Empowered to Build: The Spirit’s Gifts for the Body of Christ
Dr. Randall Keaton- 12/1/2025
Ministry: Men's Ministry
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Have you ever wondered why God gives different people different gifts? Why one person
speaks with wisdom, while another serves quietly behind the scenes—but with just as much
power?
The answer is simple: it's the same Spirit at work in every believer, and His gifts are given
not for personal glory, but for the good of the whole body.
The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, reminds us: there are different kinds of
gifts, but the same Spirit. Different kinds of service, but the same Lord. Different kinds of
workings, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work.
Each one of us has been given a manifestation of the Spirit—for the common good. That
means your gift is not random. It’s not a coincidence. It’s divine.
In Romans 12, Paul goes even deeper. He says, “By the mercies of God,” we should offer
our bodies as living sacrifices—holy and pleasing to Him. That’s not a passive belief. That’s
a call to action.
He shows us that every believer has been given exactly what they need to fulfill their unique
role in the body of Christ. Faith itself is a resource God supplies. And with it, He equips
you—not just to receive—but to serve. As we step into our God-given roles, He pours out
everything we need to operate effectively.
1 Corinthians 12 echoes this truth: the Church is one body made up of many members, all of
whom have put their faith in Jesus Christ. You are not an extra. You are not optional. You are
a necessary part of that body. And you’ve been called to commit—not just to the global
Church, but to a specific local church. A place where your gift can breathe. Can grow. Can
serve others in love.
Then Ephesians 4 shows us another layer: unity. Paul, writing from prison, urges believers to
live in a way that reflects the grace they’ve been given. And how is that grace seen?
Through the diversity of our gifts. One God. One Spirit. But countless expressions of His
grace through us. That’s what makes the Church so beautiful.
We are unified—not because we’re all the same—but because every difference, every
unique gift, comes from the same Spirit. And when we function together, we reveal a
powerful truth: we were created with divine purpose.
Peter joins the conversation in his first letter, urging believers to live with clear, sober
minds—letting go of the things of this world and clinging tighter to the things of God. In 1
Peter 4, he reminds us that this world is not our home. So live like you belong to another
Kingdom. Use your gifts faithfully—whether it’s speaking, serving, encouraging, or leading.
All of it should point back to the glory of God.
So what does all of this mean for us today?
It means the Church is still alive with spiritual gifts—real, powerful, active gifts—meant to
build, heal, restore, and equip. And those gifts are in you. Not for your fame. Not for your
platform. But for the mission.
God is still speaking through teachers. Still moving through encouragers. Still revealing His
mercy through those who serve with quiet faithfulness.
You are a vessel of the Holy Spirit. And the world needs what God has placed inside of you.
So ask yourself today: am I using the gift God gave me? Or am I burying it in fear? Because
when you use what He’s placed in your hands—you become part of something eternal.
Something unstoppable. Something divine.
Let your gift speak. Let it serve. Let it shine.
And in all things—give glory to the One who gave it.