Reverend Elaine Roberts’ message from Romans 12 focuses on discovering the gifts God has placed within each of us and learning how to use them as part of the church.
She begins by reminding us that worship is much more than singing songs. Romans 12 describes offering our whole lives to God, living in a way that pleases Him and allowing Him to transform our thinking. We are each part of the body of Christ, with different roles and gifts that work together.
Reverend Elaine highlights 21 gifts mentioned across Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. These include prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership and mercy, alongside gifts such as healing, faith and evangelism. She explains that everyone has been given gifts by God, including young people. These gifts are not simply talents or abilities; they are ways God equips His people to serve and build His church.
The gifts described in Romans can often feel like our natural “default setting”. Someone who is always organising may have a gift of leadership, while someone who naturally notices what needs doing may have a gift of serving. A person who instinctively encourages others may have the gift of encouragement, while someone who feels compassion and wants to protect or help others may have the gift of mercy. These gifts still need to be developed and refined.
She explains that spiritual gifts are divine abilities given by God to help us do what He has called us to do. Every person has at least one gift, and these gifts are not about bringing attention or glory to ourselves. Instead, they are opportunities to glorify God and build His church.
Our gifts are God’s gift to us, and how we use them becomes our gift back to Him.
Using the story of Moses, the widow of Zarephath and the boy who offered his small lunch to Jesus, she shows how God can take something that seems ordinary or insignificant and use it for something much greater. We don’t need to have everything figured out before we begin. We are called to step out in faith and use what God has already given us.
She concludes by asking what has God put in your hands, and what are you going to do with it? Our gifts are given for a purpose, and God can multiply even the little we are willing to offer Him.