Walking in Unity: Unwrapping and Using Your God-Given Gift

February 2, 2025

You Have Been Given a Gift! 🎁

As we continue our journey through Ephesians, we’re diving deeper into the truth that God has gifted each of us uniquely. Last week, we began discussing the spiritual gifts God has given to His children, and today, we continue that conversation.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:7:

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

Did you catch that? Each one of us—that includes you!

You are a gifted child of God. But here’s the question:
➡️ Have you unwrapped the gift?
➡️ Have you received it?
➡️ Are you using it for God’s glory and the good of others?

Too many believers are like the woman in the story of Charles Spurgeon—sitting on a gift they don’t even realize they have. Let’s unpack what that means.

The Forgotten Gift: A Lesson from Charles Spurgeon

There was once a poor widow living in an alms house, completely dependent on the care of others. She had no family, no money, no resources.

One day, Charles Spurgeon visited her and noticed a framed letter hanging on the wall. Curious, he asked about it.

She explained that, years ago, she had cared for an elderly man, and he had left her that letter as a token of appreciation. She cherished it, even framed it, but never thought much about it.

Spurgeon took the letter to the authorities, and they discovered it wasn’t just a letter—it was the deed to the man’s entire estate!

For years, this woman had been living in poverty, completely unaware that she had inherited a fortune.

The same is true for many Christians today. We have been given incredible spiritual riches, but we live as though we are spiritually poor.

God has given us gifts—but are we using them?

You Are a Gifted Child of God

Paul makes it clear:
📖 Ephesians 4:7“Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

If you have accepted Christ, you have received a grace gift.

✅ It’s not just a gift—it’s a grace gift (Greek: charis).
✅ It’s something God uniquely designed for you.
✅ It’s given not just for you—but for the benefit of others.

Let’s say it together: “I am a gifted child of God.”

Let that sink in. Believe it. Live it.

Why Do So Many People Leave Their Gift Unopened?

1️⃣ Fear – “What if I’m not good enough?”
2️⃣ Comparison – “My gift isn’t as impressive as someone else’s.”
3️⃣ Doubt – “Did God really give me something special?”
4️⃣ Insecurity – “What if I fail?”
5️⃣ Lack of Awareness – “I don’t even know what my gift is.”

But here’s the truth: God doesn’t make mistakes.
The same God who created the universe designed a specific gift just for you.

And if He gave it, He expects you to use it.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts aren’t just natural abilities. They are supernatural empowerments given by the Holy Spirit.

📖 1 Corinthians 12:7“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”

📖 James 1:17“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

📖 Matthew 7:11“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

God’s gifts aren’t just good—they are perfectly suited for you.

How Were the Gifts Delivered?

Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:8-10 that Jesus delivered these gifts through His victory over sin, death, and the grave.

✔️ He descended to earth to save us.
✔️ He conquered death and rose again.
✔️ He ascended into heaven and, through the Holy Spirit, gave spiritual gifts to His people.

This means your gift is directly tied to Christ’s victory.

Discovering and Using Your Gift

You might be wondering: How do I discover my spiritual gift?

1️⃣ The Principle of Desire – What do you love doing for God?
2️⃣ The Principle of Discovery – Sometimes, others see our gifts before we do. Pay attention to what people affirm in you.
3️⃣ The Principle of Development – Grow in your gift. Pray, study, and seek opportunities to use it.
4️⃣ The Principle of Dependence – You can’t operate in your gift without the Holy Spirit’s help.
5️⃣ The Principle of Deployment – A gift unused is a gift wasted. Step out in faith and serve!

Spiritual Gifts in the Church

Paul highlights four key roles that help equip the church:

📌 Apostles – Those sent to start and establish the church.
📌 Prophets – Those who boldly proclaim God’s truth.
📌 Evangelists – Those who share the gospel passionately.
📌 Pastors & Teachers – Those who shepherd, teach, and disciple believers.

But beyond these, every believer has a role.

📖 Ephesians 4:16“From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

When everyone walks in their gifts, the church thrives.

A Challenge for You Today

1️⃣ If you don’t know your gift, start praying and seeking.
2️⃣ If you know your gift, start using it!
3️⃣ If you’ve been afraid to step out, trust God’s plan.

Let’s not be like the woman in Spurgeon’s story—sitting on an unused gift.

➡️ Unwrap the gift.
➡️ Receive it.
➡️ Use it.

Because when we all walk in unity, we all win.

Final Thought: What’s Holding You Back?

🚨 Fear?
🚨 Doubt?
🚨 Comparison?

God has already equipped you. Now it’s time to walk in it.