Holy Spirit: The Spirit forms a PEOPLE | Rev. Seann Duffin

>> Let's pray. >> Let's pray. Gracious God, we know that you are with Gracious God, we know that you are with Gracious God, we know that you are with us and we are glad. us and we are glad. us and we are glad. So, by the power of your spirit, knit So, by the power of your spirit, knit So, by the power of your spirit, knit our hearts together. our hearts together. our hearts together. Make us one with each other and one with Make us one with each other and one with Make us one with each other and one with you, just as you you, just as you you, just as you seek to be one with us. seek to be one with us. seek to be one with us. God, let us hear your voice that sings, God, let us hear your voice that sings, God, let us hear your voice that sings, that we might know what you have to say that we might know what you have to say that we might know what you have to say and what how you would have us live. and what how you would have us live. and what how you would have us live. It's in Jesus' name we pray. It's in Jesus' name we pray. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. When I was little, maybe 7 or 8 years When I was little, maybe 7 or 8 years When I was little, maybe 7 or 8 years old, as I unwrapped presents on my old, as I unwrapped presents on my old, as I unwrapped presents on my birthday that year, I discovered that my birthday that year, I discovered that my birthday that year, I discovered that my mom mom mom had given me a gift that I'd been had given me a gift that I'd been had given me a gift that I'd been desperately wanting. desperately wanting. desperately wanting. It was a remote control car, but not It was a remote control car, but not It was a remote control car, but not just any remote control car. It was a just any remote control car. It was a just any remote control car. It was a remote control silver Lamborghini with a remote control silver Lamborghini with a remote control silver Lamborghini with a top speed of 45 mph. top speed of 45 mph. top speed of 45 mph. I was incredibly excited. I tore off the I was incredibly excited. I tore off the I was incredibly excited. I tore off the paper, but carefully opened the box. No paper, but carefully opened the box. No paper, but carefully opened the box. No one wants to scratch a new Lamborghini.

one wants to scratch a new Lamborghini. one wants to scratch a new Lamborghini. I unpacked the car and the remote, and I I unpacked the car and the remote, and I I unpacked the car and the remote, and I cleared a path on the floor, and I cleared a path on the floor, and I cleared a path on the floor, and I turned the switch to on and began to turned the switch to on and began to turned the switch to on and began to fiddle with the controls. Nothing fiddle with the controls. Nothing fiddle with the controls. Nothing happened. happened. happened. I was confused. I tried again. Nothing. I was confused. I tried again. Nothing. I was confused. I tried again. Nothing. That's when I saw it, small writing on That's when I saw it, small writing on That's when I saw it, small writing on the corner of the box, batteries the corner of the box, batteries the corner of the box, batteries not included. not included. not included. I had the absolute coolest remote I had the absolute coolest remote I had the absolute coolest remote control car, and it had absolutely no control car, and it had absolutely no control car, and it had absolutely no power. power. power. Unsurprisingly, my mother was prepared. Unsurprisingly, my mother was prepared. Unsurprisingly, my mother was prepared. She had batteries ready and soon we were She had batteries ready and soon we were She had batteries ready and soon we were off to the races. The point is, we off to the races. The point is, we off to the races. The point is, we do not live powerless. do not live powerless. do not live powerless. 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the believers and that poured out upon the believers and that poured out upon the believers and that same Holy Spirit has been powering the same Holy Spirit has been powering the same Holy Spirit has been powering the church ever since. church ever since. church ever since. Batteries are included, as it were, and Batteries are included, as it were, and Batteries are included, as it were, and because of the Spirit's ongoing because of the Spirit's ongoing because of the Spirit's ongoing presence, we have all the power we need presence, we have all the power we need presence, we have all the power we need to live faithful and fruitful Christian to live faithful and fruitful Christian to live faithful and fruitful Christian lives.

lives. lives. We're a few weeks into a series on the We're a few weeks into a series on the We're a few weeks into a series on the Holy Spirit. And the seed for this Holy Spirit. And the seed for this Holy Spirit. And the seed for this series was planted months ago over series was planted months ago over series was planted months ago over breakfast with my small group. Uh we'd breakfast with my small group. Uh we'd breakfast with my small group. Uh we'd been reading a book together and the been reading a book together and the been reading a book together and the book kept mentioning the Holy Spirit and book kept mentioning the Holy Spirit and book kept mentioning the Holy Spirit and it quickly became apparent around our it quickly became apparent around our it quickly became apparent around our table that many of us didn't quite know table that many of us didn't quite know table that many of us didn't quite know what to say or think about the Holy what to say or think about the Holy what to say or think about the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. "Who is the Holy Spirit?" we asked. "Who is the Holy Spirit?" we asked. "Who is the Holy Spirit?" we asked. "Oh, well, you know, the Holy Spirit is "Oh, well, you know, the Holy Spirit is "Oh, well, you know, the Holy Spirit is Well, the Holy Spirit is God, right?" Well, the Holy Spirit is God, right?" Well, the Holy Spirit is God, right?" "Well, what does the Holy Spirit do?" we "Well, what does the Holy Spirit do?" we "Well, what does the Holy Spirit do?" we asked. "Oh, well, the Holy Spirit, you asked. "Oh, well, the Holy Spirit, you asked. "Oh, well, the Holy Spirit, you know, know, know, uh uh uh well, uh you know, the Holy Spirit does the uh you know, the Holy Spirit does the Holy Spirit things." And it's not that Holy Spirit things." And it's not that Holy Spirit things." And it's not that we didn't have any ideas, it's that we we didn't have any ideas, it's that we we didn't have any ideas, it's that we were less than confident in our answers. were less than confident in our answers. were less than confident in our answers. That's the goal for this series, to help That's the goal for this series, to help That's the goal for this series, to help us all confidently put into words who us all confidently put into words who us all confidently put into words who the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does in us and and what the Holy Spirit does in us and and what the Holy Spirit does in us and for us and through us.

for us and through us. for us and through us. A quick recap, then. Who is the Holy A quick recap, then. Who is the Holy A quick recap, then. Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third person of the triune God, Father, Son, person of the triune God, Father, Son, person of the triune God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. More to the point, and perhaps more More to the point, and perhaps more More to the point, and perhaps more helpfully, the Holy Spirit is God's helpfully, the Holy Spirit is God's helpfully, the Holy Spirit is God's power and presence in our lives today. power and presence in our lives today. power and presence in our lives today. The Holy Spirit is God's power and The Holy Spirit is God's power and The Holy Spirit is God's power and presence in our lives today. And what presence in our lives today. And what presence in our lives today. And what then does the Holy Spirit do? then does the Holy Spirit do? then does the Holy Spirit do? One mostly true answer is everything. One mostly true answer is everything. One mostly true answer is everything. There's no part of our lives, no place There's no part of our lives, no place There's no part of our lives, no place in our world that is untouched by or in our world that is untouched by or in our world that is untouched by or unavailable to the Holy Spirit. unavailable to the Holy Spirit. unavailable to the Holy Spirit. But to say that the Holy Spirit does But to say that the Holy Spirit does But to say that the Holy Spirit does everything or can do anything isn't everything or can do anything isn't everything or can do anything isn't really all that helpful as we think really all that helpful as we think really all that helpful as we think about our lives. about our lives. about our lives. So in this series so far, we've talked So in this series so far, we've talked So in this series so far, we've talked about two specific things that the Holy about two specific things that the Holy about two specific things that the Holy Spirit does. First, Spirit does. First, Spirit does. First, the Holy Spirit dwells in us. the Holy Spirit dwells in us. the Holy Spirit dwells in us. In some of the Old Testament stories, In some of the Old Testament stories, In some of the Old Testament stories, the stories of the judges, the kings, the stories of the judges, the kings, the stories of the judges, the kings, and the prophets, we're told that the and the prophets, we're told that the and the prophets, we're told that the spirit rested on these leaders. And for spirit rested on these leaders. And for spirit rested on these leaders. And for as long as the spirit remained resting as long as the spirit remained resting as long as the spirit remained resting on them, they had power and wisdom and on them, they had power and wisdom and on them, they had power and wisdom and authority from God to fulfill their authority from God to fulfill their authority from God to fulfill their particular role.

particular role. particular role. But if the spirit ever ceased to rest on But if the spirit ever ceased to rest on But if the spirit ever ceased to rest on rest on them, they lost that power, that rest on them, they lost that power, that rest on them, they lost that power, that wisdom, that authority. I'm thinking wisdom, that authority. I'm thinking wisdom, that authority. I'm thinking particularly of Saul, the first king of particularly of Saul, the first king of particularly of Saul, the first king of Israel. After several incidents of of Israel. After several incidents of of Israel. After several incidents of of disobedience, God's spirit departed from disobedience, God's spirit departed from disobedience, God's spirit departed from Saul. Saul. Saul. And that was the beginning of the end And that was the beginning of the end And that was the beginning of the end for him. It's perhaps the same thing for him. It's perhaps the same thing for him. It's perhaps the same thing that Israel's second king, David, has in that Israel's second king, David, has in that Israel's second king, David, has in mind when he writes Psalm 51, "Cast me mind when he writes Psalm 51, "Cast me mind when he writes Psalm 51, "Cast me not away from your presence. Do not take not away from your presence. Do not take not away from your presence. Do not take your Holy Spirit from me." your Holy Spirit from me." your Holy Spirit from me." But the Holy Spirit that we encounter in But the Holy Spirit that we encounter in But the Holy Spirit that we encounter in the New Testament, the one poured out on the New Testament, the one poured out on the New Testament, the one poured out on the day of Pentecost, it's the same the day of Pentecost, it's the same the day of Pentecost, it's the same spirit, spirit, spirit, but it behaves in a new way. Instead of but it behaves in a new way. Instead of but it behaves in a new way. Instead of resting on us, it dwells in us. resting on us, it dwells in us. resting on us, it dwells in us. This is a crucial distinction because it This is a crucial distinction because it This is a crucial distinction because it means that there is nothing temporary means that there is nothing temporary means that there is nothing temporary about the Spirit's presence in our about the Spirit's presence in our about the Spirit's presence in our lives. There's no danger that we'll lose lives. There's no danger that we'll lose lives. There's no danger that we'll lose the Spirit somehow. In fact, the Holy the Spirit somehow. In fact, the Holy the Spirit somehow. In fact, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us Spirit dwelling in us Spirit dwelling in us is the fulfillment of God's promise to is the fulfillment of God's promise to is the fulfillment of God's promise to be with us always. The Holy Spirit be with us always. The Holy Spirit be with us always. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, dwells in us, dwells in us, which makes possible the second thing which makes possible the second thing which makes possible the second thing that the Holy Spirit does.

that the Holy Spirit does. that the Holy Spirit does. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. The churchy word for this is The churchy word for this is The churchy word for this is sanctification, and it means that the sanctification, and it means that the sanctification, and it means that the Holy Spirit who dwells in us actually Holy Spirit who dwells in us actually Holy Spirit who dwells in us actually changes us, forms us into people who do changes us, forms us into people who do changes us, forms us into people who do good and are good. good and are good. good and are good. Transforms our lives so that they're Transforms our lives so that they're Transforms our lives so that they're defined by love, joy, peace, patience, defined by love, joy, peace, patience, defined by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Here's the gentleness, self-control. Here's the gentleness, self-control. Here's the key, though. key, though. key, though. The Holy Spirit doesn't do this to us. The Holy Spirit doesn't do this to us. The Holy Spirit doesn't do this to us. The Holy Spirit does this with us. The Holy Spirit does this with us. The Holy Spirit does this with us. To be made holy, we must be willing To be made holy, we must be willing To be made holy, we must be willing partners in the work, responding to the partners in the work, responding to the partners in the work, responding to the Spirit, making ourselves available to Spirit, making ourselves available to Spirit, making ourselves available to the Spirit's power through prayer and the Spirit's power through prayer and the Spirit's power through prayer and scripture and worship and service. scripture and worship and service. scripture and worship and service. The Spirit dwells in us, The Spirit dwells in us, The Spirit dwells in us, and the Spirit makes us holy. and the Spirit makes us holy. and the Spirit makes us holy. And today, the work of the Spirit that And today, the work of the Spirit that And today, the work of the Spirit that we'll consider is this. The Spirit forms we'll consider is this. The Spirit forms we'll consider is this. The Spirit forms a people, a people, a people, which is to say that the Holy Spirit which is to say that the Holy Spirit which is to say that the Holy Spirit takes all of us individuals takes all of us individuals takes all of us individuals and makes us one. By the power of the and makes us one. By the power of the and makes us one. By the power of the Spirit, we who are many become one body.

Spirit, we who are many become one body. Spirit, we who are many become one body. And the scripture that we'll read is And the scripture that we'll read is And the scripture that we'll read is from 1 Corinthians. It's a letter that from 1 Corinthians. It's a letter that from 1 Corinthians. It's a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in the ancient city of Corinth, and he's the ancient city of Corinth, and he's the ancient city of Corinth, and he's writing to them about unity in the writing to them about unity in the writing to them about unity in the Spirit because the people of this church Spirit because the people of this church Spirit because the people of this church had fallen into deep disunity. had fallen into deep disunity. had fallen into deep disunity. They'd created clear hierarchies in They'd created clear hierarchies in They'd created clear hierarchies in their communities based on who had which their communities based on who had which their communities based on who had which spiritual gifts. They'd fallen into spiritual gifts. They'd fallen into spiritual gifts. They'd fallen into factions again based around spiritual factions again based around spiritual factions again based around spiritual gifts. gifts. gifts. And they began to treat some as more And they began to treat some as more And they began to treat some as more important important important than others. And here's what Paul says than others. And here's what Paul says than others. And here's what Paul says to them. It's 1 Corinthians chapter 12. to them. It's 1 Corinthians chapter 12. to them. It's 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Therefore, I want you to understand that Therefore, I want you to understand that Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking by the spirit of God no one speaking by the spirit of God no one speaking by the spirit of God ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no one can say, "Jesus is Lord" except by one can say, "Jesus is Lord" except by one can say, "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a moment. Because this first verse moment. Because this first verse moment. Because this first verse initially feels out of place, but it's initially feels out of place, but it's initially feels out of place, but it's actually the foundation for the argument actually the foundation for the argument actually the foundation for the argument that Paul is about to make.

that Paul is about to make. that Paul is about to make. What he means here in this first verse What he means here in this first verse What he means here in this first verse is that the Holy Spirit is part of the is that the Holy Spirit is part of the is that the Holy Spirit is part of the life of every single person who life of every single person who life of every single person who confesses Jesus as Lord. It doesn't confesses Jesus as Lord. It doesn't confesses Jesus as Lord. It doesn't matter what your background is. matter what your background is. matter what your background is. In his world, that was Jew or Gentile. In his world, that was Jew or Gentile. In his world, that was Jew or Gentile. It doesn't matter if you have one of the It doesn't matter if you have one of the It doesn't matter if you have one of the fancier gifts of the spirit or not. What fancier gifts of the spirit or not. What fancier gifts of the spirit or not. What matters is that you have responded to matters is that you have responded to matters is that you have responded to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. "Jesus is Lord" is the earliest "Jesus is Lord" is the earliest "Jesus is Lord" is the earliest Christian confession. Christian confession. Christian confession. And to confess that Jesus is Lord is in And to confess that Jesus is Lord is in And to confess that Jesus is Lord is in itself evidence itself evidence itself evidence that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you. that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you. that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you. And Paul starts here so that every And Paul starts here so that every And Paul starts here so that every person in the Corinthian church, whether person in the Corinthian church, whether person in the Corinthian church, whether they think they're at the top of the they think they're at the top of the they think they're at the top of the heap or heap or somehow feel second heap or heap or somehow feel second heap or heap or somehow feel second class, he wants every person in that class, he wants every person in that class, he wants every person in that church to hear, "The Holy Spirit is at church to hear, "The Holy Spirit is at church to hear, "The Holy Spirit is at work in you." work in you." work in you." And that same Holy Spirit is at work in And that same Holy Spirit is at work in And that same Holy Spirit is at work in every single person around you, every single person around you, every single person around you, whether you can see it or not, whether you can see it or not, whether you can see it or not, and whether you like it or not.

and whether you like it or not. and whether you like it or not. He continues, "Now, there are varieties He continues, "Now, there are varieties He continues, "Now, there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit. of gifts, but the same spirit. of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are varieties of services, but And there are varieties of services, but And there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. And there are varieties the same Lord. And there are varieties the same Lord. And there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God of activities, but it is the same God of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. who activates all of them in everyone. who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of To each is given the manifestation of To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. the spirit for the common good. the spirit for the common good. To one is given through the spirit the To one is given through the spirit the To one is given through the spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the utterance of knowledge according to the utterance of knowledge according to the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing same spirit, to another gifts of healing same spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one spirit, to another the by the one spirit, to another the by the one spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another working of miracles, to another working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of prophecy, to another the discernment of prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of spirits, to another various kinds of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation tongues, to another the interpretation tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. of tongues. of tongues. All these are activated by one and the All these are activated by one and the All these are activated by one and the same spirit who lots to each one same spirit who lots to each one same spirit who lots to each one individually just as the spirit chooses. individually just as the spirit chooses. individually just as the spirit chooses. For just as the body is one and has many For just as the body is one and has many For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the members, and all the members of the members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, body, though many, are one body, body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

so it is with Christ. so it is with Christ. For in the one spirit we were all For in the one spirit we were all For in the one spirit we were all baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and we are all made to slaves or free, and we are all made to slaves or free, and we are all made to drink of one spirit. This is the word of drink of one spirit. This is the word of drink of one spirit. This is the word of God for the people of God. God for the people of God. God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Paul makes two Thanks be to God. Paul makes two Thanks be to God. Paul makes two powerful points. First, powerful points. First, powerful points. First, every person who confesses Jesus as Lord every person who confesses Jesus as Lord every person who confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit. is gifted by the Holy Spirit. is gifted by the Holy Spirit. Second, all of those spiritual gifts Second, all of those spiritual gifts Second, all of those spiritual gifts given to individuals are given for the given to individuals are given for the given to individuals are given for the good of the whole community. good of the whole community. good of the whole community. In our world, when someone is called In our world, when someone is called In our world, when someone is called gifted, it usually means that they have gifted, it usually means that they have gifted, it usually means that they have an an ability that lifts them above the an an ability that lifts them above the an an ability that lifts them above the rest of us rank and file folks. rest of us rank and file folks. rest of us rank and file folks. It implies a a greater promise, a It implies a a greater promise, a It implies a a greater promise, a greater potential for success. greater potential for success. greater potential for success. Paul's point runs a bit counter to our Paul's point runs a bit counter to our Paul's point runs a bit counter to our cultural assumptions, though. Paul says cultural assumptions, though. Paul says cultural assumptions, though. Paul says that everyone is gifted.

that everyone is gifted. that everyone is gifted. Not all in the same way, of course. How Not all in the same way, of course. How Not all in the same way, of course. How boring would it be if we all had the boring would it be if we all had the boring would it be if we all had the same gifts, the same talents, the same same gifts, the same talents, the same same gifts, the same talents, the same interests? He makes a list of some of interests? He makes a list of some of interests? He makes a list of some of the spiritual gifts they've been the spiritual gifts they've been the spiritual gifts they've been fighting about in Corinth. Wisdom, fighting about in Corinth. Wisdom, fighting about in Corinth. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues. It's not an discernment, tongues. It's not an discernment, tongues. It's not an exhaustive accounting of gifts. It's exhaustive accounting of gifts. It's exhaustive accounting of gifts. It's simply an illustration of the sheer simply an illustration of the sheer simply an illustration of the sheer variety of them. variety of them. variety of them. And most importantly, that the spirit is And most importantly, that the spirit is And most importantly, that the spirit is the source of all of them. the source of all of them. the source of all of them. I wonder if you have ever thought about I wonder if you have ever thought about I wonder if you have ever thought about your spiritual gift your spiritual gift your spiritual gift or your spiritual gifts. or your spiritual gifts. or your spiritual gifts. I suspect that some in the room have I suspect that some in the room have I suspect that some in the room have read a book about them or maybe taken a read a book about them or maybe taken a read a book about them or maybe taken a survey and and you've learned that you survey and and you've learned that you survey and and you've learned that you have the spiritual gift of leadership or have the spiritual gift of leadership or have the spiritual gift of leadership or faith or mercy or hospitality. faith or mercy or hospitality. faith or mercy or hospitality. Or maybe you've never thought about it Or maybe you've never thought about it Or maybe you've never thought about it at all. at all. at all. And today is the day that you'll start And today is the day that you'll start And today is the day that you'll start to wonder, what has God given me?

to wonder, what has God given me? to wonder, what has God given me? In the movie Encanto, it's an animated In the movie Encanto, it's an animated In the movie Encanto, it's an animated Disney movie. It came out maybe 5 years Disney movie. It came out maybe 5 years Disney movie. It came out maybe 5 years ago. In this movie, we meet the Madrigal ago. In this movie, we meet the Madrigal ago. In this movie, we meet the Madrigal family, each of whom receives a family, each of whom receives a family, each of whom receives a miraculous gift from Casita, the magical miraculous gift from Casita, the magical miraculous gift from Casita, the magical home in which they live. Julieta is home in which they live. Julieta is home in which they live. Julieta is given the ability to heal others through given the ability to heal others through given the ability to heal others through her cooking. her cooking. her cooking. Pepa can control the weather with her Pepa can control the weather with her Pepa can control the weather with her emotions. Luisa has super strength and emotions. Luisa has super strength and emotions. Luisa has super strength and everybody knows it. Anytime there's a everybody knows it. Anytime there's a everybody knows it. Anytime there's a problem to be fixed, call Luisa. She can problem to be fixed, call Luisa. She can problem to be fixed, call Luisa. She can move mountains. move mountains. move mountains. Each member of the family is given a Each member of the family is given a Each member of the family is given a gift except for Mirabel. gift except for Mirabel. gift except for Mirabel. On the day that Mirabel is supposed to On the day that Mirabel is supposed to On the day that Mirabel is supposed to receive her gift, nothing happens. receive her gift, nothing happens. receive her gift, nothing happens. And for several years, she lives with And for several years, she lives with And for several years, she lives with this disappointment, feeling as if she this disappointment, feeling as if she this disappointment, feeling as if she could never quite measure up to her could never quite measure up to her could never quite measure up to her siblings. siblings. siblings. And she always hears things like, "Aw, And she always hears things like, "Aw, And she always hears things like, "Aw, poor Mirabel, no gift."

poor Mirabel, no gift." poor Mirabel, no gift." That is until crisis comes, and her That is until crisis comes, and her That is until crisis comes, and her persistent love persistent love persistent love is what holds the family together and is what holds the family together and is what holds the family together and rebuilds a broken casita and ultimately rebuilds a broken casita and ultimately rebuilds a broken casita and ultimately saves the day. It wasn't that she didn't saves the day. It wasn't that she didn't saves the day. It wasn't that she didn't have a gift. have a gift. have a gift. It just wasn't like the others. It It just wasn't like the others. It It just wasn't like the others. It wasn't flashy or fun, but it mattered. wasn't flashy or fun, but it mattered. wasn't flashy or fun, but it mattered. What Paul is trying to teach the What Paul is trying to teach the What Paul is trying to teach the Corinthians is that all have gifts, Corinthians is that all have gifts, Corinthians is that all have gifts, and all gifts matter. and all gifts matter. and all gifts matter. This is important for us to remember This is important for us to remember This is important for us to remember today. All have gifts, and all gifts today. All have gifts, and all gifts today. All have gifts, and all gifts matter because some of us, we're like matter because some of us, we're like matter because some of us, we're like Mirabel. And we look at the people in Mirabel. And we look at the people in Mirabel. And we look at the people in our family or our colleagues at work or our family or our colleagues at work or our family or our colleagues at work or the friends at church or at school, and the friends at church or at school, and the friends at church or at school, and and we think, "Golly, they are so good and we think, "Golly, they are so good and we think, "Golly, they are so good at that. They are so talented. They are at that. They are so talented. They are at that. They are so talented. They are so accomplished. She's so confident. so accomplished. She's so confident. so accomplished. She's so confident. She's so wise. He's such a good listener She's so wise. He's such a good listener She's so wise. He's such a good listener and so funny, too." We look around and and so funny, too." We look around and and so funny, too." We look around and we see all these people with all these we see all these people with all these we see all these people with all these incredible gifts, and we think, "Ugh, incredible gifts, and we think, "Ugh, incredible gifts, and we think, "Ugh, poor me, no gift."

poor me, no gift." poor me, no gift." Well, it's just not true. God has given Well, it's just not true. God has given Well, it's just not true. God has given you, even you, a gift. you, even you, a gift. you, even you, a gift. And you maybe haven't named it yet, and And you maybe haven't named it yet, and And you maybe haven't named it yet, and maybe nobody's celebrated it yet. It maybe nobody's celebrated it yet. It maybe nobody's celebrated it yet. It might feel so very normal, like a quiet might feel so very normal, like a quiet might feel so very normal, like a quiet persistent love, but it's there. persistent love, but it's there. persistent love, but it's there. And it matters. And it matters. And it matters. The other side of it is this. Some of us The other side of it is this. Some of us The other side of it is this. Some of us have very obvious gifts, gifts that have very obvious gifts, gifts that have very obvious gifts, gifts that society values and affirms out loud, society values and affirms out loud, society values and affirms out loud, gifts like intellectual prowess, gifts like intellectual prowess, gifts like intellectual prowess, business acumen, athletic skill, business acumen, athletic skill, business acumen, athletic skill, leadership ability. Like Luisa, the leadership ability. Like Luisa, the leadership ability. Like Luisa, the strong one in Encanto, they get cheered strong one in Encanto, they get cheered strong one in Encanto, they get cheered at every corner. at every corner. at every corner. And we're tempted to think that it all And we're tempted to think that it all And we're tempted to think that it all rests on their shoulders. rests on their shoulders. rests on their shoulders. Maybe that's you. You've felt like that. Maybe that's you. You've felt like that. Maybe that's you. You've felt like that. Your gifting is obvious and people have Your gifting is obvious and people have Your gifting is obvious and people have been celebrating it since you were been celebrating it since you were been celebrating it since you were little. little. little. Well, your gift matters. Well, your gift matters. Well, your gift matters. It's lovely and it's wonderful, but it It's lovely and it's wonderful, but it It's lovely and it's wonderful, but it might feel like a lot of pressure might feel like a lot of pressure might feel like a lot of pressure sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. So, you should know that you're not So, you should know that you're not So, you should know that you're not alone. Every person who confesses Jesus alone. Every person who confesses Jesus alone. Every person who confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit. as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit. And all those gifts And all those gifts And all those gifts are given for the good of the whole are given for the good of the whole are given for the good of the whole community. community. community. That's Paul's second powerful point. In That's Paul's second powerful point. In That's Paul's second powerful point. In verse 7, he says it like this, "To each verse 7, he says it like this, "To each verse 7, he says it like this, "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit is given the manifestation of the Spirit is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." for the common good." for the common good." Now, the sad truth is that our world Now, the sad truth is that our world Now, the sad truth is that our world isn't exactly set up to seek after the isn't exactly set up to seek after the isn't exactly set up to seek after the common good. common good. common good. The incentives of life are are to look The incentives of life are are to look The incentives of life are are to look out for yourself and your family and out for yourself and your family and out for yourself and your family and maybe those who are a lot like you, but maybe those who are a lot like you, but maybe those who are a lot like you, but the idea of working for the common good the idea of working for the common good the idea of working for the common good has mostly faded from our shared has mostly faded from our shared has mostly faded from our shared commitments. commitments. commitments. But whatever it is that God has given But whatever it is that God has given But whatever it is that God has given you, you, you, patience, wisdom, generosity, courage, patience, wisdom, generosity, courage, patience, wisdom, generosity, courage, kindness, facility with music or math, kindness, facility with music or math, kindness, facility with music or math, superhuman strength, maybe the ability superhuman strength, maybe the ability superhuman strength, maybe the ability to heal people with your cooking, to heal people with your cooking, to heal people with your cooking, whatever the Holy Spirit has given you, whatever the Holy Spirit has given you, whatever the Holy Spirit has given you, that gift that gift that gift isn't for you. isn't for you. isn't for you. Again, this runs counter to our Again, this runs counter to our Again, this runs counter to our self-focused culture, but this is how self-focused culture, but this is how self-focused culture, but this is how the Holy Spirit takes all of us the Holy Spirit takes all of us the Holy Spirit takes all of us individuals and forms of people.

individuals and forms of people. individuals and forms of people. God gives each one a gift that the whole God gives each one a gift that the whole God gives each one a gift that the whole community needs. community needs. community needs. God gives gifts to each and to all so God gives gifts to each and to all so God gives gifts to each and to all so that the body that the body that the body can be healthy and whole. can be healthy and whole. can be healthy and whole. Several years ago, Elizabeth and I had a Several years ago, Elizabeth and I had a Several years ago, Elizabeth and I had a TV show that we watched. It was called TV show that we watched. It was called TV show that we watched. It was called Nashville. It was about country singers Nashville. It was about country singers Nashville. It was about country singers in Nashville. And there was this couple in Nashville. And there was this couple in Nashville. And there was this couple on the show who at this point in the on the show who at this point in the on the show who at this point in the plot were struggling. In particular, she plot were struggling. In particular, she plot were struggling. In particular, she was struggling. She knew she could sing. was struggling. She knew she could sing. was struggling. She knew she could sing. She knew she had great talent, but but She knew she had great talent, but but She knew she had great talent, but but she hadn't yet made it big. There was she hadn't yet made it big. There was she hadn't yet made it big. There was roadblock after roadblock. She was tired roadblock after roadblock. She was tired roadblock after roadblock. She was tired of the grind, getting ready to throw in of the grind, getting ready to throw in of the grind, getting ready to throw in the towel. the towel. the towel. And he writes this song for her, about And he writes this song for her, about And he writes this song for her, about her, to encourage her. And the chorus her, to encourage her. And the chorus her, to encourage her. And the chorus begins like this, "What if you are just begins like this, "What if you are just begins like this, "What if you are just a vessel, a vessel, a vessel, and God gave you something special? and God gave you something special? and God gave you something special? It ain't yours to throw away. It ain't yours to throw away. It ain't yours to throw away. Every time you open up your mouth, Every time you open up your mouth, Every time you open up your mouth, diamonds come rolling out. It ain't diamonds come rolling out. It ain't diamonds come rolling out. It ain't yours to throw away.

yours to throw away. yours to throw away. Now, what if you are just a vessel, Now, what if you are just a vessel, Now, what if you are just a vessel, and God gave you and God gave you and God gave you something special? something special? something special? Well, then it's not yours to throw away, Well, then it's not yours to throw away, Well, then it's not yours to throw away, because the church needs it. The world because the church needs it. The world because the church needs it. The world needs it. The gifts that God has given needs it. The gifts that God has given needs it. The gifts that God has given us, we hold them in trust. They're ours, us, we hold them in trust. They're ours, us, we hold them in trust. They're ours, yes, yes, yes, but to be used as the giver intends. but to be used as the giver intends. but to be used as the giver intends. Your purpose, your gift has a purpose Your purpose, your gift has a purpose Your purpose, your gift has a purpose far beyond you. far beyond you. far beyond you. And what God intends for each gift in And what God intends for each gift in And what God intends for each gift in this room is that it be used for the this room is that it be used for the this room is that it be used for the common good. common good. common good. And the common good is the health of the And the common good is the health of the And the common good is the health of the church that God has built. The common church that God has built. The common church that God has built. The common good is the healing of the world that good is the healing of the world that good is the healing of the world that God loves. God loves. God loves. And so this morning, let me invite you And so this morning, let me invite you And so this morning, let me invite you to ask yourself two questions. to ask yourself two questions. to ask yourself two questions. First, ask yourself, First, ask yourself, First, ask yourself, "What gift has God given me?" "What gift has God given me?" "What gift has God given me?" "What gift has God given me?" There are "What gift has God given me?" There are "What gift has God given me?" There are a thousand ways you might answer that a thousand ways you might answer that a thousand ways you might answer that question. Maybe it's one gift that you question. Maybe it's one gift that you question. Maybe it's one gift that you can name. Maybe it's two. Maybe it's a can name. Maybe it's two. Maybe it's a can name. Maybe it's two. Maybe it's a whole list of things. What gift whole list of things. What gift whole list of things. What gift has God given me?

has God given me? has God given me? And then the second question, "How am I And then the second question, "How am I And then the second question, "How am I using that gift? using that gift? using that gift? Am I using it for the common good? For Am I using it for the common good? For Am I using it for the common good? For the health of the church and the healing the health of the church and the healing the health of the church and the healing of the world? of the world? of the world? And once you've asked yourself those two And once you've asked yourself those two And once you've asked yourself those two questions, I'd like for you to do two questions, I'd like for you to do two questions, I'd like for you to do two things. things. things. First, First, First, tell someone you know tell someone you know tell someone you know what gift you think God has given them. what gift you think God has given them. what gift you think God has given them. Sometimes we fail to see the gifts that Sometimes we fail to see the gifts that Sometimes we fail to see the gifts that others bring. others bring. others bring. I think more often we can see the I think more often we can see the I think more often we can see the giftedness of others more clearly than giftedness of others more clearly than giftedness of others more clearly than they can see it in themselves. they can see it in themselves. they can see it in themselves. And we can help our friends recognize And we can help our friends recognize And we can help our friends recognize what they might not yet know about what they might not yet know about what they might not yet know about themselves. themselves. themselves. It's been 30 years now, but I still It's been 30 years now, but I still It's been 30 years now, but I still remember the first time someone told me, remember the first time someone told me, remember the first time someone told me, "Your spiritual gift is a tender heart." "Your spiritual gift is a tender heart." "Your spiritual gift is a tender heart." I didn't want a tender heart. I always I didn't want a tender heart. I always I didn't want a tender heart. I always thought that was a curse, but they saw thought that was a curse, but they saw thought that was a curse, but they saw it as a gift. it as a gift. it as a gift. For the sake of the common good, tell For the sake of the common good, tell For the sake of the common good, tell someone you know what gift you see in someone you know what gift you see in someone you know what gift you see in them.

them. them. And then finally, find one place to use And then finally, find one place to use And then finally, find one place to use your gift this week. Not someday, not your gift this week. Not someday, not your gift this week. Not someday, not when life slows down, not when you feel when life slows down, not when you feel when life slows down, not when you feel more qualified or confident, this week. more qualified or confident, this week. more qualified or confident, this week. If your gift is encouragement, encourage If your gift is encouragement, encourage If your gift is encouragement, encourage someone. If your gift is hospitality, someone. If your gift is hospitality, someone. If your gift is hospitality, invite someone in. If your gift is invite someone in. If your gift is invite someone in. If your gift is wisdom, share it. If your gift is wisdom, share it. If your gift is wisdom, share it. If your gift is generosity, practice it. If your gift is generosity, practice it. If your gift is generosity, practice it. If your gift is leadership, lead. If your gift is mercy, leadership, lead. If your gift is mercy, leadership, lead. If your gift is mercy, show mercy. The Holy Spirit does not show mercy. The Holy Spirit does not show mercy. The Holy Spirit does not give gifts as decorations to admire. give gifts as decorations to admire. give gifts as decorations to admire. The Holy Spirit gives gifts that are The Holy Spirit gives gifts that are The Holy Spirit gives gifts that are tools to use. tools to use. tools to use. The gift you've been given isn't yours The gift you've been given isn't yours The gift you've been given isn't yours to throw away. It's also not yours to to throw away. It's also not yours to to throw away. It's also not yours to put on a shelf. put on a shelf. put on a shelf. It was given to you for the common good, It was given to you for the common good, It was given to you for the common good, for the health of the church and the for the health of the church and the for the health of the church and the healing of the world. healing of the world. healing of the world. So, tell someone what gift you see in So, tell someone what gift you see in So, tell someone what gift you see in them. them. them. And then find a way to put your own gift And then find a way to put your own gift And then find a way to put your own gift to work. to work. to work. Because when every member of the body Because when every member of the body Because when every member of the body uses what God has given them, uses what God has given them, uses what God has given them, the church becomes what God intends for the church becomes what God intends for the church becomes what God intends for us to be.

us to be. us to be. Let's pray. Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving us powerless. us powerless. us powerless. You dwell within us, you make us holy, You dwell within us, you make us holy, You dwell within us, you make us holy, and you join us together as one body in and you join us together as one body in and you join us together as one body in Christ. Christ. Christ. Open our eyes to the gifts you've given Open our eyes to the gifts you've given Open our eyes to the gifts you've given us. us. us. When we're tempted to think we have When we're tempted to think we have When we're tempted to think we have nothing to offer, give us confidence nothing to offer, give us confidence nothing to offer, give us confidence that you are already working in us. that you are already working in us. that you are already working in us. When we're tempted to believe that we When we're tempted to believe that we When we're tempted to believe that we must do it all alone, remind us that we must do it all alone, remind us that we must do it all alone, remind us that we are surrounded by others. are surrounded by others. are surrounded by others. Help us to see and celebrate the gifts Help us to see and celebrate the gifts Help us to see and celebrate the gifts that everyone brings. that everyone brings. that everyone brings. And give us courage to use what you've And give us courage to use what you've And give us courage to use what you've entrusted for us, not for our own glory, entrusted for us, not for our own glory, entrusted for us, not for our own glory, but for the building of your church and but for the building of your church and but for the building of your church and the healing of your world. We ask all the healing of your world. We ask all the healing of your world. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our this in the name of Jesus Christ our this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Lord. Lord. Amen.