O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E.
This article discusses the relationship between spiritual gifts and obedience in our Christian walk.
"For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. Romans 11:29-31
In this passage Paul reminds us that we used to be disobedient to God before we had a relationship with God.
In our relationship with God obedience is the appropriate response.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith." Romans 12:6
This passage clearly implies obedience with the phrase "let him use it in proportion to his faith."
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
So far, we have seen a couple of expamples from the Bible in which obedience is clearly directed. Both of these passages are speaking about the gifts God has given us. Also, both of these give direction related to what we should do with those gifts.
The problem most people have is that they have trouble discovering the gifts they have and how to use them.
The acrostic OBEDIENCE may help.
O = Obey the calling.
"For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." Romans 11:29
The word "call" refers to being solicited, identified, and designated for something. "Irrevocable" describes something that is not capable of change.
"Gift" is the blessing of God designed specifically for a ministry. With all of this in mind it is hard to deny that obedience is what God expects. God gives us gifts to be used for His service and He wants us to be obedient to that call.
B = Begin a study.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
We cannot understand how to use spiritual gifts if we are not spending time in the Word seeking guidance from God.
"Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant." 1 Corinthians 12:1
It is important to read what the Bible says about the gifts. It is also important to spend time in study and prayer concerning your gift(s).
E = Examine feelings and fantasies.
Many people have trouble determining their gift. Here is a simple exercise to help you identify your gifts. Imagine yourself using particular gifts and examine the feelings that go along with it. Is it a good feeling or bad feeling. Does it seem good and natural or bad and uncomfortable.
D = Disciplined belief.
We must truly believe that God has a gift for all of His children and then work hard to discover and use the gifts He has for us. We must stand on faith in the promises of God. Never let the lies of satan get through to you. He will do everything in his power to keep you from using your gifts to God's glory.
I = Investigate the gifts of others.
Watching and modeling as others use their gifts helps us learn about our gifts. Talk with others about thier gifts. Read about others using their gifts. Read Bible passages with an eye for the gifts of God working through the people in the Bible. My experience has been that God has brought specific people from the Bible to my mind as their experience related to my experience. Expect God to speak to you through your investigation of the spiritual gifts.
E = Experiment with the gifts.
The only way to really discover which gift(s) you have is to try the gifts you think you have. You will never know if God is wanting to use a gift in your life if you don't try to use that gift. The gifts of God are meant to be used for His glory not hidden away. God will clearly let you know if you are trying to use a gift that you do not have. As you experiment with a gift spend time in prayer and fast; expect to hear from God.
N = Never doubt God's promises.
We must make a conscious effort not to doubt God's promises even in the face of Satan's attempts to trick us. God is faithfull and will always do what He says He will do. In fact, God cannot lie.
C = Censure all notions of pride or defeat.
"For by the grace (the gift) given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3
There is no reason for pride when thinking about our gifts--they are given by divine wisdom for the benefit of the Body of Christ. Everyone is divinely chosen and empowered with gifts. Defeat has no place for God does not give us gifts to succeed He gives us gifts to service.
E = Expect God to produce the results.
Results are not our business--our business is service using the gift(s) God has given us. We do not know how to judge the results. Only God knows how it will all end and how your faithfullness will play a part in the whole story. God is in control--let Him be in control.
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:12-13
God is the Lord of the Harvest--the results are up to Him.
"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:38
I hope that this acronym will be of some use to you as you seek to serve the Lord using the Gifts of the Spirit in your life.
One last thought: the gift God has given you will flow freely in your life, it will make sense and be very natural. Don't make it too hard. Don't look for the gifts that you think are more glamorous or more important. Flowing in the gift God has given you will bring peace and joy in your life. Struggling to use a gift that you don't have has to bring discouragement and stress. Look for what God is doing through you.
God bless you in your search.
Tim Gray
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