How to Discover What You’re Actually Good At | Matt Brown | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

How to Discover What You’re Actually Good At

Sandals Church • Oct 4, 2026 • 34 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

God in His grace has already given every believer unique spiritual gifts designed specifically for them to unwrap and actively use for His glory. Rather than comparing ourselves to others or believing the lie that we are ungifted, we can trust the Holy Spirit, seek wisdom from spiritual leaders, and study God's Word to discover our purpose. Every member and gift is essential to Christ's body, and you yourself are a valuable gift given to build up your church family.

Themes

Spiritual GiftsBody of ChristHoly Spirit's GuidanceServing the Local ChurchSpiritual EncouragementChristian Identity

Pastor's Points

1.

Trust that God has a gift for you.

2.

Identify the gift that the Holy Spirit gave you.

3.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to your gift.

4.

Ask for input and prayer from trusted leaders.

5.

Study God's word and open your heart.

6.

Use your spiritual gift to serve the church.

7.

Understand that every spiritual gift matters and is essential.

8.

Surround yourself with people who encourage you to use your gifts.

9.

Remind yourself daily that you are a gift to your local church.

Key Points

1.
Trust that God has a spiritual gift for you.
2.
Identify the gift that the Holy Spirit gave you.
3.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to your gift.
4.
Ask for input and prayer from trusted leaders.
5.
Study God's word and open your heart.
6.
Use your spiritual gift to serve the church.
7.
Understand that every spiritual gift matters and is essential.
8.
Surround yourself with people who encourage you to use your gifts.

Sermon Moments

“The Gift Card Analogy: Many believers treat their spiritual gift like an unused gift card left behind and forgotten instead of unwrapping and enjoying it.”

“The Belt Illustration: Pastor Matt shared how another pastor bought him a belt because he kept asking to borrow one, illustrating how God gives useful, practical gifts meant to be utilized.”

“Teaching vs. Preaching Surfing Analogy: Teaching involves patiently walking someone through details step-by-step, while preaching proclaims truth and encourages action.”

“The Injured Pinky Finger Metaphor: Breaking a pinky finger reminds us that even small, seemingly minor parts of the body carry great value and support the whole body.”

“First Baseman Metaphor: A baseball team needs a first baseman standing on the field with a mitt, just as the local church needs believers actively serving in their assigned roles.”

“God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”

“You Are the Gift: True transformation happens when we realize that believers do not merely possess gifts—they are Christ's gifts given to build up the church family.”

This Week

Stop comparing yourself to others on social media and trust that God has personally prepared a unique spiritual gift for you.

Ask the Holy Spirit in prayer this week to reveal your specific spiritual gift and show you where to begin using it.

Seek out trusted pastors, leaders, or elders for prayer and counsel to help identify callings or gifts you may not yet recognize in yourself.

Read and meditate on scripture passages about spiritual gifts, such as Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12–14, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.

Find a practical way to serve in your local church team rather than trying to operate independently or through digital platforms alone.

Encourage and support fellow believers in your life, helping fan their spiritual gifts into flame when they feel discouraged.

Remember This

God has graciously given every believer a unique spiritual gift, and every single member is an essential gift to the body of Christ.

A Challenge for You

You tell him, 'I am a gift. I am a gift and I matter in this place.' ... Let's humbly ask God, would you reveal my gift? And if you don't get anything, would you give me the courage, God, to go up and receive prayer? And if you still don't get anything, would you say, God, would you give me the stamina to study your scriptures and trust what you said?

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.