In 1 Corinthians 1: 12 Paul writes a whole chapter on the anatomy of serving, which was the basis for Pastor Troy Murphy’s message on Sunday, Oct. 21. Here are some key points:

*Every person who surrenders his or her life to Jesus has a spiritual gift. God has uniquely given you a spiritual gift. God has designed the church perfectly by hand-crafting each individual gift.

*Spiritual gifts are given by God for the good of others and are not meant to be developed for our benefit. Although it’s nice to be affirmed when we serve, that should not be our motivation. Our gifts should be used for the common good of the church body.

*There are many spiritual gifts and all are empowered by the Holy Spirit. There is unity in diversity. There aren’t levels of gifts in which we rate some better than others. We shouldn’t have the attitude that we will work hard to get a gift that someone else has. That will lead us to pick and choose gifts based on what we want to pursue, instead of resting in what God has given us. We don’t pursue gifts based on our desires.

*We cannot believe the following lies: “I work better alone” “I’m not important.” If we believe that, we’re not connected to the body. What if some parts of your body didn’t show up on a given day? There would be a mess.

*Everyone is unique. What God has given you and your story and abilities are the very things the body of Christ needs. He specifically crafted you. We’ve elevated too many roles — teaching roles, the ones people see. But we must get to the heart of the issue of why we think those are so important. Paul says every part is important. There are roles in church you will never see and notice that are vital.

*Spiritual gifts are diverse but work together as one to glorify what God has designed. One thing we can all do is be a servant. Servants model for us the most foundational role in our life. There are so many servants in our church. 

*What is your heart attitude toward serving? Many times throughout the Bible God asked men and women to do something and it wasn’t what they wanted to do. You shouldn’t wait for God to say you are perfect for the job. When it comes to serving, you are complete for the job He wants you to do.

*We are all to have equal concern and care for all the gifts. God gives honor to those who aren’t seen or who are quietly or secretly serving. A toe might not seem like a vital part of your body — until you break it and find out how difficult it is to walk. The body of Christ is so connected physiologically that it knows when parts of the body are hurting.

*Our gifts are to be used out of a love for God, not out of personal gratification. My gifts are not for me. My gifts are for others. God has gifted me for you. God has gifted you for me, so the body of Christ would be equipped.

*The service of the body of Christ is a beautiful symphony of us working together. The body of Christ needs to be connected.

*Think of our spiritual gifts as musical talents — sone play the guitar, others sing, others can harmonize, and still others play a variety of different instruments. When you don’t bring your talent, the music doesn’t sound as good. But when you are part of the symphony God has orchestrated for the church, beautiful music is heard. Your voice or instrument is needed.

Discussion questions

What are some ways you feel connected to the body of Christ?

Is your spiritual gift connected?

What are some ways you can get better connected by using your talents, time and treasure?

What holds you back from serving?

Does it motivate you to serve knowing you are needed and that God has a purpose for you?