The aim of the devotional bible study is to grow in the understanding and appreciation of the various motivational gifts God had created each one of us with.
This short humoristic video will greatly enhance today’s reading [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWZmeSwqRqw]:
Scripture
Romans 12:3-8
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:
if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
7 if service, in our serving;
the one who teaches, in his teaching;
8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation;
the one who contributes, in generosity;
the one who leads, with zeal;
the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Observations
Note: The gifts mentioned here are seven motivational gifts (also called “the gifts of the Father” according to 1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Each person is born with a certain set of these motivators which drives his/her actions.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”
- Why and how would you say this list of motivational gifts from God the Father (mentioned in Romans 12:6-8) is different from the Holy Spirit’s manifestation gifts (mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11) and the Lord’s ministry gifts (mentioned in Ephesians 4:7-14).
- Looking the Romans 12:3-8 above, why would it be right to say that each person has received gifts from God to serve others with? (Give verse references in your answer).
- Give one or two words to summarize the relationship we have of one another in church (Romans 12:4-5), taking into account our unique motivational gifts.
- Look at the following table by James C. Wright in which he describes the various motivational gifts and identifies the resulting fruit of these gifts working though people. What are your thoughts in his observations from the Text and people? Can you see why and how he makes the observations?
Application:
- Do the quick yet helpful motivational gift test by Reagent University (gifttest.org) and record your results – share it with your home group and discuss your findings and opinions!
- Considering your test:
- Do you understand why certain tasks are cumbersome to you, while others are effortless?
- Do you understand why you have conflict with certain types of people?
- What type of function are you most fit to fullfil in your local church?
Prayer
Thank God the Father for making you the way he did, and ask him to grow in appreciation and understanding of who you are, and for which good works he prepared for you today , and what purposes he has in mind for you. Then pray that God will help you have grace and honour for people that are made differently from you.
Shofar Durbanville Bible Studies 