Oct. 12, 2025

Pastor Chad continues the 'Designed to Serve' series by emphasizing that God has given each person spiritual gifts to be used in service to others, not stored away unused. The message centers on Moses' encounter with God in Exodus 4, where God asks 'What's in your hand?' when Moses makes excuses about his inadequacy. Just as God used Moses' simple staff to perform miracles, He can use whatever gifts and talents we currently possess.

The pastor challenges the congregation to stop making excuses and start serving with what they have, emphasizing that God provides the strength to serve and never asks us to give what we don't have. He references the parable of the talents, warning against burying our gifts out of fear, and reminds the church that time is short and there's much work to be done. The message concludes with an invitation for people to identify their gifts and find ways to serve, whether in existing ministries or by starting new ones that match their unique gifting.

Key Verses: 1 Peter 4:7-11; Exodus 4:1-2; Matthew 25:14-30

Application & Reflection

Identify one specific gift or talent you have been hesitant to use in service to God and others. Take one concrete step toward using that gift - whether it's volunteering for a ministry, offering to help someone, or having a conversation with a church leader about how you can serve. Remember, start with what's in your hand right now, trusting that God will provide the strength and guidance you need.

https://dashboard.malphursgroup.com/divine-design-discovery-tool/?user_id=528

• When God asked Moses 'What's in your hand?', Moses had a simple staff. What 'ordinary' things do you have in your hand that God might want to use?
• Moses made several excuses about why he couldn't serve God (past mistakes, lack of eloquence, etc.). What excuses do you find yourself making when it comes to serving?
• The sermon mentioned that 'obedience is greater than sacrifice.' What does this mean to you in the context of using your spiritual gifts?
• How does knowing that we serve 'by the strength that God supplies' change your perspective on stepping out to serve?
• The parable of the talents warns against burying our gifts out of fear. What fears might be holding you back from fully using your gifts?
• Pastor Chad mentioned that gifts are meant 'to serve one another,' not for ourselves. How does this challenge the way you think about your abilities and talents?
• With the reminder that 'the end of all things is at hand,' how should this urgency affect the way we approach serving in God's kingdom?

Key Takeaways

• God has given each person spiritual gifts that are meant to be used, not stored away unused
• We don't need someone else's gifts - we need to use what God has already placed in our hands
• God provides the strength to serve and never asks us to give what we don't have
• Obedience in using our gifts is more important than waiting for perfect circumstances or abilities
• Time is short and there is urgent work to be done in God's kingdom - we cannot afford to bury our talents