for you?
So that you with us will give glory to God. Who's the minion? and power. will last forever. This is the verdict with Pastor John Monroe.
and a message titled, You Are Gifted. Today's teaching was a powerful reminder that God hasn't mass-produced His people. You have a unique combination of perfection. Personality, talent. Talents and spiritual gifts that no one else possesses.
And to help you continue to develop your Biblical perspective and understand your purpose, John has written a comprehensive booklet called For the Time is Near Lessons from Revelation. It will help you grasp the urgency of the gospel and the hope we have in Christ's return. you'll better understand God's plan of salvation, His prophetic calendar, and what that all means for life to day. Request your free copy to day by visiting the verdict. org.
While you're there, be sure to sign up for John's monthly newsletter to stay connected with the upcoming series and ministry updates. Here at the Verdict, we're passionate about equipping believers to use their gifts for God's glory. And you can help us continue this mission by supporting our ministry with a donation of any amount. Your partnership enables us to reach more people with the life-changing truth of God's Word. Whether you give $25, $50, or more, every contribution makes a real difference in sharing the gospel with new communities around the world.
Give today at theverdict.org or call us at 833-551-2231. For those in the Charlotte area, we'd love to welcome you to Sunday worship at Calvary Church, where John serves as senior pastor. or join us remotely through our live stream online. For more details, visit theverdict.org.
Now, here's Pastor John Monroe.
Well, what's your verdict? Are you serving the Lord? A spiritual desire to serve the Lord is more important than focusing on your gifts. A humble attitude before the Lord is essential. Then the Holy Spirit will use you in serving others.
Empowered by Him, Use your spiritual gift for the glory of God.
So Focus on serving others. And you will have the joy of seeing the Lord use you for His purposes. Don't use your gift to draw attention to yourself. Always exalt. Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanks for joining us today on The Verdict. I'm Michelle Davies. Today's program with Pastor John Monroe was produced and sponsored by Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
