1. “Using our Gifts to Serve Others” 1 Peter 4:7-11 June 28, 2009

2. I. Serving others is time-sensitive. We are to be clear-minded. – We ought to be focused in order to influence others. Should effect our attitudes. Should effect our actions. Should effect our relatinships.

3. I. Serving others is time-sensitive. We are to be clear-minded. – We ought to exhibit clear reasoning. We need to have wisdom. We need to make mature decisions. We need to have a decisive purpose.

4. I. Serving others is time-sensitive. We are to be self-controlled. – We ought to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

5. I. Serving others is time-sensitive. We are to be self-controlled. – We are to pray. We should pray and not give up. We should pray on all occasions for all people. We should pray without ceasing.

6. II. Serving others is love-motivated. Love covers a multitude of sins. – We ought to be forgiving. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 – We ought to love others deeply. v. 8, “Above all, love each other deeply.”

7. II. Serving others is love-motivated. We are to be hospitable. – Entertaining places the focus on the host (us). Everything has to be perfect. Everything has to make an impression. – Hospitality places the focus on the guest (them). Their needs become the primary concern. They are put at ease.

8. III. Serving others is purpose- centered. We ought to administer God’s grace. – We need to have a healthy self-esteem. Not thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. But thinking with sober judgment. – In accordance to the faith God has given us. Our gifts are not for us to use exclusively for us. All gifts should be used in serving others.

9. III. Serving others is purpose- centered. There are a variety of forms of gifts. – Speaking the very words of God. – Serving with the strength that God provides.