◆“Stewardship III: Gifts” (1 Peter 4:10-11) October 19, 2025

This is the third session in our study of stewardship. First, we studied stewardship of time, then stewardship of wealth and money, and today we will learn about “gifts.” Finally, we will divide into groups to discuss insights, revelations, and decisions prompted by the three sessions.

So, what are gifts? Gifts are something given to us, something received. In English, they are called “gifts” or “presents.” In Greek, they are called “charismata,” meaning something freely given by God. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “Each of you has received a gift… as faithful stewards of God’s grace, use it to serve one another.” Notice the word “each.” This means that every individual has been given gifts by God.

Gifts come in various forms: gifts in music, leadership, cleaning, and more. Knowledge and insight gained from personal experience can also be considered gifts. God tells us to regard these not as possessions we earned ourselves, but as things to be managed. To manage means to preserve and use something beneficially. For example, a building manager is not the owner. They are entrusted by the owner to keep the building clean and functional. Similarly, we are entrusted with our gifts to manage them.

You might say, “But I worked hard to develop my skills or knowledge.” That is true, but it is God who gave you the strength to work and showed you the field in which to apply it. Whether it is music, teaching, or keeping a building clean, each of us has been given a field by God.

The Bible says, “Use your gifts.” To use means to apply them. Failing to use them is not just a waste of treasure; it brings God’s sorrow and displeasure. How should we use them? Not to show off or gain something, but to serve one another.

We apply our gifts at work, in our community, and in the church, but today, let us focus on the church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 shows that gifts are given by the same Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Using the analogy of the body, each part—eyes, ears—has a role and depends on the others.

The ear hears. For example, if a loud noise comes from behind, the ear hears and the eyes check what happened. If there is danger, the feet take action. The brain gives commands, and under the brain’s direction, the body works together to protect itself. What if a part fails? The ear hears, the eyes see, but the feet do not move. If you can move but choose not to, safety is not ensured. Sometimes, obstacles require help from others. The church functions in the same way: each person uses their gifts to serve one another.

Let us also consider the danger of not using gifts. In Matthew 25:14-30, a master entrusts talents (money) to three servants before going on a journey: five, two, and one talent. Upon returning, the first two report profit and are praised as faithful servants. The last servant returns the one talent as it is, saying he hid it to avoid loss. The master rebukes him, saying he could have earned interest in the bank, and calls him a wicked, lazy servant.

Jesus used a relatable, even somewhat earthy parable. The point is clear: saying “I am not capable” or “I cannot do much” and failing to use your gifts is not merely a waste—it brings God’s displeasure.

Today’s message is brief. We will distribute a worksheet called the “Discover Your Gifts Sheet.” Use it to identify your gifts. Some may find what they expected, others may be surprised by unexpected gifts. Let it guide you, and let us use the gifts given to us for the church and for one another.

Sermon script modified based on proofreading and translation with ChatGPT.