S.H.E. DOMINION

REFINERS FIRE

No, Jesus did not directly teach about the "refiner's fire" using that exact phrase in the Gospels. However, the Old Testament prophecy in Malachi 3:2-3 portrays the Messiah—fulfilled in Jesus—as like a refiner's fire, purifying His people through judgment and holiness.[1][2] CLOSEST TEACHINGS Jesus referenced related fire imagery, emphasizing purification, judgment, and the Spirit. * Matthew 3:11-12 (KJV, John the Baptist on Jesus): "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I... He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." This links to refining by separating pure from impure.[3][4] * Other fire parables: Jesus spoke of unquenchable fire for the wicked (Mark 9:43-48 KJV) and testing branches (John 15:6 KJV), but not the silversmith metaphor.[5] WWW.SAINTSUNITED.ORG

SOIL

In Jesus’ parable, “good soil” represents a heart that hears God’s word, understands it, holds onto it, and produces fruit through perseverance. The main teaching is that spiritual growth depends not just on hearing the message, but on receiving it in a way that lets it take root and bear results. What “good soil” means Matthew says the seed on good soil is the person who hears and understands the word and then produces a harvest. Luke adds that this person has a “noble and good heart,” retains the word, and perseveres in producing a crop. What the Bible teaches WWW.SAINTSUNITED.ORG

FIGHT

Scripture teaches that followers of Jesus are called to fight, but not the way the world fights. The primary battles are spiritual and internal, and the way we “fight” people is often by refusing to retaliate and trusting God to act instead.[1][2][5] 1. DIFFERENT KINDS OF “FIGHTING” IN SCRIPTURE The Bible speaks of several kinds of conflict.[1] * Physical warfare: Israel’s soldiers fought real enemies in battles (for example Joshua 8, 1 Samuel 17).[1] * Personal conflict: quarrels, arguments, and divisions between people (James 4:1–3; 2 Corinthians 7:5).[4][1] * Spiritual warfare: believers fighting against Satan, sin, and false teaching (Ephesians 6:12; Jude 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:12).[3][5][1] * God fighting for His people: “The Lord will fight for you” (Exodus 14:14; 2 Chronicles 20:15).[6][1] Whether fighting is right or wrong depends on what and who we are fighting, and whether we are aligned with God’s will.[1] 2. THE WRONG WAY TO FIGHT Scripture warns that most human fights come from sinful desires inside us.[4] * James says quarrels come from “desires that battle within you,” from coveting and selfish motives.[4] * Believers are told not to bicker, wrangle, or fight each other over worldly things, but to seek peace.[8][1] * Jesus forbids personal revenge: “You have heard… ‘An eye for an eye’… But I tell you, don’t fight back against someone who wants to do harm to you.” (Matthew 5:38–39).[2] An example: when Peter struck the servant with a sword, Jesus told him to put it away, showing that violence is not the way His kingdom advances.[1] 3. THE RIGHT WAY TO FIGHT Scripture does command a holy fight, aimed at the right enemy and fought in the right spirit.[5][3][1] * Fight the good fight: Paul says, “Fight the good fight of the faith” and, at the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight.” (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7).[1] * Fight spiritual enemies, not people: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil.” (Ephesians 6:12).[3][5] * Contend for the faith: Jude tells believers to “earnestly contend for the faith” against false teaching.[1] This “fight” looks like perseverance in obedience, prayer, holiness, sound doctrine, and love, even under pressure.[5][3] 4. HOW WE FIGHT: ARMOR, ATTITUDE, AND ACTIONS Scripture gives both equipment and posture for this fight.[5] * God’s armor: Ephesians 6 describes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God as our armor, with God’s Word as our offensive weapon.[5] * Watchfulness and resistance: believers are to be sober and alert because the devil prowls like a roaring lion, and to resist him, standing firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:8–9).[3][5] * Prayer and dependence: often the battle “belongs to the Lord,” and our part is to stand firm, trust, and obey while He fights for us (Exodus 14:13–14; 2 Chronicles 20:15).[6][5] So the biblical way to fight is active—resisting evil, standing firm in truth—yet deeply dependent, knowing God is the ultimate warrior for His people.[6][1] 5. FIGHTING PEOPLE VS. LOVING ENEMIES The New Testament especially redirects our instinct to fight people.[2][1] * Jesus teaches turning the other cheek and giving more than is demanded rather than striking back (Matthew 5:38–40).[2] * Believers are called to pursue peace with others and handle conflict directly, gently, and with humility, rather than with violence or revenge (Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 18:15).[8][1] * Christians are not told to rebel against government but to submit to authorities, recognizing Christ as the ultimate King (Romans 13:2; John 18:36).[1] So Scripture teaches us to fight sin, Satan, and falsehood; to let God fight for us; and, when it comes to people, to respond with humility, peacemaking, and sacrificial love rather than retaliation.[2][4][1] Sources [1] What does the Bible say about fighting? | GotQuestions.org https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fighting.html [https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fighting.html] [2] Matthew 5:38-40 ERV - Jesus Teaches About Fighting Back https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A38-40&version=ERV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A38-40&version=ERV] [3] How to Fight Your Battle God's Way - Joyce Meyer Ministries https://joycemeyer.org/Grow-Your-Faith/Articles/How-to-Fight-Your-Battle-Gods-Way [https://joycemeyer.org/Grow-Your-Faith/Articles/How-to-Fight-Your-Battle-Gods-Way] [4] Conflict is Inevitable | James 4:1-12 - South Fellowship Church https://southfellowship.org/dailies/conflict-is-inevitable-james-41-12/ [https://southfellowship.org/dailies/conflict-is-inevitable-james-41-12/] [5] 5 Verses for Spiritual Battle - ONE&ALL Church https://www.oneandall.church/story/5-verses-for-spiritual-battle [https://www.oneandall.church/story/5-verses-for-spiritual-battle] [6] The Lord Fights for Us! - Think Eternity https://thinke.org/blog/the-lord-fights-for-us [https://thinke.org/blog/the-lord-fights-for-us] [7] 5 Verses to Fight Against the Enemy - Hope Nation https://hopenation.org/5-verses-to-fight-against-the-enemy/ [https://hopenation.org/5-verses-to-fight-against-the-enemy/] [8] What Does the Bible Say About Fighting? - OpenBible.info https://www.openbible.info/topics/fighting [https://www.openbible.info/topics/fighting] [9] What is a bible verse about fight? - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuffolkChristianChurch/posts/9273058996095924/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuffolkChristianChurch/posts/9273058996095924/] Jesus did “fight,” but not in the usual human sense of protecting His pride or taking revenge. He fought for God’s honor, for truth, and for people’s salvation—while refusing to fight to save Himself. 1. JESUS DID NOT FIGHT TO DEFEND HIMSELF * When He was arrested, mocked, beaten, and crucified, Jesus did not strike back or call down power to destroy His enemies, even though He said He could have asked the Father for more than twelve legions of angels. * He rebuked Peter for using a sword in the garden and healed the man Peter wounded, showing He would not advance God’s kingdom by violence. * During His trials before the high priest, Herod, and Pilate, He accepted injustice without physical resistance, entrusting Himself to the Father’s will. 2. JESUS DID CONFRONT AND “FIGHT” WITH WORDS * Jesus frequently confronted religious leaders about hypocrisy, greed, and hardness of heart, calling them to repentance and exposing sin. * He argued strongly in public, answered attacks, and used sharp words when necessary (“whitewashed tombs,” “blind guides,” “you belong to your father, the devil”), but His goal was always truth and salvation, not winning an ego battle. * He also challenged crowds and even His own disciples when their motives were wrong, when they misunderstood His mission, or when they resisted God’s will. 3. JESUS DID USE PHYSICAL FORCE ONCE (RIGHTEOUS ANGER) * In the cleansing of the temple (twice in His ministry), Jesus made a whip, drove out animals and money changers, and overturned tables. * This was not a personal revenge, but a prophetic act of zeal for His Father’s house, condemning exploitation and corruption in worship. * His anger there was holy and controlled, aimed at restoring true worship, not at satisfying rage. 4. HOW JESUS “FOUGHT” HIS REAL ENEMIES * Jesus saw the real enemy as sin, Satan, and death, not flesh-and-blood people. * He fought by teaching truth, casting out demons, resisting Satan’s temptations with Scripture, healing the broken, and obeying the Father perfectly. * On the cross and in His resurrection, He “disarmed” spiritual powers and won the decisive victory over sin and death. 5. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US * Christians are not called to imitate the violent power of the world, but the sacrificial, truth-telling, enemy-loving pattern of Jesus. * We may confront sin, defend the weak, and stand for truth, but we do so without revenge, trusting God to judge and to fight for us. * In that sense, we are called to “fight the good fight of the faith” the way Jesus did: courageous in truth, pure in motives, and willing to suffer rather than sin. Sources [1] Jesus: The Master of Confrontation - With All Wisdom https://withallwisdom.org/2021/12/13/jesus-the-master-of-confrontation/ [https://withallwisdom.org/2021/12/13/jesus-the-master-of-confrontation/] [2] Describe Jesus' physical sufferings on His final day. - JesusAlive.cc https://jesusalive.cc/jesus-sufferings-final-day/ [https://jesusalive.cc/jesus-sufferings-final-day/] [3] How Jesus Confronted and Corrected Others - Feeding on Christ https://feedingonchrist.org/how-jesus-confronted-and-corrected-others/ [https://feedingonchrist.org/how-jesus-confronted-and-corrected-others/] [4] Confrontations with Jesus | Cities Church https://www.citieschurch.com/sermons/confrontations-with-jesus [https://www.citieschurch.com/sermons/confrontations-with-jesus] [5] Jesus and Arguing (Mark 11:27-12:37) - Marc Sims https://marcjsims.com/2022/08/19/jesus-and-arguing-mark-1127-1237/ [https://marcjsims.com/2022/08/19/jesus-and-arguing-mark-1127-1237/] [6] Crucifixion - The Physical Suffering of Jesus - Redeeming God https://redeeminggod.com/crucifixion-physical-suffering-jesus/ [https://redeeminggod.com/crucifixion-physical-suffering-jesus/] [7] What Does the Bible Say About Physical Violence? https://www.openbible.info/topics/physical_violence [https://www.openbible.info/topics/physical_violence] [8] What does the Bible say about fighting? | GotQuestions.org https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fighting.html [https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fighting.html] [9] A Sermon on Confrontation | Luke 11 | The Bridge Church - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRdKD6KRIJA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRdKD6KRIJA] We learn to fight as Christians by fighting the right enemy with the right weapons in the right way—the way Jesus and the apostles teach. 1. REMEMBER WHO THE REAL ENEMY IS * Scripture says our struggle is “not against flesh and blood” but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). * That means we don’t fight people first; we fight sin, lies, temptation, and Satan’s schemes in and around us. * Practically, this means refusing to make your spouse, coworker, pastor, or politician the ultimate enemy, and recognizing there is a deeper spiritual battle behind conflicts. 2. START WITH SURRENDER, THEN RESISTANCE Think of spiritual fighting as a two-step rhythm: submit, then resist. * James says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). * We do not fight in our own strength; we first bow to Jesus as Lord in every area (time, money, sexuality, relationships, habits). * From that place, we resist: we say “no” to temptation, “no” to lies, “no” to patterns we know dishonor God, sometimes out loud, sometimes silently but firmly. A simple example prayer: “Lord Jesus, I submit this situation to You. I belong to You. In Your name I resist this temptation and these lies.” 3. USE THE ARMOR AND WEAPONS GOD GIVES Ephesians 6:10–18 gives a picture of how Christians fight: * Belt of truth: Learn and cling to what God says is true, especially when emotions or culture say otherwise. * Breastplate of righteousness: Live clean; repent quickly. Ongoing, hidden sin will dull your fight. * Shoes of the gospel of peace: Be ready to speak the good news, not just your opinions. * Shield of faith: Actively trust God’s character and promises when accusations and fears come. * Helmet of salvation: Guard your mind with who you are in Christ—saved, forgiven, adopted. * Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God): Speak Scripture to your heart and against temptation, as Jesus did in the wilderness. If you want to grow here, pick one short passage (for example, Ephesians 6:10–18 or Psalm 27 or Romans 8:31–39), read it daily, and start memorizing a few key verses. 4. FIGHT THROUGH PRAYER, WORSHIP, AND THE WORD You never fight spiritual battles with merely human tools like anger, manipulation, or willpower. * Prayer: Not just quick words, but honest, ongoing conversation with God—bringing temptations, fears, and conflicts before Him and asking specifically for help. * Scripture: Regular reading and meditation trains your mind and gives you “ammo” in the moment of battle. * Worship: Singing, thanking, and adoring God shifts your focus from the problem to His greatness and often breaks heaviness and fear. A simple pattern is helpful: when you feel attacked or overwhelmed, pause, pray, declare a verse, worship for a moment, then take the next faithful step. 5. DON’T FIGHT ALONE * The New Testament assumes we fight as a body, not as isolated individuals. * Confession, accountability, and mutual encouragement are God’s way of strengthening us in battle. * Being honest with trusted believers about where you’re struggling (anger, lust, despair, unforgiveness, doubt) is not weakness; it’s how you step into the fight properly. If you’d like, tell me what kind of “fight” you’re thinking about right now (temptation, fear, conflict with someone, discouragement, etc.), and I can walk you through a concrete, step‑by‑step way to fight as a Christian in that specific area. Sources [1] Spiritual Warfare: What the Bible Says & 4 Ways to Fight It https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/spiritual-warfare-and-how-to-fight-it/ [https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/spiritual-warfare-and-how-to-fight-it/] [2] Spiritual Warfare Part II: Roles, Tactics, and Strategies - Living Bulwark https://livingbulwark.net/spiritual-warfare-part-ii-roles-tactics-and-strategies/ [https://livingbulwark.net/spiritual-warfare-part-ii-roles-tactics-and-strategies/] [3] Discerning Spiritual Warfare: Three Tactics to Recognize https://www.verachristian.com/connecting-the-dots/discerning-spiritual-warfare-tactics-recognize [https://www.verachristian.com/connecting-the-dots/discerning-spiritual-warfare-tactics-recognize] [4] Spiritual Warfare: God's Strategy for Winning Every Battle - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35MkhxwMiQQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35MkhxwMiQQ] [5] Six Key Strategies For Waging Effective Spiritual Warfare https://truerichesacademy.com/six-key-strategies-for-waging-effective-spiritual-warfare/ [https://truerichesacademy.com/six-key-strategies-for-waging-effective-spiritual-warfare/] [6] How to Win in Spiritual Warfare | David Hernandez Ministries https://www.davidhernandezministries.com/blogarchive/how-to-win-in-spiritual-warfare [https://www.davidhernandezministries.com/blogarchive/how-to-win-in-spiritual-warfare] [7] Spiritual Warfare: Winning the Battle - Focus on the Family https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/spiritual-warfare-winning-the-battle/ [https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/spiritual-warfare-winning-the-battle/] [8] Spiritual warfare for dummies? : r/TrueChristian - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/comments/17vzjpm/spiritual_warfare_for_dummies/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/comments/17vzjpm/spiritual_warfare_for_dummies/] [9] Spiritual Warfare and Biblical Strategies for Overcoming - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/133305530066355/posts/7293278944068942/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/133305530066355/posts/7293278944068942/] [10] The Neglected Reality of Spiritual Warfare - The Gospel Coalition https://in.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-neglected-reality-of-spiritual-warfare/ [https://in.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-neglected-reality-of-spiritual-warfare/] WWW.SAINTSUNITED.ORG

JANUARY 2026 CHRISTIAN HIGHLIGHTS

Here are a few Christian “highlights” and ideas you can lean into for January 2026, both globally and personally: GLOBAL AND CHURCH-WIDE HIGHLIGHTS * Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: From 18–25 January 2026, churches around the world are invited to focus on the theme “one hope, one calling,” drawn from Ephesians 4:4 (“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling”).[3] * Many churches use early January to emphasize renewed devotion, gratitude, and recommitment to Christ for the new year, often through focused worship, communion, and teaching on repentance and faith.[2] * Various ministries are promoting January prayer and fasting initiatives (for example, multi‑day fasts seeking spiritual awakening in America and deeper dependence on God).[7] SEASONAL SPIRITUAL FOCUS For Christians, January naturally carries a few big spiritual themes: * Continuing to rejoice in the Incarnation as the Christmas season closes (meditating on passages like Luke 2 and John 1).[1] * Epiphany themes: Jesus revealed as Son of God and Light of the world (for example, the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3 and the call of the first disciples in Matthew 4, which many churches read in January).[1] * Unity of the body of Christ: praying that the church across denominations would live out its calling as “one body and one Spirit.”[3] PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR JANUARY 2026 If you want to live out “Christian highlights” this month, you could: * Join or start a short season of prayer and fasting (even one meal a day) to seek personal renewal and pray for your church, city, and nation.[7] * Participate in a local or online prayer gathering tied to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, asking God to deepen love and cooperation among believers.[3] * Set a simple Scripture plan for January (for example, read Ephesians, the Gospel of John, or a short 8‑day plan in a Bible app) and journal one way to obey each day.[3] * Make one intentional step of witness: invite a friend to church, share your testimony, or offer to pray with someone who is struggling.[4] IDEAS SPECIFIC TO INDIANAPOLIS You can look for: * Local churches or dioceses hosting events for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (many cities organize joint services between Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox congregations in that Jan 18–25 window).[3] * Special January worship nights, communion services, or New‑Year‑focused sermon series at churches near you (most medium‑to‑large churches promote these on their websites or social feeds).[5][2] If you tell me what kind of “highlights” you’re most interested in (events to attend, things to watch/listen to, or personal spiritual practices), I can narrow this down into a simple plan for the rest of January. Starting the New Year with a Christian perspective is important because it reorients your plans, hopes, and worries around God’s character and promises rather than your own strength or circumstances.[2] CENTERS LIFE ON GOD, NOT SELF A Christian perspective shifts New Year thinking from self-improvement to God-dependence. Instead of only asking “What do I want to change?”, you begin with “Lord, what are You doing in my life, and how can I join You?” This keeps goals from becoming self-centered projects and turns them into acts of worship and obedience.[7] USES THE NEW YEAR FOR REPENTANCE AND RENEWAL Scripture connects “newness” with repentance and new life in Christ, so the turning of the year is a natural time to confess sin and receive fresh grace. Starting the year in repentance draws you closer to Jesus, not by dwelling on failure, but by embracing His forgiveness and the “new creation” identity you already have in Him.[1][4][5][2] GROUNDS YOUR IDENTITY AND HOPE Culturally, a new year can intensify pressure to “reinvent yourself,” but the Christian perspective says your core identity is already secure “in Christ,” not in your performance or your resolutions. That frees you from perfectionism and despair when you fall short, and anchors your hope in God’s faithfulness rather than in how well you keep your goals.[4][9] SHAPES PRIORITIES AND DECISIONS Approaching the year Christianly means seeking God’s kingdom first and letting that shape how you use time, money, relationships, and opportunities. Practices like Scripture, prayer, and committed involvement in a local church at the start of the year set your “compass” to true north and influence every other decision you make.[3][9][10][2][7] GIVES MEANING TO SEASONS AND STRUGGLES A Christian perspective views each new year as a season in which God remains sovereign, purposeful, and present in both joy and suffering. That lens helps you see trials as places of growth, provision, and renewed peace in Christ, rather than as meaningless interruptions to your plans.[6][2] Sources [1] 4 Ways to Approach the New Year with Jesus - The Gospel Coalition https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/4-ways-to-approach-the-new-year-with-jesus/ [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/4-ways-to-approach-the-new-year-with-jesus/] [2] Welcoming the New Year 2026: – A Fresh Start with Faith and ... https://bcworldview.org/welcoming-the-new-year-2026/ [https://bcworldview.org/welcoming-the-new-year-2026/] [3] Planning Your New Year and Making God's Word a Priority https://www.epm.org/resources/2014/Jan/1/planning-new-year-gods-word/ [https://www.epm.org/resources/2014/Jan/1/planning-new-year-gods-word/] [4] RePost: The Christian New Year - by Casey McCall https://www.caseymccall.com/p/the-christian-new-year [https://www.caseymccall.com/p/the-christian-new-year] [5] Starting Fresh as a Christian in the New Year | iBelieve.com https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/starting-fresh-as-a-christian-in-the-new-year.html [https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/starting-fresh-as-a-christian-in-the-new-year.html] [6] A New Year Perspective - Thoughts about God https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/new-year/filoiann_new-year-perspective [https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/new-year/filoiann_new-year-perspective] [7] Plan Like a Christian: Five Principles for a New Year | Desiring God https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/plan-like-a-christian [https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/plan-like-a-christian] [8] What does the New Year mean? - Psephizo https://www.psephizo.com/life-ministry/what-does-the-new-year-mean/ [https://www.psephizo.com/life-ministry/what-does-the-new-year-mean/] [9] Preparing for a Faithful New Year https://www.bethesdaseniorliving.com/blog/preparing-for-a-faithful-new-year [https://www.bethesdaseniorliving.com/blog/preparing-for-a-faithful-new-year] [10] What sort of New Year's resolution should a Christian make? https://www.gotquestions.org/new-years-resolution.html [https://www.gotquestions.org/new-years-resolution.html] Sources [1] January 2026 Program Summaries | Worship Anew https://worshipanew.org/articles/january-2026-program-summaries [https://worshipanew.org/articles/january-2026-program-summaries] [2] Prayer & Worship: January, 2026 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW1e4eog6aQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW1e4eog6aQ] [3] Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 invites Christians to one ... https://www.oikoumene.org/news/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2026-invites-christians-to-one-hope-one-calling [https://www.oikoumene.org/news/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2026-invites-christians-to-one-hope-one-calling] [4] All Christians must humbly, joyfully invite others to trust in God, pope ... https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2026/01/all-christians-must-humbly-joyfully-invite-others-to-trust-in-god-pope-says/ [https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2026/01/all-christians-must-humbly-joyfully-invite-others-to-trust-in-god-pope-says/] [5] Sunday Morning Worship | "Glorifying God Through a Stronger Faith" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1B3CShdiDE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1B3CShdiDE] [6] NIGHT OF WORSHIP | January 20th, 2026 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TSz9NjH38o [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TSz9NjH38o] [7] 14 Days to Awaken a Nation Fast - Jan 2nd, 2026 - Christian Union https://christianunion.org/america/national-fast/ [https://christianunion.org/america/national-fast/] [8] Top 50 Christian Songs of January 2026 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyORnIW1xT6wsEc82uNr_bGEbv5uaI_Yj [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyORnIW1xT6wsEc82uNr_bGEbv5uaI_Yj] [9] 07 January 2026 - Only By Grace Reflections - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK_jcXxomhM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK_jcXxomhM] WWW.SAINTSUNITED.ORG

GIFTS AND TALENTS

Scripture teaches that all gifts and talents come from God, are entrusted to us as stewards, and are meant to be used faithfully to serve others, build up the church, and glorify Him. They are not for pride or selfish gain but for obedience, love, and fruitful living before God.[biblerepository +2] Source of gifts Scripture presents every good gift and ability as coming from God rather than from human effort or luck. James writes that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” This means both spiritual gifts and natural abilities are ultimately a trust from God for which people are accountable.[bffbible +3] Spiritual gifts in the church The New Testament describes specific spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the common good. Romans 12:6–8 lists gifts such as prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy, emphasizing “having gifts that differ… let us use them.” Other passages (like 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4) teach that these diverse gifts work together like parts of one body so the church is strengthened in faith and ministry.[gotquestions +2] Parable of the talents In the parable of the talents, Jesus tells of a master who entrusts different amounts of “talents” (a large sum of money) to his servants and then evaluates how they used them. The faithful servants who invested and multiplied what they were given hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” while the servant who hid his talent is rebuked as “wicked and lazy,” showing that God expects active, productive use of what He entrusts to people.[biblegateway +2] Purpose: service and God’s glory Scripture teaches that gifts are for serving others and expressing God’s grace in practical ways. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Believers are described as God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works He prepared beforehand, so using gifts is part of walking in those prepared works for His glory.[bible.knowing-jesus +2] Attitude in using gifts The biblical attitude toward gifts and talents is humility, diligence, and dependence on God. Since gifts are given by grace, there is no ground for boasting, only faithful use and grateful stewardship. Believers are encouraged to work competently and wholeheartedly, trusting the Lord to direct their paths and empower their efforts rather than relying on their own understanding. Yes. Scripture presents Jesus as perfectly using God-given gifts and abilities in complete obedience to the Father and for the good of others. His life is the model of how gifts should be used: in love, humility, and service, not for self-promotion.[jdgreear +1] Jesus empowered by the Spirit The New Testament shows Jesus ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit, not merely in human strength. At His baptism the Spirit descends on Him, and afterward He returns to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit” and begins teaching and healing. This pattern shows that His ministry flows from the Spirit’s gifting and anointing, just as spiritual gifts are later given to believers for service.[nadadventist +2] Jesus’ teaching and wisdom Jesus exercised exceptional wisdom, insight, and teaching ability in His earthly ministry. Crowds recognized that He taught “with authority” and not like other religious teachers, indicating a unique God-given capacity to reveal truth. This kind of Spirit-empowered teaching foreshadows the later gift of teaching given to the church to build up believers.[theosu +1] Jesus’ works of power The Gospels record Jesus healing the sick, casting out demons, performing miracles, and exercising authority over nature. These acts reflect what later get described as gifts of healing, miracles, and discernment, though in Jesus they appear in their fullest form as signs of the kingdom of God. His use of these powerful works consistently aimed at compassion, deliverance, and calling people to faith, never at spectacle or self-glory.[jdgreear +2] Jesus as the pattern for our gifts Christian teaching often explains that spiritual gifts in the church are how Jesus continues His ministry through His people by the Holy Spirit. In this view, what is seen in Jesus—teaching, healing, mercy, leadership, proclamation—appears in partial, distributed form in the body of Christ so that believers together reflect their Lord.[uncommonpursuit +2] Attitude behind Jesus’ use of gifts Jesus consistently used His abilities in humble submission to the Father’s will. He spoke of doing only what He saw the Father doing and of seeking the Father’s glory, not His own. This heart posture—obedience, love, and self-giving service—is the biblical standard for how believers are to use their own God-given gifts and talents.[nadadventist +3] Here are several key scriptures about gifts and talents you can read, meditate on, and pray through.[gotquestions +1] Core spiritual gifts passages • Romans 12:4–8 – Teaches that believers have “different gifts, according to the grace given to us,” and urges each person to use their gift (prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy).[amysenter +1] • 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 – Explains that there are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit, listing wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation.[coldcasechristianity +1] • 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 – Uses the body metaphor to show that every member and every gift is needed for the health of the whole church.[bible.knowing-jesus +1] Using gifts faithfully • 1 Peter 4:10–11 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace… so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”[openbible +1] • 1 Timothy 4:14 – Paul tells Timothy, “Do not neglect your gift,” reminding him to actively use what God has given.[crossway +1] • 2 Timothy 1:6–7 – “Fan into flame the gift of God,” paired with the reminder that God gave a spirit of power, love, and self-control.[pastorunlikely +1] Parables about talents and stewardship • Matthew 25:14–30 – The Parable of the Talents: a master entrusts talents to servants and rewards those who multiply what they were given, showing God’s expectation of faithful, fruitful stewardship.[bible.knowing-jesus +1] • Luke 19:11–27 – The Parable of the Minas: similar theme of being entrusted with resources and rewarded or rebuked based on faithfulness.[openbible +1] God as the giver of gifts • James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”[bible.knowing-jesus +1] • 1 Corinthians 7:7 – Paul notes that “each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another,” emphasizing the variety of God’s grace.[crossway +1] • Romans 11:29 – “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable,” underscoring God’s faithfulness in what He gives.[openbible +1] Examples of God-given skill • Exodus 31:1–6 – Bezalel is “filled… with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and all kinds of skills” to do artistic work for the tabernacle.[manhoodjourney +1] • Exodus 35:30–35 – God fills Bezalel and Oholiab with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts to serve His purposes, showing that creative skill is also a God-given gift.[manhoodjourney +1] These passages together show that gifts and talents are given by God, meant to be used, and are for serving others and glorifying Him.[gotquestions +1] We learn to utilize our gifts and talents by discovering what God has given us, then practicing those gifts in loving service, in community, and with a humble, teachable heart. Scripture emphasizes prayer, obedience, and faithful stewardship rather than comparison or passivity.[wilfredgraves +1] Start with God and His Word • Pray specifically for God to reveal and clarify the gifts and talents He has entrusted to you, asking for wisdom and courage to use them.[churchofthevillage +1] • Spend time in key passages on gifts (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12–14, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4) and ask, “Where do my desires, abilities, and fruit line up with these?”[intervarsity +1] Pay attention to desire, ability, and fruit • Notice where you naturally find joy in serving, where people are helped, and where others affirm, “You’re really gifted in that.”[butterflyliving +1] • Gifts often show up at the intersection of God-given desire, some measure of ability, and visible spiritual fruit in people’s lives.[logos +1] Serve and “experiment” in community • Instead of waiting until everything feels clear, begin serving in practical ways in your church, small group, or community; clarity often comes while you act.[wilfredgraves +1] • Try different areas of service (teaching, mercy, hospitality, administration, encouragement, etc.) and watch where you sense God’s help and others’ confirmation.[youtube +1] Seek feedback, mentoring, and training • Invite honest feedback from mature believers and leaders about where they see you most effective and most needed.[intervarsity +1] • Look for mentors or training (classes, books, workshops) related to your likely gifts so those gifts can be shaped, sharpened, and deepened over time.[churchofthevillage +1] Practice faithful, humble stewardship • Use your gifts consistently, not sporadically—Scripture urges believers not to neglect their gift but to “fan into flame” what God has given.[gotquestions +1] • Guard your heart against pride or comparison by remembering that gifts are by grace, for God’s glory and others’ good; measure faithfulness more than visibility.[wilfredgraves +1] WWW.SAINTSUNITED.ORG