Serving With Purpose

For a moment I want you to imagine that someone hands you a beautifully wrapped gift. You know it’s special, it’s been chosen specifically for you, and it holds great potential. But instead of opening it and using what’s inside you set it aside and let it collect dust. It sit’s there, unused and unopened, day after day.

Now, that seems ridiculous, doesn’t it? But how often do we do the same with the spiritual gifts God has given us? Instead of using them for the purpose God intended, we leave them untouched, perhaps out of fear, insecurity, or uncertainty about what to do with them.

Think of a child given a box of colorful building blocks. Instead of creating amazing structures, he just stacks them in a corner, never using them. Other children bring their blocks and build castles, spaceships, and mountains. Similarly, our spiritual gifts are like those building blocks—meant to be used to create something magnificent for God! If we don’t use them, we miss out on the fun and creativity of growing in faith!

Each of us has been given spiritual gifts by God, and those gifts are meant to be used. We’re not meant to them hidden. Our world needs the light of Christ that shines through our service. The church needs your unique contributions to thrive. The question is:

Are you using your gifts for God’s purpose?

In today’s passage, 1 Peter 4:10-11, the Apostle Peter gives us clear instructions about how to use our gifts. He urges us to be faithful stewards of the grace we have received. Let’s walk through this passage together, and we’ll see three key truths about serving with purpose.

1 Peter 4:10–11 NKJV

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The call to serve one another in love.

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

I want you to notice the emphasis that is on “As each one...” No one is excluded from this command. God has given every believer a gift, and we are all called to use those gifts. Peter makes it clear that these gifts are not for personal gain- they are meant to serve others.

The word steward is important here. Peter reminds us that we are caretakers of God’s grace. The gifts that we possess are not our own- they belong to God, and we have been entrusted with them to build up the body of Christ. We are responsible for managing these gifts faithfully, making sure they are used to bless others and extend God’s grace.

Think of it this way: Imagine you’re a gardener, and God has entrusted you with a garden full of beautiful plants. Each plant represents a different gift, a unique expression of God’s grace. If you neglect the plants, the garden will wither and die. But if you water them, tend to them, and care for them faithfully, the garden will flourish and bring joy to everyone who walks through it.

In the same way, if we fail to use our gifts to serve others, we are neglecting the very purpose for which God has given them. Service is an expression of love. Jesus said in John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”” Serving one another is one of the clearest ways we can demonstrate God’s love to the world.

John 13:35 NKJV

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

What does this mean for us? It means each of us must ask,

How can I serve others with the gifts God has given me?

Maybe you have the gift of encouragement, hospitality, or teaching. Whatever your gift, it’s meant to be used in Love. Look around you. Where are the needs in your family, your church, or your community? There is no shortage of opportunities to serve. God has equipped you to meet some of these needs.

Don’t let your gift sit on a shelf, use it to bless others.

Now that we’ve seen that our gifts are meant to serve others in love, let’s move to the second point. Peter not only calls us to serve, but he also tells us how to use our gifts. He says that when we use our gifts, we should do so in a way that glorifies God. Let’s look at the second point:

Using Spiritual Gifts for God’s Glory

Peter continues in 1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:11 NKJV

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Peter emphasized to things in this scripture: Speaking and Ministering. Ministering can also be serving.

When Peter says, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” He is emphasizing the seriousness of using gifts like preaching or teaching.

Here’s why: We are not sharing our own ideas, we are called to speak God’s truth.

Likewise when we, serve, it’s not about our abilities or effort; it’s about relying on God’s strength.

Think of a stained glass window. During the night, it’s just a piece of glass with colors. But when sunlight shines through it , the colors come alive and radiate beauty. The window itself isn’t special, it’s the light that makes it glow. In the same way, when we use our gifts, it’s God’s light shining through us that brings glory to Him.

Why is this important? Because when we use our gifts, it’s not about drawing attention to ourselves. It’s about pointing people to God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Every time you serve or speak, you have the opportunity to reflect God’s grace and bring Glory to His name.

So how do we do this in practical terms?

It starts with a mindset shift.

Every time you use your gift, ask yourself:

Am I doing this to glorify God, or to draw attention to myself?

Whether your leading a Bible study, organizing an event, or quietly helping behind the scenes, your ultimate goal should be to point others to Jesus.

Serve with the strength that:

God Provides, not your own.

When people see the love, grace, and strength of God at work in you, they will give Him the praise.

So far, we’ve seen that we are called to serve one another in love and that we are to use our gifts for God’s glory. But many of us might still be wondering, “What exactly is my gift? How do I know how to use it??

Let’s explore the final point:

Identifying and Utilizing Your Gifts in Service.

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift...” This means that God has given every believer a gift. But sometimes, identifying that gift can feel challenging.

How do we figure out what our gift is?

We need to believe that we have been given a gift. (1 Peter 4:10)

Pray and ask God to reveal your gift. (James 1:5)

James 1:5 NKJV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

3. Listen to the people around you.

Often others can see your gifts more clearly than you can. They may affirm things about you that you haven’t recognized in yourself.

I heard a story about a man that wasn’t sure how he could serve in his church. He didn’t think he had any special skills. One Sunday, he was asked to help set up chairs before the service. As he did that week after week, he discovered a gift for organizing and helping behind the scenes. Eventually, he began leading volunteer teams, organizing events, and taking on leadership roles. His gift of administration and leadership was revealed through simple acts of service.

Sometimes, we’re waiting for a big revelation about our gifts, but God often shows us through small acts of obedience. As we step out in faith and start serving. God begins to clarify and refine our gifts. Don’t wait for a sign. Start where you are.

So how can you apply this in your life?

Start serving wherever there is a need.

Join a ministry, volunteer in your community.

Help someone in need.

As you serve, pay attention to where you feel the most joy and fulfillment. Listen to the feedback from those around you. Most importantly, trust God to guide you in discovering and using your gifts for His kingdom.

Conclusion

We’ve walked through 1 Peter 4:10-11 and discovered some powerful truths about using our gifts:

We are called to serve one another in love.

Our Gifts are meant to glorify God.

We must identify and utilize our gifts in faithful service.

God has given each of us a gift, and He has called us to be faithful stewards of that gift. The body of Christ needs your unique contribution, and the world needs the light of Christ that shines through you. So, as we leave today, I encourage you to reflect on how you can use your gifts to serve others and bring glory to God. Don’t let your gift sit on a shelf , Unwrap it and use it to fulfill you purpose in God’s kingdom.

Let’s pray:

Father, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to be faithful stewards, serving one another in love and using our gifts to glorify You. Guide us as we discover and use the gifts You’ve entrusted to us, so that Your name may be praised. In Jesus Name, Amen.