Dharius Daniels - I'm Gifted

I want to read something from 1 Corinthians 12, verses 1 and 2, as it will serve as a foundation and launching point for us to dive into this series of lessons on the subject. In 1 Corinthians, this is the first letter that the Apostle Paul writes to the believers in Corinth, and he is responding to some issues he has become aware of in that Christian community. This is what he says: in 1 Corinthians 12, verses 1 and 2, we’re going to provide you with some additional support on the screen. It says that Paul writes, «Now, about the gifts of the Spirit…» In the first eleven chapters, he has been addressing various topics. In Chapter 12, verse 1, Paul states, «Now concerning the gifts of the Spirit, my brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.» One translation even states, «I don’t want you to be ignorant.» Let me explain why this is important. This is significant not just because of what God says or what Paul says, but because of who Paul is addressing. He is speaking to the Corinthians.

If you’re unfamiliar with Corinth during this period in human history when this epistle was written, I want you to envision this scenario: a place located where Miami is, populated like New York, but operating like Las Vegas. I’ll say that again for clarity. Imagine a city located where Miami is, populated like New York, and operating like Las Vegas. That’s the context of Corinth. They were dealing with numerous issues; this was a new Christian community with new believers, facing a plethora of problems that Paul was helping them navigate. There was some chaotic behavior in Corinth; it was outrageous, and on another level. Paul could have addressed many topics, but when he reaches Chapter 12, he emphasizes that out of all the other subjects, this one is critical, and he does not want them to be uninformed about it.

I believe this is essential because many of us, let’s be honest, treat spiritual gifts like accessories rather than necessities. I’ll repeat that: many of us treat spiritual gifts as if they are accessories rather than necessities. Paul insists that he must talk to them about this because they cannot afford to be uninformed. When he says «uninformed» or when another writer uses the word «ignorance, ” he is not calling them unintelligent; rather, he is indicating that they either have no information, too little information, or incorrect information about this subject. Paul stresses the need to address this because he recognizes its importance.

I want to echo the same message to those of us watching this teaching right now, whether live or three years down the road. What Paul communicated to them, I am reiterating to us: this is not an area we can afford to be uninformed about. When it comes to living life as God intended, and when it comes to fulfilling and accomplishing our purpose, we cannot get purpose right if we are getting spiritual gifts wrong. I’ll say that again: we cannot get purpose right if we are getting spiritual gifts wrong. Discovering my spiritual gifts is crucial to deploying my calling.

Consider the term „deploy,“ which is often used in a military context. God wants to deploy you and me into the world. We are part of God’s kingdom, sent to be missionaries here on earth to influence it with heaven’s agenda. God asserts that we cannot do that without properly understanding, embracing, and unleashing our spiritual gifts. I am telling you, I am getting ready—I said I was getting ready to run but I’m not getting up and running, but I am preparing to do something.

What many of us have been doing is adding value to the world and to others with some assets that God has given us. However, many of us have not been utilizing all the assets and abilities that God has provided. Therefore, you may be making a difference, but you are not making your difference. I’ll repeat that: many of us have been helping others using some of the assets and abilities God has given, but not all of them. As a result, you are making a difference, but you are not making your difference. Making your difference is what determines whether you reach your destiny. Did you hear what I just said? Making your difference is crucial. This is so important that in Matthew chapter 7, Jesus is engaged in a conversation, and he says…