1 00:00:00,580 --> 00:00:03,440 In the months of September, October, and November 2 00:00:03,440 --> 00:00:07,100 of 1951, an evangelist and his team came 3 00:00:07,100 --> 00:00:09,740 to my hometown, and I'll never forget the 4 00:00:09,740 --> 00:00:11,560 opening service nor the ones that followed. 5 00:00:12,120 --> 00:00:14,320 When the first meeting got underway, the temporary 6 00:00:14,320 --> 00:00:16,740 tabernacle that had been built specifically for this 7 00:00:16,740 --> 00:00:19,340 great crusade was filled to capacity. 8 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:22,260 Now, it was designed to seat about 18 9 00:00:22,260 --> 00:00:25,360 ,000 people, but over 20,000 had crowded 10 00:00:25,360 --> 00:00:27,460 in and another 20,000 were standing around 11 00:00:27,460 --> 00:00:28,300 just outside. 12 00:00:29,200 --> 00:00:31,060 When the song leader began to lead the 13 00:00:31,060 --> 00:00:33,500 great 1,000-voice choir and then turned 14 00:00:33,500 --> 00:00:35,800 to lead the additional 40,000 folks in 15 00:00:35,800 --> 00:00:38,100 the audience to sing the great songs of 16 00:00:38,100 --> 00:00:39,920 the faith, believe me, it was a wonderful 17 00:00:39,920 --> 00:00:42,620 sight to see and even more wonderful to 18 00:00:42,620 --> 00:00:42,880 hear. 19 00:00:43,840 --> 00:00:45,820 During the weeks of this great campaign, I 20 00:00:45,820 --> 00:00:49,040 observed each member of the evangelistic team and 21 00:00:49,040 --> 00:00:50,860 came to the conclusion that each one was 22 00:00:50,860 --> 00:00:52,980 an individual that had been highly trained in 23 00:00:52,980 --> 00:00:54,120 his area of service. 24 00:00:54,700 --> 00:00:57,340 Each seemed to have a specific spiritual gift, 25 00:00:57,420 --> 00:00:59,340 and a spiritual gift was being used to 26 00:00:59,340 --> 00:01:01,640 its fullest capacity in just the right place 27 00:01:01,640 --> 00:01:04,040 so as to make this great campaign function 28 00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:04,600 properly. 29 00:01:05,560 --> 00:01:07,380 And I also noticed that each one of 30 00:01:07,380 --> 00:01:09,560 these gifted men were supremely happy as he 31 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:10,540 went about his task. 32 00:01:11,540 --> 00:01:13,040 The reason I tell you all this is 33 00:01:13,040 --> 00:01:14,720 because I want to make a very important 34 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:15,160 point. 35 00:01:15,600 --> 00:01:17,840 I remember saying to myself over and over 36 00:01:17,840 --> 00:01:20,760 again as the campaign progressed, wouldn't it be 37 00:01:20,760 --> 00:01:23,400 wonderful if every Christian in the whole wide 38 00:01:23,400 --> 00:01:26,020 world could have some active part in such 39 00:01:26,020 --> 00:01:27,160 a campaign as this? 40 00:01:27,940 --> 00:01:30,180 I said to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful 41 00:01:30,180 --> 00:01:32,860 if every Christian had some spiritual gift given 42 00:01:32,860 --> 00:01:33,880 to him from God? 43 00:01:34,480 --> 00:01:36,560 Wouldn't it be wonderful if every Christian could 44 00:01:36,560 --> 00:01:39,260 discover his spiritual gift and then get into 45 00:01:39,260 --> 00:01:41,220 the right channel where he could exercise it 46 00:01:41,220 --> 00:01:43,460 to its greatest quality and quantity? 47 00:01:44,340 --> 00:01:46,520 Well, my friend, it gives me great pleasure 48 00:01:46,520 --> 00:01:47,960 to be able to announce to you at 49 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:50,040 this time that God has given at least 50 00:01:50,040 --> 00:01:53,340 one spiritual gift to every single Christian. 51 00:01:53,820 --> 00:01:55,680 And the Bible teaches that it is the 52 00:01:55,680 --> 00:01:58,920 individual responsibility of each and every Christian to 53 00:01:58,920 --> 00:02:00,980 discover his gift and then refine it and 54 00:02:00,980 --> 00:02:03,480 exercise it to its greatest quantity and quality. 55 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:06,320 We're going to find also that this great 56 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:08,180 truth is the real key to living the 57 00:02:08,180 --> 00:02:10,520 happy, successful Christian life. 58 00:02:11,100 --> 00:02:12,860 In other words, if we don't know what 59 00:02:12,860 --> 00:02:15,500 our spiritual gifts are, we can't possibly be 60 00:02:15,500 --> 00:02:18,200 exercising them to their fullest extent. 61 00:02:18,780 --> 00:02:20,860 And if we're not exercising them, there is 62 00:02:20,860 --> 00:02:22,700 bound to be a certain area of our 63 00:02:22,700 --> 00:02:26,460 lives where unhappiness, discontentment, unrest and lack of 64 00:02:26,460 --> 00:02:27,480 vision prevails. 65 00:02:28,260 --> 00:02:30,240 A Christian who has not yet discovered his 66 00:02:30,240 --> 00:02:33,640 own personal spiritual gift usually doesn't know what 67 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:34,800 God wants him to do. 68 00:02:35,260 --> 00:02:37,080 He doesn't know where God wants him to 69 00:02:37,080 --> 00:02:37,320 be. 70 00:02:37,320 --> 00:02:40,260 He has very little vision, even though he 71 00:02:40,260 --> 00:02:41,700 is sincere in his life. 72 00:02:42,560 --> 00:02:44,480 Consequently, because he doesn't know what he should 73 00:02:44,480 --> 00:02:46,060 be doing and where he should be doing 74 00:02:46,060 --> 00:02:49,240 it, he often feels unimportant, insecure, and very 75 00:02:49,240 --> 00:02:51,840 often, to say the least, feels critical towards 76 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:53,900 others who are actively serving God in a 77 00:02:53,900 --> 00:02:54,680 dedicated manner. 78 00:02:55,660 --> 00:02:57,300 Once again, let me say that the Bible 79 00:02:57,300 --> 00:03:00,460 teaches that every Christian should know precisely what 80 00:03:00,460 --> 00:03:02,740 his spiritual gift is and should be constantly 81 00:03:02,740 --> 00:03:05,300 refining his gift by using it. 82 00:03:06,020 --> 00:03:07,940 Maybe at this point you're saying to yourself, 83 00:03:08,640 --> 00:03:10,280 all of this sounds good, but show me 84 00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:11,980 in the Bible where you get these facts 85 00:03:11,980 --> 00:03:13,160 and then I'll be convinced. 86 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:14,580 Then I'll get excited. 87 00:03:14,980 --> 00:03:17,200 Then I'll begin looking for my spiritual gift 88 00:03:17,200 --> 00:03:19,020 and then when I find it, I'll start 89 00:03:19,020 --> 00:03:20,700 using it to its fullest capacity. 90 00:03:21,640 --> 00:03:23,040 Well, my friend, if this is the case, 91 00:03:23,140 --> 00:03:25,160 prepare yourself for some wonderful news. 92 00:03:25,720 --> 00:03:27,060 It may be that what we have to 93 00:03:27,060 --> 00:03:29,100 say could change the entire course of your 94 00:03:29,100 --> 00:03:29,460 life. 95 00:03:30,680 --> 00:03:32,960 At this point, let me suggest that you 96 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:34,520 go ahead and listen to the rest of 97 00:03:34,520 --> 00:03:37,000 this side of the record before searching the 98 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:39,460 Scriptures for yourself, but as soon as it 99 00:03:39,460 --> 00:03:41,660 is over, by all means, read the following 100 00:03:41,660 --> 00:03:44,600 portions of Scripture before listening to this side 101 00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:45,480 of the record again. 102 00:03:45,940 --> 00:03:47,540 Here are the verses that you should look 103 00:03:47,540 --> 00:03:48,180 up and read. 104 00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:52,600 Matthew chapter 25, verses 14 through 30, Romans 105 00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:56,840 chapter 12, verses 3 through 8, 1 Corinthians 106 00:03:56,840 --> 00:03:59,680 chapter 7 and verse 7, chapters 12, chapter 107 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:03,240 13, and verses 1, 12, and 37 through 108 00:04:03,240 --> 00:04:04,640 40 of chapter 14. 109 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:09,240 Ephesians chapter 4, verses 7 through 16, 1 110 00:04:09,240 --> 00:04:11,780 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 14, 2 Timothy 111 00:04:11,780 --> 00:04:14,600 chapter 1 and verse 6, Hebrews chapter 2 112 00:04:14,600 --> 00:04:17,519 and verse 4, and 1 Peter chapter 4, 113 00:04:17,620 --> 00:04:18,579 verses 10 and 11. 114 00:04:19,720 --> 00:04:21,420 Now, before we get into the mechanics of 115 00:04:21,420 --> 00:04:23,660 our subject, there is one other thing that 116 00:04:23,660 --> 00:04:24,340 should be said. 117 00:04:24,900 --> 00:04:26,920 It is not our purpose to make an 118 00:04:26,920 --> 00:04:29,500 exhaustive study of the subject of spiritual gifts, 119 00:04:29,500 --> 00:04:33,040 the main purpose for our conversation is to 120 00:04:33,040 --> 00:04:36,620 determine the biblical key to discovering these gifts. 121 00:04:36,900 --> 00:04:38,580 But in order to do so, we must 122 00:04:38,580 --> 00:04:40,920 first look at the subject from an overall 123 00:04:40,920 --> 00:04:41,340 view. 124 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:44,440 When you examine the verses that we have 125 00:04:44,440 --> 00:04:45,700 given to you, I think you will make 126 00:04:45,700 --> 00:04:48,640 a few observations that shall be obvious and 127 00:04:48,640 --> 00:04:50,680 without controversy, and here are some of them. 128 00:04:51,240 --> 00:04:54,640 Number one, all of the spiritual gifts, talents, 129 00:04:54,820 --> 00:04:56,660 enablements, or whatever you are accustomed to calling 130 00:04:56,660 --> 00:04:57,680 them, are from God. 131 00:04:57,680 --> 00:05:00,300 They are delivered to members of God's church 132 00:05:00,300 --> 00:05:01,640 by way of the Holy Spirit. 133 00:05:02,520 --> 00:05:04,800 You will find this truth elaborated upon primarily 134 00:05:04,800 --> 00:05:07,500 in all of 1 Corinthians chapter 12, but 135 00:05:07,500 --> 00:05:09,180 for now let us read only verses 4, 136 00:05:09,260 --> 00:05:10,440 5, and 6 of the chapter. 137 00:05:11,380 --> 00:05:13,940 Now, there are diversities of gifts, but the 138 00:05:13,940 --> 00:05:17,240 same Spirit, and there are differences of administrations, 139 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:20,220 but the same Lord, and there are diversities 140 00:05:20,220 --> 00:05:22,320 of operations, but it is the same God 141 00:05:22,320 --> 00:05:23,860 which worketh all in all. 142 00:05:25,160 --> 00:05:27,080 The second thing that we should point out 143 00:05:27,080 --> 00:05:27,560 is this. 144 00:05:27,980 --> 00:05:30,740 Every Christian has received at least one spiritual 145 00:05:30,740 --> 00:05:31,740 gift from God. 146 00:05:32,620 --> 00:05:35,460 Now, there are many clear, unmistakable truths in 147 00:05:35,460 --> 00:05:37,520 the Bible, and this is one of them. 148 00:05:37,780 --> 00:05:39,180 Listen to what the Bible says in 1 149 00:05:39,180 --> 00:05:40,980 Corinthians chapter 7, verse 7. 150 00:05:41,660 --> 00:05:43,900 Every man hath his proper gift of God, 151 00:05:43,980 --> 00:05:46,020 one after this manner, and another after that. 152 00:05:47,060 --> 00:05:49,460 1 Corinthians chapter 12, verse 7. 153 00:05:49,460 --> 00:05:52,060 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given 154 00:05:52,060 --> 00:05:53,860 to every man to profit withal. 155 00:05:55,160 --> 00:05:57,420 1 Corinthians chapter 12, verse 11. 156 00:06:05,160 --> 00:06:07,880 A third observation you'll make is this. 157 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:11,260 Each Christian has a spiritual gift that is 158 00:06:11,260 --> 00:06:12,340 exclusively his. 159 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:15,000 You'll find that a large section of 1 160 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:17,580 Corinthians chapter 12 is devoted to this point, 161 00:06:17,580 --> 00:06:19,760 but at this time we only refer you 162 00:06:19,760 --> 00:06:22,980 to Romans chapter 12, where it says, having 163 00:06:22,980 --> 00:06:26,080 then gifts differing according to the grace that 164 00:06:26,080 --> 00:06:27,140 is given to us. 165 00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:30,080 Did you know that you possess at least 166 00:06:30,080 --> 00:06:32,600 one spiritual gift that no one else in 167 00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:34,420 all the world possesses? 168 00:06:35,020 --> 00:06:36,920 Did you know that if you do not 169 00:06:36,920 --> 00:06:40,660 exercise your spiritual gift properly, the whole church, 170 00:06:40,840 --> 00:06:43,360 which consists of every genuine born-again believer 171 00:06:43,360 --> 00:06:45,200 in the Lord Jesus Christ, suffers? 172 00:06:45,200 --> 00:06:46,480 That's right. 173 00:06:46,680 --> 00:06:49,180 The whole church suffers if you do not 174 00:06:49,180 --> 00:06:51,340 exercise your spiritual gift properly. 175 00:06:52,500 --> 00:06:54,680 By the way, you do not have to 176 00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:56,820 be some type of public figure to exercise 177 00:06:56,820 --> 00:06:58,600 most of the spiritual gifts found in the 178 00:06:58,600 --> 00:06:58,860 Bible. 179 00:06:59,280 --> 00:07:01,440 As a matter of fact, those who possess 180 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:04,380 unseen gifts are more honored, it seems, than 181 00:07:04,380 --> 00:07:05,760 those who stand in the spotlight. 182 00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:08,700 You'll find this truth in 1 Corinthians chapter 183 00:07:08,700 --> 00:07:10,880 12, verses 22 through 24. 184 00:07:11,580 --> 00:07:13,440 And if you take the human body for 185 00:07:13,440 --> 00:07:16,220 an illustration like the Bible does, you'll agree 186 00:07:16,220 --> 00:07:18,460 that there are more unseen parts of Christ's 187 00:07:18,460 --> 00:07:20,300 mystical body than parts that are seen. 188 00:07:20,960 --> 00:07:24,000 There are more unattractive members than attractive ones, 189 00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:27,080 but one spiritual gift is no more important 190 00:07:27,080 --> 00:07:27,660 than the other. 191 00:07:29,460 --> 00:07:31,480 Before we make our fourth observation, let me 192 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:32,060 say this. 193 00:07:32,400 --> 00:07:35,020 We cannot scripturally limit the gifts to only 194 00:07:35,020 --> 00:07:37,320 those 12 or so found in 1 Corinthians 195 00:07:37,320 --> 00:07:39,980 chapter 12, because, you see, the word helps 196 00:07:39,980 --> 00:07:43,320 in verse 28 refers to literally thousands of 197 00:07:43,320 --> 00:07:44,060 different things. 198 00:07:44,740 --> 00:07:46,960 Romans chapter 12, verses 6 through 8, lists 199 00:07:46,960 --> 00:07:49,040 all sorts of other gifts not found in 200 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:50,420 1 Corinthians chapter 12. 201 00:07:51,360 --> 00:07:53,560 Frankly, according to Romans 12, 6, where it 202 00:07:53,560 --> 00:07:55,660 tells us in so many words that each 203 00:07:55,660 --> 00:07:57,580 has a gift differing from all other gifts, 204 00:07:58,040 --> 00:07:59,620 I'm of the opinion that if there are 205 00:07:59,620 --> 00:08:02,160 at this present time 10 million Christians on 206 00:08:02,160 --> 00:08:04,440 the face of the earth, there are 10 207 00:08:04,440 --> 00:08:06,760 million different spiritual gifts that should be in 208 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:07,260 operation. 209 00:08:08,660 --> 00:08:10,740 Now, the fourth observation is the most important 210 00:08:10,740 --> 00:08:12,720 one of all, so before we consider it, 211 00:08:13,100 --> 00:08:15,160 let us quickly review all that we have 212 00:08:15,160 --> 00:08:16,000 learned thus far. 213 00:08:16,480 --> 00:08:18,420 We have learned that the universal Church is 214 00:08:18,420 --> 00:08:20,700 described as one human body in 1 Corinthians 215 00:08:20,700 --> 00:08:21,460 chapter 12. 216 00:08:22,440 --> 00:08:24,960 We have learned that each individual believer is 217 00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:27,040 one, but only one, member of this body, 218 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:28,640 Romans chapter 12 and verse 5. 219 00:08:29,460 --> 00:08:31,860 As members, we have an assignment from God, 220 00:08:31,940 --> 00:08:32,880 Romans 12, 4. 221 00:08:33,740 --> 00:08:36,679 Our assignment is exclusively ours, Romans 12, 6. 222 00:08:37,419 --> 00:08:38,940 No one else can do our job, and 223 00:08:38,940 --> 00:08:40,480 we cannot do anyone else's job. 224 00:08:41,080 --> 00:08:42,940 We have learned that God has given each 225 00:08:42,940 --> 00:08:45,900 member of His Church an exclusive spiritual gift 226 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:48,500 through which he may accomplish his exclusive assignment. 227 00:08:49,220 --> 00:08:51,500 We have learned also that the spiritual gifts 228 00:08:51,500 --> 00:08:53,480 possessed are just the gifts that are needed 229 00:08:53,480 --> 00:08:55,640 to make the great body of Christ function 230 00:08:55,640 --> 00:08:56,140 properly. 231 00:08:56,760 --> 00:08:59,360 Without your spiritual gift, dear friend, the function 232 00:08:59,360 --> 00:09:01,580 of the Church would not be at its 233 00:09:01,580 --> 00:09:02,000 best. 234 00:09:02,660 --> 00:09:03,880 Now, all of this may be hard to 235 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:05,580 believe, but it's every bit true. 236 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:08,840 We come now to the most important observation 237 00:09:08,840 --> 00:09:11,360 of all, observation number four, and incidentally, this 238 00:09:11,360 --> 00:09:13,000 is the real reason why this side of 239 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:15,100 the record was made, so listen carefully. 240 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:17,940 Permit me to introduce this point by asking 241 00:09:17,940 --> 00:09:19,140 this question once again. 242 00:09:20,020 --> 00:09:23,820 What is the biblical key to discovering your 243 00:09:23,820 --> 00:09:24,840 spiritual gift? 244 00:09:26,160 --> 00:09:27,840 Well, I think that the answer is the 245 00:09:27,840 --> 00:09:30,300 most clearly stated in Romans chapter 12 and 246 00:09:30,300 --> 00:09:32,820 verse 3, and for the sake of clarity, 247 00:09:32,940 --> 00:09:34,400 I want to read that verse in three 248 00:09:34,400 --> 00:09:35,820 different translations of the Bible. 249 00:09:36,560 --> 00:09:37,880 First of all, I wish to read it 250 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:39,460 in the beloved King James Version. 251 00:09:40,220 --> 00:09:42,920 Quote, For I say through the grace given 252 00:09:42,920 --> 00:09:45,400 unto me, to every man that is among 253 00:09:45,400 --> 00:09:48,100 you, not to think of himself more highly 254 00:09:48,100 --> 00:09:50,180 than he ought to think, but to think 255 00:09:50,180 --> 00:09:53,260 soberly, according as God hath dealt to every 256 00:09:53,260 --> 00:09:54,580 man the measure of faith. 257 00:09:55,040 --> 00:09:55,640 End of quote. 258 00:09:56,720 --> 00:09:59,180 Now, let's listen to the J.B. Phillips 259 00:09:59,180 --> 00:10:00,700 translation of the same verse. 260 00:10:01,380 --> 00:10:21,400 Quote, I 261 00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:23,600 think that you should hear the amplified New 262 00:10:23,600 --> 00:10:25,000 Testament on this verse also. 263 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:29,140 Quote, For by the grace, unmerited favor of 264 00:10:29,140 --> 00:10:32,520 God given to me, I warn everyone among 265 00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:34,780 you not to estimate or think of himself 266 00:10:34,780 --> 00:10:37,420 more highly than he ought, not to have 267 00:10:37,420 --> 00:10:40,840 an exaggerated opinion of his own importance, but 268 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:44,820 to rate his ability with sober judgment, each 269 00:10:44,820 --> 00:10:47,740 according to the degree of faith apportioned by 270 00:10:47,740 --> 00:10:48,480 God to him. 271 00:10:48,940 --> 00:10:49,460 End of quote. 272 00:10:50,720 --> 00:10:53,360 Dear friend, I think that we should take 273 00:10:53,360 --> 00:10:55,180 a long look at this verse. 274 00:10:55,820 --> 00:10:57,940 First, you'll notice that we're told not to 275 00:10:57,940 --> 00:11:00,180 think that we're better or more capable than 276 00:11:00,180 --> 00:11:02,900 we really are, and isn't that human nature 277 00:11:02,900 --> 00:11:03,480 in a nutshell? 278 00:11:04,300 --> 00:11:06,360 But you'll notice that we are told to 279 00:11:06,360 --> 00:11:08,980 think, and we're told to think soberly. 280 00:11:09,420 --> 00:11:11,500 We're told to make a sane estimate. 281 00:11:12,520 --> 00:11:14,760 We're told to rate our ability with sober 282 00:11:14,760 --> 00:11:15,160 judgment. 283 00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:18,640 In other words, take a conservative inventory of 284 00:11:18,640 --> 00:11:19,340 our capabilities. 285 00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:22,620 Now, again, I can just hear someone saying, 286 00:11:22,820 --> 00:11:23,840 how do you do that? 287 00:11:24,680 --> 00:11:26,900 So, with your permission, let us use an 288 00:11:26,900 --> 00:11:27,280 illustration. 289 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:30,420 If you were a member of the armed 290 00:11:30,420 --> 00:11:32,660 forces and the commanding officer wanted you to 291 00:11:32,660 --> 00:11:35,260 fight the enemy tanks, he'd send you to 292 00:11:35,260 --> 00:11:37,920 wherever the tanks were, and he'd also equip 293 00:11:37,920 --> 00:11:39,680 you with something to fight the tanks with, 294 00:11:39,740 --> 00:11:40,120 wouldn't he? 295 00:11:40,760 --> 00:11:42,860 If he wanted you to fight enemy submarines, 296 00:11:43,140 --> 00:11:45,440 he'd likely relocate you to wherever the subs 297 00:11:45,440 --> 00:11:47,380 were and equip you with something more suitable 298 00:11:47,380 --> 00:11:48,900 for fighting subs. 299 00:11:49,620 --> 00:11:51,000 Now, the whole point is this. 300 00:11:51,760 --> 00:11:54,760 Whatever God wants you to do, he has 301 00:11:54,760 --> 00:11:55,680 equipped you to do. 302 00:11:55,680 --> 00:11:59,120 For instance, God gave the little bird wings 303 00:11:59,120 --> 00:12:00,600 long before he learned to fly. 304 00:12:01,300 --> 00:12:03,660 He gave the little fish fins long before 305 00:12:03,660 --> 00:12:04,560 he learned to swim. 306 00:12:05,280 --> 00:12:07,380 Dear friend, if you'll read the scriptures carefully 307 00:12:07,380 --> 00:12:09,860 on this subject, I think you'll agree that 308 00:12:09,860 --> 00:12:11,460 the teaching of the Bible is this. 309 00:12:12,180 --> 00:12:14,620 Whatever you're basically capable of doing at this 310 00:12:14,620 --> 00:12:17,520 moment, that is exactly what God wants you 311 00:12:17,520 --> 00:12:18,260 to do now. 312 00:12:18,960 --> 00:12:21,360 If you do not have the necessary spiritual 313 00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:24,500 gifts to accomplish some particular work, don't worry 314 00:12:24,500 --> 00:12:26,540 about it, because God never intended you to 315 00:12:26,540 --> 00:12:28,120 be active in that work at the present. 316 00:12:28,920 --> 00:12:30,660 As far as the future is concerned, we'll 317 00:12:30,660 --> 00:12:31,260 come to that. 318 00:12:31,720 --> 00:12:33,200 But for now, let us think of the 319 00:12:33,200 --> 00:12:33,480 present. 320 00:12:34,280 --> 00:12:36,380 Well, you may say, how can we apply 321 00:12:36,380 --> 00:12:38,560 this to our personal lives in a practical 322 00:12:38,560 --> 00:12:39,040 way? 323 00:12:39,620 --> 00:12:41,100 And in answer to that, let me make 324 00:12:41,100 --> 00:12:41,600 a suggestion. 325 00:12:42,620 --> 00:12:44,040 If you will take a piece of paper 326 00:12:44,040 --> 00:12:46,280 and draw a line down the middle, and 327 00:12:46,280 --> 00:12:47,500 then on the left-hand side of the 328 00:12:47,500 --> 00:12:49,460 line, write down all the things that you 329 00:12:49,460 --> 00:12:52,120 cannot do, and on the right-hand side 330 00:12:52,120 --> 00:12:53,700 of the line, write down all the things 331 00:12:53,700 --> 00:12:56,180 that you can do, you'll begin to see, 332 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:57,960 first, what God does not want you to 333 00:12:57,960 --> 00:13:00,380 do, and second, what God wants you to 334 00:13:00,380 --> 00:13:00,640 do. 335 00:13:01,260 --> 00:13:03,520 Now, the negative side of this inventory is 336 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:05,960 just as important as the positive side, because 337 00:13:05,960 --> 00:13:08,160 it should immediately give you a release from 338 00:13:08,160 --> 00:13:10,600 many of the uncertainties you may have been 339 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:11,720 harboring in your mind. 340 00:13:12,500 --> 00:13:14,400 For instance, I know a certain Christian who 341 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:16,780 has for years been mourning over the fact 342 00:13:16,780 --> 00:13:17,820 that he wasn't a preacher. 343 00:13:17,820 --> 00:13:20,040 On the other hand, he has a wonderful 344 00:13:20,040 --> 00:13:22,800 singing voice, and can sing very nicely, but 345 00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:24,060 doesn't want to be a singer for the 346 00:13:24,060 --> 00:13:24,320 Lord. 347 00:13:25,240 --> 00:13:27,220 Now, I believe that if this person would 348 00:13:27,220 --> 00:13:29,240 simply follow the directions of the Word of 349 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:32,460 God, he'd soon realize that the Church needs 350 00:13:32,460 --> 00:13:34,340 his singing more than it does his preaching, 351 00:13:34,860 --> 00:13:36,860 that is, in an official capacity. 352 00:13:37,800 --> 00:13:39,380 But let's get back to ourselves. 353 00:13:39,840 --> 00:13:41,700 If you have not settled this problem in 354 00:13:41,700 --> 00:13:44,260 your own personal life, listen to this side 355 00:13:44,260 --> 00:13:45,800 of the record so many times that you're 356 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:48,180 familiar with its entire contents, and then get 357 00:13:48,180 --> 00:13:50,040 yourself a pencil and some paper, and begin 358 00:13:50,040 --> 00:13:52,640 your own inventory of your personal spiritual gifts. 359 00:13:53,460 --> 00:13:55,420 Maybe the negative side of your list shall 360 00:13:55,420 --> 00:13:56,460 read something like this. 361 00:13:56,940 --> 00:13:58,920 I cannot at the present play any musical 362 00:13:58,920 --> 00:14:01,600 instrument, therefore I cannot and should not at 363 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:03,340 this time want to be a great organist, 364 00:14:03,460 --> 00:14:05,100 pianist, or instrumentalist of any kind. 365 00:14:05,940 --> 00:14:07,760 I cannot carry a tune at the present, 366 00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:09,120 so I know that I cannot and should 367 00:14:09,120 --> 00:14:11,120 not want to be a great singer or 368 00:14:11,120 --> 00:14:12,340 soloist at this time. 369 00:14:13,180 --> 00:14:15,440 On and on your list, both positive and 370 00:14:15,440 --> 00:14:18,180 negative sides shall go, but in due time 371 00:14:18,180 --> 00:14:19,560 you'll come to an end, and when you 372 00:14:19,560 --> 00:14:21,860 do, you'll be making great headway on the 373 00:14:21,860 --> 00:14:22,740 road to success. 374 00:14:24,740 --> 00:14:26,160 At this point, let me say that this 375 00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:27,140 list doesn't come easy. 376 00:14:27,700 --> 00:14:29,900 You must be absolutely truthful with yourself. 377 00:14:30,440 --> 00:14:32,460 You must spend much time in prayer and 378 00:14:32,460 --> 00:14:34,980 soul-searching before the Lord, before you write 379 00:14:34,980 --> 00:14:36,480 down a thing, and as you write down 380 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:37,040 each word. 381 00:14:38,060 --> 00:14:39,980 The completion of this list may require an 382 00:14:39,980 --> 00:14:41,160 undue amount of patience. 383 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:44,040 Actually, if you're a young Christian and unfamiliar 384 00:14:44,040 --> 00:14:46,160 with much of the Bible, it may take 385 00:14:46,160 --> 00:14:48,200 many, many months or maybe years before this 386 00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:50,700 list is complete, but in most cases you 387 00:14:50,700 --> 00:14:52,380 should be able to get started using your 388 00:14:52,380 --> 00:14:54,340 spiritual gifts in just a matter of days. 389 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:57,240 But the time shall eventually come when your 390 00:14:57,240 --> 00:14:59,740 list shall be complete, and after you have 391 00:14:59,740 --> 00:15:02,300 satisfied yourself that all the major areas have 392 00:15:02,300 --> 00:15:05,100 been covered, then it's time to crystallize your 393 00:15:05,100 --> 00:15:05,980 thinking a little more. 394 00:15:06,060 --> 00:15:06,780 So here's what to do. 395 00:15:06,860 --> 00:15:09,560 Number one, forget the negative side of the 396 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:09,860 list. 397 00:15:09,860 --> 00:15:11,980 These things aren't really important to you at 398 00:15:11,980 --> 00:15:12,480 the present. 399 00:15:13,380 --> 00:15:15,260 Number two, take all the things listed on 400 00:15:15,260 --> 00:15:17,400 the positive side and rearrange them in the 401 00:15:17,400 --> 00:15:19,240 order of your capabilities. 402 00:15:20,160 --> 00:15:21,760 For instance, you may be able to give 403 00:15:21,760 --> 00:15:23,820 out gospel tracts or pray better than you 404 00:15:23,820 --> 00:15:25,640 could preach behind a pulpit at the present. 405 00:15:26,100 --> 00:15:27,620 So be realistic and put down what you 406 00:15:27,620 --> 00:15:28,640 can do best first. 407 00:15:29,360 --> 00:15:31,700 Eventually, you shall develop a list of things 408 00:15:31,700 --> 00:15:32,920 that you can do, and the one you 409 00:15:32,920 --> 00:15:34,500 can do best shall be first. 410 00:15:35,720 --> 00:15:37,660 Incidentally, the thing that you can do best 411 00:15:37,660 --> 00:15:39,200 should also be the thing that you enjoy 412 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:39,960 doing most. 413 00:15:40,700 --> 00:15:41,940 Now you're really getting somewhere. 414 00:15:42,540 --> 00:15:44,680 Once you have discovered your most obvious spiritual 415 00:15:44,680 --> 00:15:47,660 gift, then crystallize your thinking upon it until 416 00:15:47,660 --> 00:15:49,340 you see a work that only you can 417 00:15:49,340 --> 00:15:52,440 do, because you haven't fully discovered your gift 418 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:55,780 until you see the exclusiveness of it. 419 00:15:57,100 --> 00:15:59,260 After you have developed this list to maturity 420 00:15:59,260 --> 00:16:01,360 and then rearranged the positive side of the 421 00:16:01,360 --> 00:16:03,440 list so as to show your most capable 422 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:06,280 gift listed first and your second most capable 423 00:16:06,280 --> 00:16:08,960 gift listed second and so on, it's time 424 00:16:08,960 --> 00:16:11,000 to go to a few faithful Christian friends 425 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:13,000 one at a time and share your findings 426 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:13,640 with them. 427 00:16:14,180 --> 00:16:17,640 The Bible says in Proverbs 11, 14, in 428 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:19,780 the multitude of consulars there is safety. 429 00:16:20,660 --> 00:16:22,380 It would be wise to go to those 430 00:16:22,380 --> 00:16:24,360 who are elders or pastors in your church 431 00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:24,700 group. 432 00:16:25,340 --> 00:16:27,140 Play this record for them and explain that 433 00:16:27,140 --> 00:16:29,660 you're trying to locate your best spiritual gift 434 00:16:29,660 --> 00:16:31,780 so you can be as effective as possible 435 00:16:31,780 --> 00:16:32,500 for your Lord. 436 00:16:33,180 --> 00:16:35,540 If these friends of yours are faithful, matured 437 00:16:35,540 --> 00:16:38,360 ministers of God, they'll understand your problem and 438 00:16:38,360 --> 00:16:40,680 they'll help you because it is their God 439 00:16:40,680 --> 00:16:42,400 -given responsibility to do so. 440 00:16:42,980 --> 00:16:44,960 I might also add here that the Bible 441 00:16:44,960 --> 00:16:48,180 says in Proverbs 27, 6, faithful are the 442 00:16:48,180 --> 00:16:50,220 wounds of a friend and you should be 443 00:16:50,220 --> 00:16:51,900 prepared to be corrected if necessary. 444 00:16:52,560 --> 00:16:54,940 However, if you've been absolutely true with yourself 445 00:16:55,560 --> 00:16:57,480 and with this person you have approached, I 446 00:16:57,480 --> 00:16:59,240 think you'll find that your friend shall agree 447 00:16:59,240 --> 00:17:00,180 with you. 448 00:17:01,440 --> 00:17:03,040 If all your friends give you the same 449 00:17:03,040 --> 00:17:05,119 advice and directions, then you can pretty well 450 00:17:05,119 --> 00:17:07,000 rest assured that you're on the right track. 451 00:17:07,440 --> 00:17:09,420 If there is some difference of opinion, then 452 00:17:09,420 --> 00:17:11,900 continue going to various matured friends and seeking 453 00:17:11,900 --> 00:17:14,500 their help until your mind is cleared of 454 00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:16,760 all doubt about what your spiritual gift is. 455 00:17:18,079 --> 00:17:19,839 Now you know beyond all doubt what you 456 00:17:19,839 --> 00:17:22,060 can and should be doing and this knowledge 457 00:17:22,060 --> 00:17:24,640 has been confirmed by a variety of reliable 458 00:17:24,640 --> 00:17:25,099 sources. 459 00:17:26,079 --> 00:17:28,260 The next step is to get busy exercising 460 00:17:28,260 --> 00:17:30,840 your spiritual gift for you see, whatever God 461 00:17:30,840 --> 00:17:33,300 has equipped you to do, this is exactly 462 00:17:33,300 --> 00:17:35,140 what he wants you to do and he 463 00:17:35,140 --> 00:17:36,680 wants you to get started immediately. 464 00:17:37,720 --> 00:17:39,400 There are many verses in the Bible that 465 00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:40,860 could be turned to that would tell us 466 00:17:40,860 --> 00:17:42,760 how to get started but I think that 467 00:17:42,760 --> 00:17:44,640 it's all summed up in Revelation 3, 7 468 00:17:44,640 --> 00:17:47,720 where the Bible says, quote, He that openeth 469 00:17:47,720 --> 00:17:50,720 and no man shutteth and shutteth and no 470 00:17:50,720 --> 00:17:52,240 man openeth, end of quote. 471 00:17:52,240 --> 00:17:54,980 The reference is to our Lord Jesus Christ 472 00:17:54,980 --> 00:17:57,540 and the opening and shutting refers to the 473 00:17:57,540 --> 00:18:00,800 opportunity he gives his servants to serve him. 474 00:18:01,940 --> 00:18:04,400 Because you have a gift that is exclusively 475 00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,140 yours, no one else in all the world 476 00:18:06,140 --> 00:18:07,100 can do your job. 477 00:18:07,660 --> 00:18:09,100 So this means that the use of your 478 00:18:09,100 --> 00:18:11,380 spiritual gift can never be made void by 479 00:18:11,380 --> 00:18:14,180 someone else's gift regardless of what you may 480 00:18:14,180 --> 00:18:15,180 think or feel. 481 00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:17,740 If you'll just look hard enough and study 482 00:18:17,740 --> 00:18:21,040 your circumstances thoroughly enough, you'll find a way 483 00:18:21,040 --> 00:18:22,720 in which you can use your gift right 484 00:18:22,720 --> 00:18:23,480 where you are. 485 00:18:24,100 --> 00:18:26,300 Maybe you'll have to begin in an insignificant, 486 00:18:26,600 --> 00:18:29,220 unnoticed way but remember, you're out to please 487 00:18:29,220 --> 00:18:31,020 the Lord, not the people so seek his 488 00:18:31,020 --> 00:18:31,900 approval first. 489 00:18:32,500 --> 00:18:34,460 It won't be long, however, before the Lord 490 00:18:34,460 --> 00:18:36,620 will commend your use of your spiritual gift 491 00:18:36,620 --> 00:18:38,100 if you're using it humbly and to the 492 00:18:38,100 --> 00:18:39,880 best of your ability and if you're sticking 493 00:18:39,880 --> 00:18:40,340 to it. 494 00:18:41,040 --> 00:18:43,100 Many a Christian has given up too soon 495 00:18:43,100 --> 00:18:45,740 and consequently lost his opportunity to be of 496 00:18:45,740 --> 00:18:47,440 real service and help to the great body 497 00:18:47,440 --> 00:18:48,960 of Christ, the Church. 498 00:18:50,180 --> 00:18:51,800 Here's something else for your encouragement. 499 00:18:52,500 --> 00:18:54,900 2 Corinthians chapter 10 and verse 18 says 500 00:18:54,900 --> 00:18:58,000 For not he that commendeth himself is approved 501 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:00,300 but whom the Lord commendeth. 502 00:19:01,140 --> 00:19:02,920 Now you'll notice that it says the people 503 00:19:02,920 --> 00:19:05,620 will approve you if God commends you. 504 00:19:05,860 --> 00:19:08,560 For you see, the word approved refers to 505 00:19:08,560 --> 00:19:09,800 the attitude of the people. 506 00:19:10,200 --> 00:19:13,500 When God commends your work, he also sees 507 00:19:13,500 --> 00:19:15,160 to it that the right people shall be 508 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:15,820 aware of it. 509 00:19:15,820 --> 00:19:18,160 For instance, you may go down to a 510 00:19:18,160 --> 00:19:20,180 skid row mission and through the proper use 511 00:19:20,180 --> 00:19:22,460 of your spiritual gift lead a soul to 512 00:19:22,460 --> 00:19:23,420 the Lord Jesus Christ. 513 00:19:24,180 --> 00:19:25,880 If this were to take place, God shall 514 00:19:25,880 --> 00:19:28,180 see to it that eventually others shall know 515 00:19:28,180 --> 00:19:29,160 about your accomplishment. 516 00:19:29,840 --> 00:19:31,080 You do not have to go back to 517 00:19:31,080 --> 00:19:32,920 your local church blowing your own horn. 518 00:19:33,520 --> 00:19:35,220 God will take care of your success so 519 00:19:35,220 --> 00:19:35,880 leave it with him. 520 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:38,120 Don't try to figure out how God will 521 00:19:38,120 --> 00:19:38,520 do it. 522 00:19:38,800 --> 00:19:40,620 That's his job, so leave it there. 523 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:43,500 Many a young Christian has made shipwreck of 524 00:19:43,500 --> 00:19:45,420 his life because he had the disease known 525 00:19:45,420 --> 00:19:47,720 as inflammation of the wishbone. 526 00:19:48,580 --> 00:19:49,880 So don't be hasty. 527 00:19:50,340 --> 00:19:53,780 Isaiah chapter 28 and verse 16 says He 528 00:19:53,780 --> 00:19:56,880 that believeth shall not make haste. 529 00:19:57,500 --> 00:19:59,840 Don't try to force yourself to greater heights. 530 00:20:00,140 --> 00:20:01,100 Let God do it. 531 00:20:01,640 --> 00:20:03,820 If you're serving him, he's responsible for your 532 00:20:03,820 --> 00:20:05,480 success and your promotion. 533 00:20:05,960 --> 00:20:08,640 For Psalm 75 verses 6 and 7 says 534 00:20:08,640 --> 00:20:11,280 Promotion cometh neither from the east nor from 535 00:20:11,280 --> 00:20:13,560 the west nor from the south but God 536 00:20:13,560 --> 00:20:14,180 is the judge. 537 00:20:14,300 --> 00:20:15,640 He put us down one and set us 538 00:20:15,640 --> 00:20:16,120 up another. 539 00:20:17,380 --> 00:20:19,840 Remember now, your responsibility is only to keep 540 00:20:19,840 --> 00:20:21,620 your heart clean before the Lord. 541 00:20:22,360 --> 00:20:24,740 1 Samuel chapter 16 and verse 7 says 542 00:20:24,740 --> 00:20:27,540 Man looketh on the outward appearance but the 543 00:20:27,540 --> 00:20:28,740 Lord looketh on the heart. 544 00:20:29,380 --> 00:20:32,060 Incidentally, if you're keeping your heart right with 545 00:20:32,060 --> 00:20:34,120 the Lord you'll put your heart into your 546 00:20:34,120 --> 00:20:34,500 work. 547 00:20:35,100 --> 00:20:37,180 I think of 2 Chronicles chapter 31 and 548 00:20:37,180 --> 00:20:39,320 verse 21 that says He did it with 549 00:20:39,320 --> 00:20:41,680 all his heart and prospered. 550 00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:44,780 What the Lord enables you to do do 551 00:20:44,780 --> 00:20:47,280 it with all your heart and the Lord 552 00:20:47,280 --> 00:20:49,020 shall prosper you, I'm sure. 553 00:20:50,600 --> 00:20:53,300 Now, before we consider some of the dangerous 554 00:20:53,300 --> 00:20:56,940 misunderstandings of exercising your spiritual gifts let us 555 00:20:56,940 --> 00:20:58,120 think together about the future. 556 00:20:58,700 --> 00:21:01,320 You'll notice that in Matthew chapter 25 verses 557 00:21:01,320 --> 00:21:04,240 14 through 30 where the Lord is commending 558 00:21:04,240 --> 00:21:06,180 his servants for the profitable use of their 559 00:21:06,180 --> 00:21:08,700 talents the servant with the two talents earns 560 00:21:08,700 --> 00:21:11,680 the same commendation as the servant with the 561 00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:14,420 five because he was equally faithful, though he 562 00:21:14,420 --> 00:21:15,460 possessed less. 563 00:21:16,340 --> 00:21:18,040 Now, I'm aware that the talents here are 564 00:21:18,040 --> 00:21:20,940 money according to verse 27 but the application 565 00:21:20,940 --> 00:21:22,880 is the same as though they were spiritual 566 00:21:22,880 --> 00:21:23,340 gifts. 567 00:21:23,940 --> 00:21:26,100 The whole point is this if you will 568 00:21:26,100 --> 00:21:28,160 take all the spiritual gifts you possess and 569 00:21:28,160 --> 00:21:30,260 put them to work for God He will 570 00:21:30,260 --> 00:21:31,840 increase the number of your gifts. 571 00:21:32,200 --> 00:21:34,540 For you see, spiritual gifts are obtained at 572 00:21:34,540 --> 00:21:35,640 three times in life. 573 00:21:35,740 --> 00:21:40,440 First, through natural birth although not spiritually ignited 574 00:21:40,440 --> 00:21:41,500 until after conversion. 575 00:21:42,260 --> 00:21:44,620 Number two, through conversion itself when the Holy 576 00:21:44,620 --> 00:21:46,980 Spirit comes into your life to live for 577 00:21:46,980 --> 00:21:48,440 he it is who really brings the gifts 578 00:21:48,440 --> 00:21:51,020 in the first place and thirdly, when you 579 00:21:51,020 --> 00:21:54,020 earnestly exercise the gifts you have for the 580 00:21:54,020 --> 00:21:56,460 Lord shall faithfully reward you with more spiritual 581 00:21:56,460 --> 00:21:59,200 abilities or gifts when you use what is 582 00:21:59,200 --> 00:22:00,480 presently within your ability. 583 00:22:01,360 --> 00:22:04,060 So don't be concerned about the future work 584 00:22:04,060 --> 00:22:06,320 with what you've got where you are and 585 00:22:06,320 --> 00:22:07,700 leave the future with the Lord. 586 00:22:08,260 --> 00:22:09,720 If your gifts are of such a nature 587 00:22:09,720 --> 00:22:11,860 that they could be used on a national 588 00:22:11,860 --> 00:22:14,660 or international level God will see to it 589 00:22:14,660 --> 00:22:15,980 that they shall be used to their fullest 590 00:22:15,980 --> 00:22:19,240 capacity by first blessing them as they're presently 591 00:22:19,240 --> 00:22:22,600 used and secondly, causing others to recognize that 592 00:22:22,600 --> 00:22:25,120 you are talented in this manner and thirdly, 593 00:22:25,180 --> 00:22:27,280 open the doors for greater areas of service. 594 00:22:27,860 --> 00:22:30,860 Your only obligation is to be faithful to 595 00:22:30,860 --> 00:22:31,460 his direction. 596 00:22:33,080 --> 00:22:35,360 This is the sure way in which one 597 00:22:35,360 --> 00:22:37,360 can know that he is serving God in 598 00:22:37,360 --> 00:22:37,960 the right manner. 599 00:22:39,100 --> 00:22:41,380 Now before our conversation comes to a close 600 00:22:41,380 --> 00:22:44,440 let us consider two things that often shipwreck 601 00:22:44,440 --> 00:22:46,200 some as they seek to serve the Lord. 602 00:22:46,540 --> 00:22:49,480 Number one, do not settle for less than 603 00:22:49,480 --> 00:22:52,620 a full knowledge of your spiritual gifts and 604 00:22:52,620 --> 00:22:54,060 do not ever slow down the use of 605 00:22:54,060 --> 00:22:56,340 your gifts except only as the Lord may 606 00:22:56,340 --> 00:22:56,660 lead. 607 00:22:57,340 --> 00:22:59,320 In 2 John, we find that we may 608 00:22:59,320 --> 00:23:01,800 lose our reward of faithfulness if we begin 609 00:23:01,800 --> 00:23:03,240 and then quit. 610 00:23:04,580 --> 00:23:07,980 Number two, good is often the worst enemy 611 00:23:07,980 --> 00:23:08,880 of best. 612 00:23:09,620 --> 00:23:11,680 Don't get so involved doing what you can 613 00:23:11,680 --> 00:23:14,120 do nominally that you never have time to 614 00:23:14,120 --> 00:23:16,880 develop your main gift but never turn down 615 00:23:16,880 --> 00:23:18,160 the opportunity to serve. 616 00:23:18,820 --> 00:23:20,600 The task of staying in the middle of 617 00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:22,120 the road here is difficult. 618 00:23:22,740 --> 00:23:25,900 Folks shall often misunderstand you but nevertheless, keep 619 00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:26,980 your hand to the plow. 620 00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:30,400 So child of God, now you know the 621 00:23:30,400 --> 00:23:30,840 problem. 622 00:23:31,220 --> 00:23:32,820 Now you know the answer to the problem 623 00:23:32,820 --> 00:23:34,840 and now you know how to apply the 624 00:23:34,840 --> 00:23:35,880 answer to the problem. 625 00:23:36,300 --> 00:23:37,640 The rest is up to you. 626 00:23:38,200 --> 00:23:39,800 If this is the first time you've heard 627 00:23:39,800 --> 00:23:41,240 this recording and if you are one who 628 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:43,460 cannot announce to the world what your spiritual 629 00:23:43,460 --> 00:23:45,920 gift is let me suggest that you play 630 00:23:45,920 --> 00:23:48,660 this recording over and over again and search 631 00:23:48,660 --> 00:23:51,080 the scripture verses given until there is no 632 00:23:51,080 --> 00:23:53,840 trace of doubt about your spiritual gift and 633 00:23:53,840 --> 00:23:55,600 then get into that channel of service where 634 00:23:55,600 --> 00:23:57,740 you can exercise your gift in the greatest 635 00:23:57,740 --> 00:23:59,460 quality and quantity. 636 00:24:00,660 --> 00:24:03,280 Let us conclude our conversation by referring to 637 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:05,620 Matthew chapter 25 and verse 21 where we 638 00:24:05,620 --> 00:24:08,180 learn that the basis of true joy in 639 00:24:08,180 --> 00:24:10,940 the Christian life is being a faithful servant 640 00:24:10,940 --> 00:24:13,460 of the Lord with the talent he has 641 00:24:13,460 --> 00:24:14,060 given you. 642 00:24:15,100 --> 00:24:16,100 Shall we pray? 643 00:24:17,220 --> 00:24:19,700 Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the 644 00:24:19,700 --> 00:24:21,480 gift of your Son for the securing of 645 00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:22,140 our salvation. 646 00:24:22,820 --> 00:24:24,500 We thank you for the gift of the 647 00:24:24,500 --> 00:24:26,580 Bible which tells us of this great redemption. 648 00:24:27,500 --> 00:24:28,780 We thank you for the gift of the 649 00:24:28,780 --> 00:24:31,060 Holy Spirit which enables us to understand this 650 00:24:31,060 --> 00:24:33,220 message of the Bible and to live the 651 00:24:33,220 --> 00:24:34,760 victorious Christian life. 652 00:24:35,420 --> 00:24:36,980 And we thank you for the gifts that 653 00:24:36,980 --> 00:24:38,080 you've given each Christian. 654 00:24:38,580 --> 00:24:41,120 We would at this time rededicate ourselves as 655 00:24:41,120 --> 00:24:43,060 weak and faltering as we may be to 656 00:24:43,060 --> 00:24:45,440 you and ask you to help us to 657 00:24:45,440 --> 00:24:48,360 serve you in the best possible quality and 658 00:24:48,360 --> 00:24:48,820 quantity. 659 00:24:48,820 --> 00:24:51,440 This we pray in Jesus' name. 660 00:24:52,200 --> 00:24:52,520 Amen.