Happy Feet

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Happy Feet is a 2006 film of a little penguin named Mumble. Mumble lives In icy land of Antarctica, among the Emperor Penguins. The plot centers around these emperor penguins who, one-by-one each express their true love with a special heartsong, their own, that expresses their very being. However, there’s one major problem, Mumble, the misfit, cannot sing. Try and Try he does, but for some reason he just can’t get his voice to sound right.

And if Mumbles terrible singing voice wasn’t enough, he later discovers he has no Heartsong. However, Mumble is different. While other fluffy penguins can sing their heart out… Mumble has an astute talent for something unique, something none of the penguins have seen before… tap dancing! Though Mumble's mom, Norma Jean, thinks this little habit is cute, his dad, Memphis, says it "just ain't penguin." Besides, they both know that, without a Heartsong, Mumble may never find true love.

As fate would have it, his one friend, Gloria, happens to be the best singer around. Mumble and Gloria have a connection from the moment they hatch, but she struggles with his strange "hippity- hoppity" ways. Mumble is just too different--especially for Noah the Elder, the stern leader of Emperor Land, who ultimately casts him out of the community. Away from home for the first time, Mumble meets a posse of decidedly un-Emperor-like penguins--the Adelie Amigos. Led by Ramon, the Adelies instantly embrace Mumble's cool dance moves and invite him to party with them. In Adelie Land, Mumble seeks the counsel of Lovelace the Guru, a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life's questions for the price of a pebble. Together with Lovelace and the Amigos, Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some epic encounters, proves that by being true to yourself, you can make all the difference in the world.

We hear this story this morning, and if you’re like me… You’re rooting for Mumble as he overcomes adversity and uses his talents in a whole new way. I mean many of us this morning, I imagine have seen happy feet. And besides the fact that Mumble is a cute little penguin, we really enjoy this movie, because Mumble finds his place in the colony.

But here’s the question… What about us?

Now before you go looking under your seat to make sure you’re not growing feathers… out from behind you… Of course, we’re not penguins… but… The principle still applies.

Each of us have been divinely and uniquely given gifts that are true and unique to us.

God has designed each of us differently, each with gifts, talents, abilities and things that are unique to us. And specifically, with the church, God has given each of spiritual gifts ultimately to advance his kingdom.

You see, if you were here last week. You’ll recall that we started a 3-week series on Warfare. Last week we looked at strongholds in our life, and dealing with the battle within…. But this week, we transition to this idea of gaining ground; offensive warfare… together as the church, and using our Gifts for God’s Glory.

And so if you have your bibles this morning, turn with me to 1 Corinthians 12. And as your turn there this morning, we’re going to look at the topic of spiritual gifts this morning… but we’re going to take a very straight-forward way. Simple approach together. As we consider 3 concepts. 1. Why are spiritual gifts given? 2. What are the spiritual gifts? And then at the end, we’ll briefly touch on How do we find my gift?

Mumble

1. Why are spiritual gifts given?

But look with me at 1 Cor 12: 1-3 for a moment, we’re told: 1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

So, we stop for a moment and here, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church in the book of 1 Corinthians. And he’s addressing fundamental ideas within the body. And he comes to this point in verse 1, where he states 1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

I want to stop for a brief moment, and point out the word uninformed. Which in the Greek, the definition is pretty straight-forward, the word uninformed means to be ignorant or to not to know. And so here, Paul makes it clear, that he does not want the Corinthians to be ignorant of gifts pertaining to the spirit. Instead, he wants them to Know, about them. He wants them to have knowledge.

It’s that old saying, keep it simple… hey you said it, I didn’t… but here, Paul wants the Corinthian church, to know about things pertaining to the spirit; he wants them to have knowledge. And why is that? Well, I think it’s important to consider the context of the audience receiving this letter. You see, for those living in Corinth at the time, as well as all of Greece, they have one thing in common… Many gods.

I mean, the entire society is full of deities, and idols, and philosophies. and Paul references this, he states: 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.

And so here, Paul, as he instructs this young church, tells them they he wants them to be informed of the gifts of the spirit. And unlike they’re time where they’re living as pagans, to not be influenced and led astray by mute idols… but to be informed of, and living out the things of Christ.

And in verse 4 Paul would go on address Spiritual Gifts, He writes: 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. Another 8 times

So Paul lists a number of different kinds of gifts of the spirit. Different Kinds of service, different workings and so on. And from verse 7-11 it list out these manifestations of the spirit. By the way the word manifestation means to unveil what is secret; or to make something evident by display. And we’re told to each one (that is to believers in which the Holy Spirit indwells), this manifestation is given for common good. And it says To this one. Or to one, there is a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge, it continues to another faith, then gifts of healing, it states miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues…

But here’s the point… they’re all given, from God… God’s desire is that you use them for good.

6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. And then it goes on to say 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

You see, a gift isn’t just given to have… no, a gift is given with a specific purpose. And it’s designed to be used.

You see I’m reminded of a story that took place close to home. On July 5 of 21 Heavenly Pizza in Findlay, Ohio, fulfilled 220 orders, but the restaurant didn't see a dime of its sales — instead, all $6,300, plus $1,200 in tips, went directly to employees.

Owner Josh Elchert decided to hold an Employee Appreciation Day to show his gratitude for his team and how hard they have been working during the pandemic. He said, "You can have the best pizza in the world. If you have no one here to make it, it doesn't matter."

Elchert knows his customers appreciate the pizzeria's employees as much as he does, and posted on Facebook that on July 5, he would give the entire day's sales to his workers. On a typical Monday, the restaurant fills about 100 orders, but on Employee Appreciation Day, customers came out in full force to show their support, ordering extra pies and dropping big tips.

Each employee ended up earning $78 per hour for their shift. Timmy Lemire, For instance is a 20 year old, assistant manager who has worked at Heavenly Pizza for five years. He states: "I've never experienced anything like this before. It's a big gift."

No let me ask you a question this morning… if you were working at heavenly pizza that day, would you accept the gift that was given to you? Would accept the extra money? I think all of us would… but here’s the key, we see the value in the gift. And we know what it’s worth.

And when we understand the gift, and understand the worth, we’ll greatly accept the gift… but when we fail to understand the gift properly and don’t see the value… that’s where we’re in trouble.

This morning, Paul writes to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1: 6 and says: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

1 Timothy 4:4 it speaks a similar message. We’re told… Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Church, unlike money which is here today and tomorrow, sprouts wings and flies off… God has given us divine gifts, and his desire is for us to use them for His Glory.

2. What are the spiritual gifts?

Now that we’ve identified that we need to utilize the gifts we’ve been given… we transition to the specifics of what are the gifts.

And again, to highlight the scripture we’re told:

8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

And what I want us to see is that there are 9 different spiritual gifts mentioned here… but this list is not exhaustive; in other words there are other spiritual gifts lifted in different parts of scripture.

Later in 1 Corinthians 12:27-30:

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

We’re also told in Romans 12 6-8: 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[ faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Then in 1 peter 4:10-11. “10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

But wait, there’s more.

Acts 2:17 “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

So, there’s a lot of scripture. A lot of gifs mentioned through these verses. And we’re not going to go into great lengths describing what each of these gifts are… That would be something to do perhaps in a future message or perhaps through your personal time of study.

But notice, the gifts that are listed through these scriptures are different from say the 10 commandments. In which God, would specifically lay out 10 separate commands. Instead, we see a number of gifts that are listed, and again the purpose is always for the gifts to be used for the glory of God.

John MacArthur explains: A believer’s gifts can be an overlapping combination, taken in different proportions from the categories of gifts. One person may be obviously strong in a single gift, such as teaching. Another may not be strong in any one gift but have some measure of three or four categories. Therefore, It is best to see each person’s gifts as a unique blend of the categories of giftedness, granted to that individual in connection with his or her traits and experiences and the needs of the church. Each believe becomes as unique spiritually as his fingerprints are physically. (He adds)… If the gifts are not being used, or not being used rightly, the body of Christ cannot be the corporate manifestation of its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the work of God is hindered.

You see, there are many gifts, but even biblical scholars disagree on the specific number of gifts… Let’s talk about what they have in common.

On the screen behind me. Similarities of the gifts of the spirit.

· As we’ve discussed 1. The purpose of Spiritual gifts is to use them. In other words, gifts are given to us, but the purpose is to use them for others. If we go back to Romans 12:7 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[ faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach… Then it’s not serving yourself, it’s not self-serving. Instead you’re using your gift to serve others. The same way with Encouraging, giving or anything else.

· We also see that unlike physical gifts or ability, which are given to a variety of people, both Christians and none Christians… 2. Spiritual gifts are only given to Christians (those in whom the Holy Spirit Indwells) 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

· 3. Each Gift is for different kinds of Ministry. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. When we discuss this concept for a moment. We understand that Christians with the same kindof Gift, can use these gifts in different ways. For instance, you may have two people, both who have been given the ability to teach… but one is great, one on one or in a smaller setting perhaps in children’s ministry or Sunday school. Another is great in teacher a larger crowd or preaching a sermon. For instance my wife, loves and enjoys teaching children. She’s even started working as a substitute teacher at Kenton Elementary… but she would hate to be up front this morning leading the message…

· 4. Each gift is dependent on the power of God. We’re told: 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. For the word working, Some of your translations may refer to them as “effects.” The Greek word here being: energēma which is the same root for our word energy. And by definition energēma means: “what is worked out or energized.” And here from this scripture, we see that not only does God give us the gifts, but it is his spirit that is giving us the energy or capability to use them. Another words, another cup of coffee (or a Red Bull) will not give you an increase sense of energy when using this spiritual gift. Your body may feel more awake, but the spiritual gifts are not dependent on your caffeine intake or any other physical consideration.

· 5. Spiritual gifts are designed to be USED TOGETHER. The final concept that we see this morning is that the gifts are designed to be used together. Scripture continues: 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

What’s true about a body is that when our bodies move, there are many parts working together to accomplish something. (If I’m go to pick up this stool for instance.) My mind, is thinking directing my brain as I walk forward. Using my feet… My eyes are showing me where to walk. My heartis pumping the blood in my body, and exchanging the oxygen in my bronchioles in my lungs so that my body has perfusion. And my hands will reach out, with each finger doing its job. Finally my muscles ( big as they are) are doing their part. You see the body has 11 organ systems that work together to perform a specific function.

And Paul would discuss how each part relies on each other for the body to move… But here’s the point. Each part is designed to do it’s part. My eyes are not supposed to lift the bench…. Can you imagine that? My hands aren’t designed to walk… I mean, you can try that for a moment… but as each part, functions as it’s designed… we see effectiveness.

What’s the point? That each of us Must Do Our Job. That each of us must use our spiritual gifts as they’ve been given.

I think to myself of Navy Seals this morning. all who must complete BUD/S (or basic underwater demolition / seal training.) and in looking, this training is a 24-week course made up of 3 high intensity phases. The first five weeks of First Phase prepare you for the sixth week, better known as "Hell Week." During this week, students participate in 5½ days of continuous training, with a maximum of four hours of sleep. But here’s what we need to know, this training shows those who make (just about 25%) that the human body can do 10 times the amount of work the average man thinks possible. But here’s the key, for those who participate, they must work together as a team. They’re not individuals, instead, they’re completely dependent on one another.

For us, this morning church. God has given us all gifts… but the key is. We must work together. We must all, put on the full armor of God and rise to the occasion as together, we serve the Lord.

I’m going to call Lisa back up.

And as she comes up. I want to wrap up with one concept. The idea of identifying and deploying your spiritual gift.

You see, perhaps you’re here this morning and you’ve never given thought to your giftedness. But I would like to briefly give you 3 practically things to do.

1. Ask God - James 1:5 tells us: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

2. Ask others. Proverbs 19:20 - Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. (Oftentimes, others can see things in you that you don’t even recognize for yourself.)

3. Ask yourself. (Go through the scripture… read these verses again… ask yourself, is teaching something you enjoy? Do you feel gifted in this area? Is serving something you enjoy?

We’re going to close in prayer, one last verse as an encouragement

Galatians 6:9-10 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

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