WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.320 I know that most of you in this room are familiar with the phrase gifted and talented, especially from school. 00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:17.359 Some of you were in, or maybe even are right now, in a gifted and talented class. 00:00:18.019 --> 00:00:21.160 Of course, some of you were never in a gifted and talented class. 00:00:21.160 --> 00:00:29.400 Some of you in this room, I know you have or do teach a gifted and talented class. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.100 I don't have a problem at all with schools doing things like that. 00:00:33.560 --> 00:00:35.899 GT classes have their place for sure. 00:00:36.299 --> 00:00:43.820 But the fact is, they only test students for certain kinds of gifts and talents. 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:49.219 Most students don't meet the criteria to be in those classes. 00:00:49.219 --> 00:00:59.960 But students, just about every student would meet the criteria to get into some kind of gifted and talented class. 00:01:00.820 --> 00:01:09.200 Now, I know some of you teachers, thinking very cynically here, you've got students that their gift or talent is to be a terrorist. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:12.439 Disrupt your class. 00:01:13.359 --> 00:01:14.180 Threaten you. 00:01:14.180 --> 00:01:16.340 I know. 00:01:17.200 --> 00:01:20.260 I hear a lot about those kind of students. 00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:23.420 But let's think about it more seriously. 00:01:23.420 --> 00:01:36.219 God has designed every person in such a way that we all have certain gifts and talents. 00:01:36.219 --> 00:01:44.439 And I know that some of you teachers who see some of your most disruptive students, you see within them the potential. 00:01:45.739 --> 00:01:55.239 Because you see a gift or a talent that maybe has not been in an environment where it could develop and especially not flourish. 00:01:56.180 --> 00:01:58.219 Maybe that's your goal to try to bring it out. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:14.120 But each of us in this room, every single one of us, no matter what our age is now, we were created by God with specific gifts and talents that He intends for us to recognize, identify, develop, 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:24.819 and then use in a way that will serve Him, serve His purpose, and benefit other people. 00:02:24.819 --> 00:02:28.819 And the question is, at the beginning, are you doing that? 00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:43.500 Are you developing your gifts and talents, your God-given, God-designed gifts and talents, in a way that you can identify specific ways you are serving God, 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:50.579 pleasing Him right now in your life by using them, making a difference in other people's lives? 00:02:50.580 --> 00:02:56.020 With what God's given you, you're investing or helping them. 00:02:56.940 --> 00:03:05.520 Today, I want us to finish our stewardship series by looking at our God-given responsibility to be faithful stewards of our talents. 00:03:06.520 --> 00:03:16.980 Most of you were here when we've looked at how God has given us the responsibility to faithfully manage our time, our treasures. 00:03:16.979 --> 00:03:30.219 We're just looking at how God has given us the responsibility to take everything He's given us and use it wisely, manage it to the best of our ability. 00:03:30.959 --> 00:03:36.139 Stewardship is a very important concept that every Christian needs to understand and practice, 00:03:36.579 --> 00:03:45.099 because one day, we're going to give an accounting to God for just how well we have managed what He's entrusted to us. 00:03:45.099 --> 00:03:46.500 I want you to look at an article. 00:03:46.659 --> 00:03:51.460 It'll be a reminder for some of you, because I showed it the first day we began this series. 00:03:52.180 --> 00:03:55.439 Stewardship in all of life from the ESV Study Bible. 00:03:56.039 --> 00:03:56.560 Look at this. 00:03:56.579 --> 00:03:58.879 A good explanation of what we all need to understand. 00:04:00.299 --> 00:04:07.259 Whatever a person owns, he or she is to manage as a steward who is responsible to God. 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:14.379 Stewardship responsibilities extend not only to the creation, material possessions, and natural resources, 00:04:14.379 --> 00:04:21.100 but also to other things such as talents or skills that have been given by God. 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:23.060 Time and opportunities. 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:30.860 The wonderful responsibility of bearing and raising children and spiritual gifts and ministries. 00:04:31.519 --> 00:04:36.639 I want us to begin looking at our responsibilities, stewardship responsibilities, 00:04:37.600 --> 00:04:41.000 by noting what the Bible says about the way God has created us. 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:47.360 God creates every individual uniquely and purposefully. 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:49.980 God created everyone in His image. 00:04:50.259 --> 00:04:53.100 God created human beings in His image. 00:04:53.540 --> 00:04:55.779 Look at what it says in Genesis chapter 1. 00:04:56.459 --> 00:05:00.360 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him. 00:05:00.620 --> 00:05:02.720 Male and female He created them. 00:05:02.720 --> 00:05:10.759 Every human life was created in the image, the likeness of God. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:15.480 And nothing else in creation was created that way. 00:05:16.519 --> 00:05:21.199 Only human life, because of this, only human life is sacred. 00:05:22.459 --> 00:05:25.220 Now I know I'm a dog lover. 00:05:25.459 --> 00:05:27.100 Not a cat, but a dog lover. 00:05:27.180 --> 00:05:30.040 And I know that people in this room have dogs, cats, animals. 00:05:30.040 --> 00:05:35.260 And you would say, my dog, my cat, my animal's life is special. 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:37.200 And no doubt it is. 00:05:37.920 --> 00:05:41.020 And I think we have a responsibility to take care of whatever we have. 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:48.360 We have a responsibility to be good stewards of the animals that God has given us. 00:05:48.360 --> 00:05:57.939 As much as we love them, as important as they are to us, their life is not sacred. 00:05:58.939 --> 00:06:03.080 Because they are not created in the image of God. 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:05.040 Only humans. 00:06:05.639 --> 00:06:14.520 That makes us of worth and value unlike any other living thing in this world. 00:06:14.519 --> 00:06:20.699 But God doesn't make us in His image all the same, obviously. 00:06:21.159 --> 00:06:22.519 God creates us uniquely. 00:06:23.719 --> 00:06:26.939 Look at what the psalmist says in Psalm 139. 00:06:27.779 --> 00:06:29.519 For you formed my inward parts. 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:33.439 You knitted me together in my mother's womb. 00:06:34.359 --> 00:06:35.479 I praise you. 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:38.519 For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 00:06:39.859 --> 00:06:42.219 You are not you by accident. 00:06:42.220 --> 00:06:44.120 God made you. 00:06:45.180 --> 00:06:48.300 God created you to be you. 00:06:50.460 --> 00:06:52.180 From the time of conception. 00:06:53.020 --> 00:06:54.500 That's why human life is sacred. 00:06:54.880 --> 00:06:57.120 Human life in the womb needs to be protected. 00:06:57.720 --> 00:07:02.700 Human life in the womb that is destroyed is killing a living human being. 00:07:03.100 --> 00:07:03.780 It's wrong. 00:07:03.900 --> 00:07:07.200 It's morally, biblically wrong. 00:07:07.420 --> 00:07:08.740 We need to protect human life. 00:07:08.740 --> 00:07:12.480 But the point I want to make here is God created you in His image. 00:07:13.199 --> 00:07:13.920 But look around. 00:07:15.079 --> 00:07:19.340 No one in this room was created just alike. 00:07:19.600 --> 00:07:21.040 No matter where you go in life. 00:07:21.780 --> 00:07:23.879 No matter where you go in life. 00:07:24.139 --> 00:07:30.400 You're never going to find anyone that looks or acts or thinks exactly like you. 00:07:30.399 --> 00:07:33.500 Because God knitted us together. 00:07:36.060 --> 00:07:36.779 Individually. 00:07:37.799 --> 00:07:38.500 Uniquely. 00:07:39.299 --> 00:07:40.199 And the next point. 00:07:40.659 --> 00:07:41.459 For a purpose. 00:07:41.779 --> 00:07:43.659 God created us purposefully. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:45.859 Look again in Psalm 139. 00:07:46.359 --> 00:07:48.979 Your eyes saw my unformed substance. 00:07:49.620 --> 00:07:52.279 In your book were written every one of them. 00:07:52.699 --> 00:07:56.199 The days that were formed for me. 00:07:56.199 --> 00:08:00.339 When as yet there was none of them. 00:08:01.959 --> 00:08:05.420 God created us the way that we are. 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:08.500 For a specific purpose in this world. 00:08:09.539 --> 00:08:14.180 The prophet Jeremiah understood that God created him for a special purpose. 00:08:14.379 --> 00:08:15.459 To be his spokesman. 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:16.279 Be his prophet. 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:17.500 I want you to look at this. 00:08:18.060 --> 00:08:19.360 What Jeremiah understood. 00:08:19.839 --> 00:08:21.500 The word of the Lord came to me saying. 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:23.459 Before I formed you in the womb. 00:08:23.779 --> 00:08:24.819 I knew you. 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:26.019 Before you were born. 00:08:26.139 --> 00:08:27.180 I set you apart. 00:08:27.719 --> 00:08:31.480 I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:37.279 Several Bible writers describe how God has a purpose for our lives. 00:08:37.639 --> 00:08:44.620 By using the image of God forming us like a potter forms his clay. 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:47.700 Here's one example from Psalm 119. 00:08:48.700 --> 00:08:51.539 Your hands have made and fashioned me. 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:55.379 Give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 00:08:55.719 --> 00:08:57.559 Now I want you to note there's two truths there. 00:08:58.459 --> 00:09:01.379 Your hands have made and fashioned me. 00:09:01.559 --> 00:09:02.939 That's the point I'm trying to make here. 00:09:04.360 --> 00:09:10.079 But David understood that God had created him just as he is for a purpose. 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:12.439 And David wanted to know. 00:09:14.000 --> 00:09:15.980 He wanted to have understanding. 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:18.960 So that he could be faithful to God. 00:09:18.960 --> 00:09:20.680 In carrying out his purpose. 00:09:20.800 --> 00:09:22.659 He wanted to be able to do God's will. 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:24.440 To keep God's commandments. 00:09:25.159 --> 00:09:27.080 And so it's sort of a double truth there. 00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:28.580 But look at one more. 00:09:28.840 --> 00:09:31.019 Isaiah chapter 64 verse 8. 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:33.779 But now oh Lord you are our father. 00:09:34.300 --> 00:09:35.460 We are the clay. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:37.800 And you are our potter. 00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:40.019 We're all the work. 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:41.659 Of your hand. 00:09:41.659 --> 00:09:44.740 Here's what I want us to see in all these verses. 00:09:45.100 --> 00:09:46.100 It's coming to a point. 00:09:47.579 --> 00:09:53.360 The Bible is clear that our lives are not just our own. 00:09:54.759 --> 00:09:56.839 We truly belong to God. 00:09:58.079 --> 00:10:03.740 He created us in his image uniquely and purposefully. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:07.139 You look in the mirror. 00:10:07.139 --> 00:10:12.279 God created you like you are. 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:14.460 Now we can be the best that we can be. 00:10:15.919 --> 00:10:18.100 You know we can do everything we can do. 00:10:18.220 --> 00:10:19.139 Try to make ourselves. 00:10:19.259 --> 00:10:20.519 Some of us need to work even harder. 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:22.299 Try to make ourselves look better. 00:10:22.819 --> 00:10:23.779 What God has made. 00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:27.779 But we need to understand that God made us as we are. 00:10:29.059 --> 00:10:30.419 And God gave us talents. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:31.500 He gave us gifts. 00:10:32.179 --> 00:10:33.220 He gave us abilities. 00:10:33.220 --> 00:10:36.259 Some we just have. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:37.700 We're born with. 00:10:37.860 --> 00:10:38.879 Some we have developed. 00:10:39.019 --> 00:10:40.040 Really worked at. 00:10:40.540 --> 00:10:41.019 Refined. 00:10:42.279 --> 00:10:45.000 But God has designed you to be you. 00:10:45.660 --> 00:10:46.899 And gifted you. 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:49.820 For a specific purpose in this world. 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:52.340 And I don't mean some kind of unique. 00:10:52.519 --> 00:10:53.240 Far out something. 00:10:53.340 --> 00:10:54.300 But to be the person. 00:10:54.480 --> 00:10:55.660 He's called you to be. 00:10:55.779 --> 00:10:56.840 In your home. 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:58.019 With your family. 00:10:59.700 --> 00:11:00.920 Where you work. 00:11:00.920 --> 00:11:02.740 Among the people God's put you with. 00:11:03.220 --> 00:11:04.940 The people that you go to school with. 00:11:05.060 --> 00:11:06.820 People that you play sports with. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:08.420 Or involved with in whatever way. 00:11:10.100 --> 00:11:11.440 And we'll come back to the question. 00:11:12.180 --> 00:11:14.740 How are you using what God has given you? 00:11:16.820 --> 00:11:21.139 How are you using what God has given you. 00:11:21.360 --> 00:11:22.019 Gifted you. 00:11:22.460 --> 00:11:23.820 Talented you with. 00:11:24.660 --> 00:11:25.660 As a husband. 00:11:26.660 --> 00:11:27.700 To impact. 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:29.759 In a positive way. 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:30.779 Your wife. 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:32.019 As a father. 00:11:32.019 --> 00:11:32.059 As a father. 00:11:32.059 --> 00:11:33.100 Your children. 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:35.100 As a wife. 00:11:35.100 --> 00:11:35.740 Your husband. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:36.879 As a mother. 00:11:37.339 --> 00:11:38.579 As a child. 00:11:39.699 --> 00:11:41.899 As the person you are at work. 00:11:42.620 --> 00:11:44.639 Or whatever responsibilities you have in life. 00:11:44.939 --> 00:11:45.839 How are you taking. 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:48.939 Or are you seeking to take what God has given you. 00:11:50.220 --> 00:11:52.839 And use it to serve him. 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:54.560 By serving other people. 00:11:54.560 --> 00:11:57.480 Are you using this to. 00:11:58.040 --> 00:11:59.580 Impact other people's lives. 00:11:59.800 --> 00:12:00.820 In the most positive way. 00:12:00.960 --> 00:12:02.060 That you can. 00:12:03.340 --> 00:12:04.960 In your relationship with them. 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:08.220 That's what God's calling us to do. 00:12:09.060 --> 00:12:10.180 Generally speaking. 00:12:10.860 --> 00:12:12.259 Now I want us to dig a little deeper. 00:12:12.580 --> 00:12:13.580 To what the Bible says about. 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:15.560 Being faithful with the talents. 00:12:15.680 --> 00:12:16.540 God has given us. 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:17.580 As Christians. 00:12:17.780 --> 00:12:18.160 Number two. 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:20.879 God recreates every Christian. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:22.000 Purposefully. 00:12:22.299 --> 00:12:23.259 And uniquely. 00:12:23.959 --> 00:12:25.319 When the world was created. 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:27.459 When God created everything. 00:12:27.559 --> 00:12:28.559 In Genesis one and two. 00:12:29.559 --> 00:12:30.860 Everything was good. 00:12:30.939 --> 00:12:31.399 Wasn't it? 00:12:31.879 --> 00:12:33.139 Everything was perfect. 00:12:33.459 --> 00:12:34.939 There were no flaws. 00:12:36.719 --> 00:12:38.039 But something happened. 00:12:38.839 --> 00:12:40.439 Because you look around at this world. 00:12:40.559 --> 00:12:41.559 And you look in the mirror. 00:12:41.699 --> 00:12:42.559 And you look at one another. 00:12:42.919 --> 00:12:43.279 Nothing. 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:44.620 And no one is perfect. 00:12:44.679 --> 00:12:45.019 Is it? 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:46.500 Well. 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:46.539 Well. 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:48.080 The Bible tells us. 00:12:48.139 --> 00:12:48.899 In Genesis three. 00:12:49.440 --> 00:12:51.159 The original couple. 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:52.259 That God created. 00:12:52.340 --> 00:12:52.980 Adam and Eve. 00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:55.399 They chose to disobey God. 00:12:55.799 --> 00:12:57.259 They chose to sin. 00:12:58.779 --> 00:13:00.100 And then when they did. 00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:02.500 They corrupted everything. 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:04.720 That's why we enter the world. 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:05.639 With a sinful nature. 00:13:06.379 --> 00:13:07.879 That's why you don't have to teach your children. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:08.679 To tell a lie. 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:10.779 To fight with a brother or sister. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:12.039 To disobey you. 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:13.879 They have that sinful nature. 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:14.799 They want to live life. 00:13:15.419 --> 00:13:16.000 Their way. 00:13:16.500 --> 00:13:17.360 Not your way. 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:19.740 We all want to live life. 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:20.720 Our way. 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:22.759 Not God's way. 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:24.480 We're natural born. 00:13:25.080 --> 00:13:25.559 Rebels. 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:26.980 Because we have a sinful nature. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:28.480 And as we grow. 00:13:28.580 --> 00:13:29.080 And mature. 00:13:29.259 --> 00:13:30.320 We find different ways. 00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:31.740 To act on that sinful nature. 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:32.820 And actually do. 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:34.480 Sinful things. 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:36.620 The only way that. 00:13:37.460 --> 00:13:39.139 Anyone can be rescued. 00:13:39.980 --> 00:13:41.500 From this sin problem. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:42.500 Is through God's. 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:43.120 Is through God's. 00:13:43.480 --> 00:13:44.639 Gracious salvation. 00:13:44.639 --> 00:13:45.919 That comes. 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:48.299 Through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:50.000 If you are a Christian. 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:53.259 That means that God has done. 00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:54.740 A special work. 00:13:54.740 --> 00:13:55.740 Of re. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:56.840 Creation. 00:13:56.840 --> 00:13:57.539 In you. 00:13:58.019 --> 00:13:59.039 What Jesus called. 00:13:59.120 --> 00:13:59.899 A new birth. 00:14:01.659 --> 00:14:03.080 God has worked in you. 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:04.179 To give you the desire. 00:14:04.559 --> 00:14:05.500 To turn from. 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:07.139 Your rebellious way. 00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:08.179 Selfish way. 00:14:08.340 --> 00:14:08.980 Sinful way. 00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:10.620 God has given you. 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:11.080 The faith. 00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:11.840 To understand. 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:13.379 That when Jesus died on the cross. 00:14:13.460 --> 00:14:14.139 He actually took. 00:14:14.300 --> 00:14:15.060 The paid the penalty. 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:15.700 For your sin. 00:14:15.820 --> 00:14:16.560 Took your punishment. 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:19.200 God has worked in you. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:20.720 His. 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:22.000 Miraculous. 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:23.120 New birth. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:24.680 You've responded. 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:25.879 By turning from your sin. 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:26.920 And trusting in Jesus. 00:14:27.720 --> 00:14:29.500 God put his spirit in you. 00:14:30.060 --> 00:14:30.960 So you are now. 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:32.019 A new creature. 00:14:32.440 --> 00:14:33.279 New creation. 00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:34.139 The scripture says. 00:14:34.539 --> 00:14:35.420 We're going to think about it. 00:14:35.440 --> 00:14:35.820 Right now. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:36.080 As. 00:14:36.700 --> 00:14:37.200 You are. 00:14:37.460 --> 00:14:38.080 You have been. 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:38.960 Recreated. 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:40.019 By God. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:40.980 As a Christian. 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:42.039 Now. 00:14:42.659 --> 00:14:43.820 God saved you. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:44.740 For the purpose. 00:14:45.420 --> 00:14:46.620 Of displaying. 00:14:47.100 --> 00:14:47.500 You. 00:14:48.680 --> 00:14:49.620 As a work. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:50.300 Of his. 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:50.980 Art. 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:52.840 I want you to look with me. 00:14:52.899 --> 00:14:53.680 At a passage of scripture. 00:14:53.820 --> 00:14:54.379 From Ephesians. 00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:55.139 Chapter 2. 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:56.720 A lot of you are familiar. 00:14:56.820 --> 00:14:57.700 With the first two verses. 00:14:57.899 --> 00:14:58.580 Eight and ten. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:14:59.960 Eight and nine. 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:00.240 Rather. 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:01.320 But I want you to really. 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:02.840 Zero in on verse ten. 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:03.560 When we get to it. 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:04.940 Let's look at it. 00:15:05.320 --> 00:15:06.039 For by grace. 00:15:06.100 --> 00:15:06.740 You've been saved. 00:15:06.779 --> 00:15:07.440 Through faith. 00:15:07.480 --> 00:15:08.180 And this is not. 00:15:08.180 --> 00:15:08.860 Your own doing. 00:15:08.860 --> 00:15:09.899 It's the gift of God. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:12.460 Not a result of works. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:14.899 So that no one may boast. 00:15:15.560 --> 00:15:16.360 Look closely. 00:15:16.460 --> 00:15:16.879 Verse ten. 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.539 For we are his workmanship. 00:15:20.539 --> 00:15:21.840 Created in Christ Jesus. 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:23.139 For good works. 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:25.000 Which God prepared beforehand. 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:26.879 That we should walk in them. 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.500 That word workmanship. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:30.759 It was used in that day. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:30.779 It was used in that day. 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:32.860 To describe various kinds of. 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:34.539 Works of art. 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:36.399 Like a painting. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:39.419 A sculptured stone. 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:41.399 Or even a piece of literature. 00:15:42.179 --> 00:15:43.019 This verse. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.759 Could be translated. 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:46.159 More literally. 00:15:46.659 --> 00:15:48.440 We are his work of art. 00:15:48.440 --> 00:15:50.080 Or even. 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:52.360 We are his masterpiece. 00:15:52.360 --> 00:15:54.780 I want you to think. 00:15:54.860 --> 00:15:56.040 What Paul is saying here is. 00:15:56.380 --> 00:15:57.380 If you are a Christian. 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:01.200 God. 00:16:02.660 --> 00:16:03.840 Considers you now. 00:16:04.040 --> 00:16:04.540 His. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:06.320 Workmanship. 00:16:07.580 --> 00:16:09.620 You're his work of art. 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:12.160 You are his. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:13.660 Masterpiece. 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:15.059 It could even be said. 00:16:15.839 --> 00:16:16.899 Now the next phrase. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:18.439 Explains how God does this. 00:16:18.719 --> 00:16:19.019 It says. 00:16:19.339 --> 00:16:20.399 Created in. 00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:21.679 Christ Jesus. 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:23.139 The word created. 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:24.059 Refers to God's. 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:25.120 Sovereign work. 00:16:25.399 --> 00:16:26.179 Of salvation. 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:29.199 When God saves us. 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:30.480 He recreates us. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:31.379 As I said a moment ago. 00:16:31.839 --> 00:16:33.120 By putting his spirit. 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.100 In us. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:35.839 And through the power. 00:16:35.839 --> 00:16:36.600 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.159 We are called. 00:16:38.299 --> 00:16:39.199 To live in a way. 00:16:39.339 --> 00:16:39.839 That demonstrates. 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:40.839 That shows. 00:16:42.699 --> 00:16:43.559 How God is. 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:44.199 Worked in us. 00:16:45.139 --> 00:16:45.879 By the power. 00:16:45.939 --> 00:16:46.419 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.739 We can live. 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:48.399 In such a way. 00:16:48.459 --> 00:16:49.419 That we show. 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:50.399 We reveal. 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:52.779 That we've been changed. 00:16:53.859 --> 00:16:54.799 By God. 00:16:55.199 --> 00:16:56.139 When he saved us. 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:58.359 Have you ever thought about. 00:16:58.699 --> 00:16:59.479 How you. 00:17:01.119 --> 00:17:02.319 And it all begins. 00:17:02.339 --> 00:17:02.779 At home. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.579 For all of us. 00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:05.220 But at school. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:05.839 At work. 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:06.259 Wherever. 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:08.200 Have you ever thought about. 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:09.539 The people who see you. 00:17:09.639 --> 00:17:10.039 Know you. 00:17:10.139 --> 00:17:10.779 Interact with you. 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:13.059 They're supposed to see. 00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:13.700 An example. 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:15.159 Of God's work. 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:16.960 In you. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.599 That's exactly. 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:20.319 What Paul is saying. 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:20.980 In verse 10. 00:17:21.539 --> 00:17:23.000 For we are his workmanship. 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.720 Created in Christ Jesus. 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:26.619 For good works. 00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:27.879 That's what people see. 00:17:27.879 --> 00:17:29.599 Which God prepared. 00:17:29.839 --> 00:17:30.440 Beforehand. 00:17:30.639 --> 00:17:31.899 That we should walk in them. 00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:33.339 Verses 8 and 9. 00:17:33.440 --> 00:17:34.019 Make it clear. 00:17:35.159 --> 00:17:36.039 We do not. 00:17:36.139 --> 00:17:36.799 Save ourselves. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:38.039 By doing good things. 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:38.599 Good work. 00:17:38.679 --> 00:17:39.700 Do not save anyone. 00:17:39.700 --> 00:17:41.680 But verse 10. 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:42.340 Clearly says. 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.660 That we are saved. 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:45.200 By the grace of God. 00:17:45.259 --> 00:17:46.120 Through faith in Jesus. 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:47.799 In order to do. 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:49.140 Good works. 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:50.860 That God has prepared. 00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:51.799 In advance. 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:52.860 For us to do. 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:53.860 Now hang with me. 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:54.059 One. 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:55.340 Just real quickly. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:55.580 On. 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:56.799 On this idea. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:58.840 The good works. 00:17:58.920 --> 00:17:59.460 Described here. 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:00.340 Refers to the God. 00:18:00.460 --> 00:18:01.580 To our godly behavior. 00:18:01.580 --> 00:18:02.319 In general. 00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:04.240 Living a faithful. 00:18:04.340 --> 00:18:04.960 Christian life. 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:06.039 That Paul. 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:06.539 Sort of. 00:18:07.779 --> 00:18:08.259 Identifies. 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:08.960 A lot of it. 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:10.180 In chapters. 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:10.559 4. 00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:10.859 5. 00:18:10.900 --> 00:18:11.299 And 6. 00:18:11.339 --> 00:18:11.940 Of Ephesians. 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:13.720 We're in Ephesians 2. 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:14.579 8 through 10. 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:15.220 Well he goes on. 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:15.980 In chapter 4. 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:16.500 5. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.039 And 6. 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.379 To point out. 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:19.440 Ways. 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:21.220 That we. 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:22.259 Demonstrate. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.319 We're God's workmanship. 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:25.079 He points out good works. 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.339 He talks about. 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:27.099 Doing things like. 00:18:27.599 --> 00:18:28.839 Using your spiritual gifts. 00:18:28.900 --> 00:18:29.799 To serve other people. 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:31.619 He talks about. 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:32.680 Being sexually. 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.400 Pure. 00:18:35.099 --> 00:18:36.119 He talks about. 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:37.599 How vital it is. 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.259 That we be people. 00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:39.019 Who are known. 00:18:39.019 --> 00:18:40.779 For speaking the truth. 00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:42.939 Not lies. 00:18:44.379 --> 00:18:45.219 He even says. 00:18:45.359 --> 00:18:46.000 Some things about. 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:47.619 Learning to deal. 00:18:47.699 --> 00:18:48.659 With our anger. 00:18:49.399 --> 00:18:49.839 Appropriately. 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:51.980 And in a timely way. 00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:54.659 He says. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:56.159 That a part of our good works. 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:57.279 We need to learn. 00:18:57.359 --> 00:18:58.480 To forgive people. 00:18:59.439 --> 00:18:59.799 Forgive. 00:18:59.879 --> 00:19:01.219 Like God forgave us. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.539 And he has some things. 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:04.000 To say. 00:19:04.399 --> 00:19:05.299 About loving. 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:06.000 And serving. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.019 And serving. 00:19:06.159 --> 00:19:06.519 The people. 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:08.159 That God has put into our lives. 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.619 When he talks about. 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:10.339 The responsibility. 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:11.279 Of husbands. 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:12.819 Of wives. 00:19:12.919 --> 00:19:13.659 Of parents. 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.399 Of children. 00:19:15.159 --> 00:19:15.919 There's a section. 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:17.220 In Ephesians chapter 6. 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:17.720 It talks about. 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:18.899 Slaves and masters. 00:19:19.159 --> 00:19:20.200 And the application today. 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:21.000 Is talking about. 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:21.700 What kind of boss. 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.259 You ought to be. 00:19:22.759 --> 00:19:24.119 What kind of an employee. 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:25.319 You ought to be. 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:26.799 Where you work. 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:30.220 How many people. 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.319 Who interact with you. 00:19:31.379 --> 00:19:32.339 On a regular basis. 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:34.559 See. 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.779 These good works. 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:39.899 On display. 00:19:40.700 --> 00:19:41.839 In your life. 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:43.519 Now. 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:45.940 We all fail to demonstrate. 00:19:46.639 --> 00:19:47.839 These good works. 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:49.379 More often than we like to admit. 00:19:49.940 --> 00:19:50.759 All of us do. 00:19:51.899 --> 00:19:52.919 I'm going to say. 00:19:53.139 --> 00:19:54.119 A lot of people. 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:54.720 In this room. 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:54.819 When. 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:56.860 You left home. 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.460 This morning. 00:19:57.720 --> 00:19:58.519 Or at least. 00:19:58.640 --> 00:19:59.799 Arrived at church. 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:02.039 In less than a good mood. 00:20:03.140 --> 00:20:04.160 Because somebody. 00:20:04.380 --> 00:20:05.160 Was late. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:06.360 Somebody. 00:20:06.980 --> 00:20:07.579 Said something. 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:08.240 You didn't like. 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:09.539 Something happened. 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:10.779 And when you got here. 00:20:10.860 --> 00:20:11.319 This morning. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:12.240 You were ready. 00:20:12.339 --> 00:20:13.279 To get out of the car. 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.200 And separate. 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.700 From people you rode here with. 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:16.559 I've been there. 00:20:16.620 --> 00:20:17.019 Done that. 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:19.980 That's just life. 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:21.400 But. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.200 Think about. 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:24.440 The big picture. 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:29.100 Are there more times than not. 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:32.200 Is it more. 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:32.920 True. 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:33.640 Today. 00:20:35.420 --> 00:20:37.220 That when you first became a Christian. 00:20:37.920 --> 00:20:39.600 That people can see. 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.460 Evidence. 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:42.440 That God is at work in your life. 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:45.660 God is smoothing. 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:47.079 Some of your rough edges. 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:49.120 God is helping you. 00:20:49.180 --> 00:20:50.680 To clean up your language. 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:52.319 God is helping you. 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:54.140 To work on that temper. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:56.860 God is helping you. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:58.339 To be more compassionate. 00:20:59.100 --> 00:21:00.880 To demonstrate your love. 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:02.920 In more tangible ways. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:05.140 That's what God has. 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:07.100 Saved us. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:08.380 Worked in us. 00:21:08.600 --> 00:21:09.400 Prepared us. 00:21:09.600 --> 00:21:10.839 To be and do. 00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:11.759 In this world. 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.819 Demonstrate to people. 00:21:14.600 --> 00:21:15.640 We are his. 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:16.720 Workmanship. 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:18.920 By the good works. 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:20.319 The Christian character. 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:21.799 That we're developing. 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:22.880 And demonstrating. 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:24.539 But let's look at one more way. 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:26.100 That God works in each of his children. 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.740 God saved you. 00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:29.700 To fulfill a unique purpose. 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:30.980 In his family. 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:32.019 That is the church. 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:32.960 Look at this. 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:33.880 In Romans 12. 00:21:34.100 --> 00:21:35.460 Just as our bodies. 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:36.579 Have many parts. 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.819 And each part. 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:39.120 Has a special function. 00:21:39.119 --> 00:21:40.399 So it is. 00:21:40.399 --> 00:21:41.879 With Christ's body. 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:43.819 We are many parts. 00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:44.719 Of one body. 00:21:44.719 --> 00:21:45.759 And we all belong. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:46.519 To each other. 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:48.159 In his grace. 00:21:48.579 --> 00:21:49.739 God has given us. 00:21:49.739 --> 00:21:50.899 Different gifts. 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:53.099 For doing certain things. 00:21:53.379 --> 00:21:53.719 Well. 00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:54.719 And then from. 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:55.159 First Peter. 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:55.459 Four. 00:21:55.459 --> 00:21:55.759 Ten. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.659 As each has received. 00:21:57.659 --> 00:21:58.339 A gift. 00:21:58.899 --> 00:21:59.539 Use it. 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:00.719 To serve one another. 00:22:00.719 --> 00:22:02.039 As good stewards. 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:03.639 Of God's very grace. 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:05.439 God gives every Christian. 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:06.859 At least one spiritual gift. 00:22:06.859 --> 00:22:08.819 That he intends for us to use. 00:22:09.379 --> 00:22:10.459 In the life of this church. 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:12.859 In the ministry of this church. 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.679 I think sometimes. 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.899 When it comes to spiritual gifts. 00:22:16.939 --> 00:22:18.539 Sometimes we as Christians. 00:22:19.479 --> 00:22:21.439 Overly spiritualize. 00:22:21.439 --> 00:22:22.439 This idea. 00:22:23.439 --> 00:22:25.659 We wind up being more confused. 00:22:25.659 --> 00:22:27.139 Than informed. 00:22:27.859 --> 00:22:29.699 About what spiritual gifts really are. 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:32.259 I like the way Wayne Grudem. 00:22:32.379 --> 00:22:33.099 Just sort of boils. 00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:34.799 This spiritual gift idea down. 00:22:35.339 --> 00:22:36.379 And defines it like this. 00:22:36.439 --> 00:22:36.839 Look at it. 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:37.859 A spiritual gift. 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.419 A spiritual gift. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.399 Is any talent. 00:22:39.399 --> 00:22:40.159 Or ability. 00:22:40.159 --> 00:22:41.240 Which is empowered. 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:42.579 By the Holy Spirit. 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:44.459 And able to be used. 00:22:44.459 --> 00:22:45.839 In the ministry of the church. 00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:47.619 That is just. 00:22:47.919 --> 00:22:49.059 My favorite definition. 00:22:49.219 --> 00:22:49.939 Of a spiritual gift. 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:52.119 It is something. 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:52.659 That God. 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.339 Gives us. 00:22:55.379 --> 00:22:56.259 To use. 00:22:56.399 --> 00:22:56.839 In and through. 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:57.699 The church. 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.419 But it may be. 00:22:59.479 --> 00:23:00.459 A natural talent. 00:23:00.659 --> 00:23:00.799 That. 00:23:01.679 --> 00:23:02.379 That you had. 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.679 Before you ever became a Christian. 00:23:04.379 --> 00:23:05.319 Or it could be. 00:23:05.379 --> 00:23:06.159 Something special. 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:07.160 To use. 00:23:07.160 --> 00:23:08.000 To use. 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:08.840 Paul's imagery. 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:11.180 Each one of us. 00:23:12.180 --> 00:23:12.779 Is. 00:23:13.380 --> 00:23:13.960 A body. 00:23:14.180 --> 00:23:14.620 Part. 00:23:15.880 --> 00:23:16.820 In this. 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:17.800 Spiritual body. 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:18.759 Called the church. 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:20.820 And if we're going to be. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:22.120 A healthy church. 00:23:22.540 --> 00:23:23.720 All of us. 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:26.019 Must use. 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:26.980 Our gifts. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:27.900 Talents. 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:28.560 Abilities. 00:23:28.559 --> 00:23:31.139 For the. 00:23:31.679 --> 00:23:32.559 Good of the church. 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:33.679 The good of the body. 00:23:34.059 --> 00:23:35.200 The good of the family. 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:36.779 Just think about it. 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:39.740 Over. 00:23:40.159 --> 00:23:40.960 Thanksgiving day. 00:23:41.019 --> 00:23:41.359 Actually. 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.240 I was throwing a football. 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:43.839 At home. 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.419 With the family. 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:45.579 And I got hit. 00:23:45.639 --> 00:23:46.079 In the finger. 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.240 And this little pinky. 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:48.059 Got jammed. 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:49.460 And this has been bothering me. 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.319 Ever since then. 00:23:50.319 --> 00:23:53.740 This little finger. 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:55.579 Has been sore. 00:23:56.119 --> 00:23:57.879 It sort of irritated me. 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:59.579 To have to deal with it. 00:24:00.919 --> 00:24:02.619 You don't want to be. 00:24:02.740 --> 00:24:03.919 In the life of this church. 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:05.779 A sore finger. 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:09.500 That everybody knows you're here. 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:11.099 Because you're just an irritant. 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:13.839 You inflict pain. 00:24:13.939 --> 00:24:14.639 And discomfort. 00:24:15.419 --> 00:24:16.019 By your. 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:17.259 Presence. 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.819 But at the same time. 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:21.119 You don't want to be. 00:24:21.179 --> 00:24:22.199 Something that doesn't function. 00:24:22.379 --> 00:24:22.819 Like a. 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.539 Like your foot. 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:25.139 Going to sleep. 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.379 You ever been somewhere. 00:24:27.379 --> 00:24:28.719 Like at a doctor's office. 00:24:28.719 --> 00:24:29.859 And you wait forever. 00:24:30.899 --> 00:24:31.879 And maybe you're sitting. 00:24:31.879 --> 00:24:32.459 In such a way. 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.559 You don't really realize it. 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.819 Your foot's gone to sleep. 00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:35.299 And you think. 00:24:35.439 --> 00:24:36.619 They're going to call me. 00:24:36.679 --> 00:24:37.339 Right now. 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.639 And I can't get up. 00:24:38.659 --> 00:24:39.359 Without falling. 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:40.319 Flat on my face. 00:24:41.099 --> 00:24:42.759 You don't want to be. 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:43.879 That foot. 00:24:44.639 --> 00:24:45.579 That's asleep. 00:24:46.579 --> 00:24:48.379 That does nothing. 00:24:49.439 --> 00:24:50.480 Of value. 00:24:51.359 --> 00:24:52.639 In the life of the church. 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.059 You. 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.899 Are a member. 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.519 Of the body of Christ. 00:24:58.719 --> 00:25:00.059 Called Pickens First Baptist. 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:00.799 If you remember here. 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:01.659 And you're a Christian. 00:25:03.939 --> 00:25:05.419 You have God given. 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:05.899 Gifts. 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:06.439 Talents. 00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:07.059 Abilities. 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:11.000 Are you using them. 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:12.619 For the good. 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.959 The growth. 00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:15.079 Spiritual. 00:25:15.439 --> 00:25:16.039 Numerical. 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.000 Of this church. 00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:18.059 Are you using it. 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:18.659 For the benefit. 00:25:18.659 --> 00:25:20.059 Of people around you. 00:25:21.679 --> 00:25:22.939 Or are you. 00:25:24.579 --> 00:25:25.179 Causing. 00:25:25.839 --> 00:25:26.679 An irritant. 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:27.959 Or. 00:25:28.679 --> 00:25:29.279 Causing us. 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:30.179 Not to be able to function. 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:31.459 Just because you don't function. 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:33.839 One more thought. 00:25:34.579 --> 00:25:35.439 Are you faithfully. 00:25:35.559 --> 00:25:37.099 Serving the unique purpose. 00:25:37.099 --> 00:25:38.079 That God created. 00:25:38.079 --> 00:25:39.919 And recreated you to do. 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:41.240 In this world. 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.460 And in this church. 00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:44.799 The best tool. 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:46.199 I've ever seen. 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:47.240 For trying to discern. 00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:49.159 God's specific purpose. 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.679 For our life. 00:25:51.419 --> 00:25:52.599 And for our ministry. 00:25:53.019 --> 00:25:54.000 Is Rick Warren's. 00:25:54.139 --> 00:25:54.599 Acronym. 00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:55.299 Shape. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:57.659 I've shown it on several occasions. 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.399 I want to show it. 00:25:58.639 --> 00:25:59.559 Quickly here. 00:25:59.899 --> 00:26:00.980 Because I think it can help. 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:01.619 Anyone. 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:02.720 In fact. 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:03.460 If you are. 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:04.220 Particularly. 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:05.319 A young person. 00:26:05.420 --> 00:26:05.680 And you think. 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.440 I don't know what I want to do. 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:06.980 In my life. 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:08.880 Look at this acronym. 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:10.640 It can help you understand. 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:12.059 How God's made you. 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:13.860 How God has shaped you. 00:26:14.620 --> 00:26:15.839 To live in this world. 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:17.039 But the point is. 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:18.120 We need to see how God has. 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.579 Shaped us. 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:20.680 To serve him. 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:21.839 In the life of the church. 00:26:21.960 --> 00:26:22.500 That's the point. 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:23.019 Right now. 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:23.980 Let's look at it. 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:25.620 Your shape. 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:27.500 First is your spiritual gifts. 00:26:27.640 --> 00:26:28.460 Your God given. 00:26:28.600 --> 00:26:29.100 Spiritual gifts. 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:30.059 That we already looked at there. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.940 If you're just looking for. 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:32.240 What. 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.460 What I need to do in my life. 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.640 Think about your strengths. 00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:36.120 Let S stand for strengths. 00:26:36.120 --> 00:26:36.600 For you. 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:38.019 But then look at heart. 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:40.420 What's your heart's desire? 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:42.940 Where are your interests? 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.059 You know. 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:49.600 If you just really don't like children. 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:50.980 I mean. 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:51.940 It's like. 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:53.680 You're glad for other people to have them. 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:54.120 Just don't. 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:55.180 I don't want to be around them. 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:56.559 I don't have anything to do with them. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:58.799 Then you don't have a heart for children. 00:26:58.920 --> 00:27:00.799 So you should not work in a wanna. 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:03.420 You shouldn't be involved in our nursery. 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:05.539 If you just despise children. 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:07.319 That's not your calling. 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:08.480 For sure. 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.000 But what is? 00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:14.319 Where does your heart sort of move you? 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:16.180 A is for abilities. 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:18.059 Your natural talents. 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:20.700 The abilities that you have developed. 00:27:21.360 --> 00:27:22.579 What can you do? 00:27:23.840 --> 00:27:25.779 God's not gonna call you to do something in this church. 00:27:25.900 --> 00:27:28.779 That you just absolutely cannot do. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:30.259 That's not how it works. 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:31.259 Your personality. 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.879 Your personality. 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:33.519 Your uniqueness. 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:34.259 Your individuality. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:37.299 Some people are more introverted. 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:38.440 Some are more extroverted. 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:39.720 Some people. 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:42.539 If you thought you had to stand up. 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:43.819 In front of a large group. 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:44.640 And do something. 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:46.740 You would slip out right now. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.720 And never come back. 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:48.900 I can understand that. 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.440 Some people. 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.700 You've got to be around. 00:27:52.099 --> 00:27:52.839 A group. 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:54.200 Your gift is such. 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:54.879 You've got to do it. 00:27:55.099 --> 00:27:55.799 With people. 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:58.759 That's your personality. 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:00.799 The last one experiences. 00:28:02.339 --> 00:28:03.500 Your life experiences. 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:05.119 Good and bad. 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:06.599 What have you learned? 00:28:07.159 --> 00:28:08.500 What have you discovered about yourself? 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:09.599 That's a strength. 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.500 That's a weakness. 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.819 What can you do? 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:13.279 What can you not do? 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:17.419 I want to encourage you. 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:20.320 If you don't know. 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:22.420 How God has shaped you. 00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:23.360 To serve him. 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.240 Through this church. 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.640 Spend some time. 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:27.720 This afternoon. 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:28.480 This week. 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:29.660 Ask God. 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.440 To make it clear. 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:33.759 How he has shaped you. 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:35.539 To be involved. 00:28:35.820 --> 00:28:36.580 In the life and ministry. 00:28:36.660 --> 00:28:37.240 Of this church. 00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:40.500 If you think about it. 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.160 You pray about it. 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:41.759 You're still not sure. 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:43.380 Just do something. 00:28:44.580 --> 00:28:45.060 Experiment. 00:28:45.060 --> 00:28:45.240 Experiment. 00:28:45.840 --> 00:28:47.080 We learn a lot of things. 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:48.259 By trial and error. 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:48.779 We learn. 00:28:48.879 --> 00:28:49.519 There's some things. 00:28:49.819 --> 00:28:51.460 I just cannot do. 00:28:51.579 --> 00:28:52.559 Because we tried it. 00:28:52.939 --> 00:28:53.339 We learn. 00:28:53.460 --> 00:28:53.799 Sometimes. 00:28:53.879 --> 00:28:54.240 There's something. 00:28:54.419 --> 00:28:55.159 That I can do. 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.960 Just by giving it a shot. 00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:59.339 Ask people. 00:28:59.879 --> 00:29:01.119 Who know you. 00:29:01.379 --> 00:29:02.439 And will tell you the truth. 00:29:03.299 --> 00:29:04.339 How they think. 00:29:04.439 --> 00:29:04.679 Maybe. 00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:06.539 God has shaped you. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:07.220 Now. 00:29:07.299 --> 00:29:07.960 I want to encourage you. 00:29:08.819 --> 00:29:09.599 Let somebody. 00:29:09.740 --> 00:29:10.240 You ask somebody. 00:29:10.319 --> 00:29:10.539 That you think. 00:29:10.559 --> 00:29:11.579 Will tell you the truth. 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:12.419 Be prepared. 00:29:12.419 --> 00:29:14.599 When I first started preaching. 00:29:15.399 --> 00:29:15.879 I was. 00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:17.199 20 years old. 00:29:17.299 --> 00:29:18.159 21 years old. 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:19.399 And I go to places. 00:29:19.899 --> 00:29:20.699 And no matter what. 00:29:20.779 --> 00:29:21.980 People always came up to me afterwards. 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:22.579 Talked to me. 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:23.779 How good it was. 00:29:23.879 --> 00:29:24.500 I told this. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.299 One time. 00:29:25.359 --> 00:29:25.959 A long time ago. 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:27.359 I went one place. 00:29:27.419 --> 00:29:28.519 There was this older lady. 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.419 Who was kin to me. 00:29:29.459 --> 00:29:30.000 I didn't know her. 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:31.039 But she told me she was kin. 00:29:31.099 --> 00:29:31.819 I figured she was. 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:32.659 Telling the truth. 00:29:33.199 --> 00:29:34.480 And she came up to me afterwards. 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:35.439 And she looked at me and smiled. 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:35.819 She said. 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:36.539 Don't worry about it. 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:37.359 You're going to get better. 00:29:37.359 --> 00:29:37.919 And. 00:29:40.919 --> 00:29:42.519 And I appreciated that. 00:29:43.579 --> 00:29:45.479 It let the air out of my bubble. 00:29:45.659 --> 00:29:45.859 You know. 00:29:46.439 --> 00:29:48.099 Brought me back down to reality. 00:29:48.859 --> 00:29:49.919 And sometimes. 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:52.000 You may need to tell somebody. 00:29:52.519 --> 00:29:53.759 Don't worry about it. 00:29:54.199 --> 00:29:55.439 This ain't your gift. 00:29:55.719 --> 00:29:57.339 Or you will get better. 00:29:57.439 --> 00:29:58.339 Or something like that. 00:29:59.159 --> 00:30:00.219 But I want to encourage you. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:03.539 Look for ways to serve God. 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:06.899 By doing his good works. 00:30:06.899 --> 00:30:08.559 In terms of living like a Christian. 00:30:09.099 --> 00:30:09.839 Living like. 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:12.440 Or showing Christ like character. 00:30:13.119 --> 00:30:14.920 Right where you are right now. 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:15.399 In whatever. 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:16.819 Your home. 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.200 Work. 00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:17.659 School. 00:30:18.059 --> 00:30:19.319 Community involvement is. 00:30:20.639 --> 00:30:21.839 Everyone in this room. 00:30:21.940 --> 00:30:23.099 Is not considered. 00:30:23.819 --> 00:30:24.579 A gifted. 00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:25.700 And talented. 00:30:26.899 --> 00:30:27.379 Individual. 00:30:27.879 --> 00:30:29.000 In the big scheme of things. 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.059 Everybody in this room. 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:30.680 Was not a gifted. 00:30:30.839 --> 00:30:31.180 And talented. 00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:31.920 Student. 00:30:32.099 --> 00:30:32.539 In school. 00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:34.200 But if you are a Christian. 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:36.599 You are a gifted. 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.599 And talented. 00:30:37.920 --> 00:30:38.740 Church member. 00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:40.279 I want you to understand that. 00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:41.519 Take it seriously. 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:43.319 God has given you. 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.460 Those gifts and talents. 00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:45.700 For you to wisely. 00:30:46.399 --> 00:30:46.839 Manage. 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:48.180 And one day. 00:30:48.619 --> 00:30:49.720 He's going to call you. 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.759 To give an account. 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:53.559 Of how well you've managed them. 00:30:53.659 --> 00:30:55.019 How well you've used them. 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:57.180 Ask God to help you. 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:57.899 To live your life. 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:58.619 In such a way. 00:30:58.619 --> 00:31:01.759 That when judgment day comes. 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:04.599 You're not going to be terrified. 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:07.659 But by his grace. 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:10.839 You're going to be. 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:12.259 Ready. 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:14.319 To stand before him. 00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:16.920 And tell him. 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:18.619 How you have at least attempted. 00:31:19.659 --> 00:31:22.019 To be a faithful manager. 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:24.519 Of the time talents. 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:26.019 And treasures. 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:28.119 That he has given you. 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:29.759 Let's pray together. 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:30.240 Father. 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:32.319 Father. 00:31:33.319 --> 00:31:34.319 Show us now. 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:39.539 How you have shaped us. 00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:43.879 Confirm to us. 00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:45.039 How you've shaped us. 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:46.740 And Father. 00:31:46.900 --> 00:31:47.940 I pray that people in this room. 00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:49.299 Who are serving you. 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:51.599 They know how you've shaped them. 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:52.519 They are serving. 00:31:53.000 --> 00:31:53.740 Affirm them. 00:31:53.960 --> 00:31:54.859 Encourage them. 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:57.319 Help them to know dear God. 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:59.519 That first. 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:00.919 And foremost. 00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:03.000 They are serving you. 00:32:04.359 --> 00:32:04.960 And help them. 00:32:05.159 --> 00:32:05.220 Father. 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:06.039 To be faithful. 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:08.240 And leave the results. 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:08.740 With you. 00:32:10.839 --> 00:32:11.279 Father. 00:32:11.379 --> 00:32:12.399 If there are people in this room. 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:12.679 Who. 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.839 Who are out of shape. 00:32:16.439 --> 00:32:18.200 They're attempting to serve you. 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.879 In ways. 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:22.039 That they really aren't. 00:32:22.919 --> 00:32:23.759 Shaped to do. 00:32:24.439 --> 00:32:25.379 Help them to see that. 00:32:25.460 --> 00:32:26.419 And to change. 00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:28.539 Help them not to be miserable. 00:32:29.100 --> 00:32:30.019 In what they do. 00:32:30.100 --> 00:32:30.779 Help them not to. 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:32.460 Not want to come. 00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:33.440 Because they don't want to do. 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:33.860 What they. 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:35.600 Have previously committed to doing. 00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:38.220 Help them to find their true. 00:32:38.640 --> 00:32:38.960 Shape. 00:32:39.120 --> 00:32:40.320 Where serving you. 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:41.240 Will be a joy. 00:32:44.140 --> 00:32:45.580 Or they'll be affirmed. 00:32:47.580 --> 00:32:47.980 But Lord. 00:32:48.060 --> 00:32:48.800 If there are people in this room. 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:49.039 Who. 00:32:49.580 --> 00:32:51.039 Are not doing anything. 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:52.300 With what you've given them. 00:32:52.600 --> 00:32:53.240 Convict them. 00:32:53.320 --> 00:32:54.080 That's sin. 00:32:54.079 --> 00:32:56.099 That's laziness. 00:32:56.099 --> 00:32:56.419 Or selfishness. 00:32:58.720 --> 00:33:00.480 Or just plain indifference. 00:33:02.179 --> 00:33:02.939 Help them dear God. 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:03.740 To identify. 00:33:04.799 --> 00:33:06.619 How you have shaped them. 00:33:07.619 --> 00:33:09.139 Then find a way. 00:33:09.679 --> 00:33:10.859 To serve you. 00:33:11.139 --> 00:33:12.399 In and through this church. 00:33:12.399 --> 00:33:12.839 Lord. 00:33:13.559 --> 00:33:15.059 Even help us all. 00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:17.939 To recognize how you have. 00:33:18.679 --> 00:33:19.899 Gifted us. 00:33:19.900 --> 00:33:22.940 To be in this world. 00:33:23.420 --> 00:33:24.580 Making a difference. 00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:28.140 As your workmanship. 00:33:29.640 --> 00:33:30.900 Let's just in attitude of prayer. 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:31.840 Respond to the Lord. 00:33:32.280 --> 00:33:33.320 As he speaks to us. 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:36.600 That's what this time is all about. 00:33:37.100 --> 00:33:38.620 But I would be happy to pray with you. 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:40.080 Consider it a privilege. 00:33:40.580 --> 00:33:41.680 If you'd like for me to pray. 00:33:41.820 --> 00:33:42.900 During these next few minutes. 00:33:42.900 --> 00:33:43.780 Like you. 00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:46.200 Do not let am希望. 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:48.040 Let's be right back. 00:33:48.120 --> 00:33:48.340 Ta 나. 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:48.860 Then weekends. 00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:49.080 As your workmanship. 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:49.620 Then there is everything. 00:33:49.640 --> 00:33:51.640 lles that you'll be bare thinking. 00:33:51.900 --> 00:33:52.080 For me. 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.780 To be honest. 00:33:53.960 --> 00:33:54.460 Use it. 00:33:54.580 --> 00:33:55.259 So no, there's something you. 00:33:55.340 --> 00:33:55.540 Quick hand. 00:33:55.640 --> 00:33:56.460 Give me your life. 00:33:56.640 --> 00:33:57.440 Kiss it and put it Amen. 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:57.700 Beweet us. 00:33:57.820 --> 00:33:58.259 To live your feelings. 00:33:58.740 --> 00:33:58.960 If you'll call us. 00:33:59.040 --> 00:33:59.900 Let your efforts. 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:00.940 Let's watch victory. 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:01.640 Let your knees bet. 00:34:01.860 --> 00:34:02.000 Water. 00:34:02.019 --> 00:34:02.380 For me to give a rest. 00:34:02.380 --> 00:34:03.340 input було. 00:34:03.860 --> 00:34:04.420 Say it a namelijk. 00:34:04.580 --> 00:34:05.300 To live hands for me. 00:34:05.320 --> 00:34:06.700 Put works. 00:34:06.880 --> 00:34:07.900 To live in this place. 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.760 To live your body. 00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:09.420 I'll have much. 00:34:09.420 --> 00:34:10.420 So no, there's anything you.