Doing A Lot With A Little (Ephesians 4:7-12) - Sir Gregory Thornton

·35 min·3 clips

Pastor Gregory Thornton cried while driving to church, overwhelmed by giving thanks for God's faithfulness amidst personal burdens.

The episode is a sermon from Downtown Church in Memphis, delivered by Pastor Gregory Thornton. It begins with a personal reflection on giving thanks to God amidst personal burdens, setting an emotional tone. Thornton then introduces the sermon title 'Doing a Lot with a Little' from Ephesians 4:7-12, focusing on how believers can use their God-given gifts to make an impact. He provides biblical examples: Joseph used dreams to save a kingdom, David used a slingshot to defeat Goliath, and a Samaritan woman in John 4 led her town to Jesus. Thornton also mentions historical figure George Mueller, who prayed for orphans and established schools. The sermon explores the tension between unity and diversity in the church, using the analogy of the USA men's gymnastics team and Steven, who specialized in the pommel horse. Thornton discusses the source of gifts as grace from Christ, sharing a personal story about overcoming a speech impediment through prayer to preach. He warns against misusing gifts for self-glorification, citing King David's sin with Bathsheba. The purpose of gifts is explained through Ephesians 4:11, where apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers equip saints for ministry. Thornton emphasizes that church growth relies on all members, not just leaders, referencing coach Doc Rivers' failed team. He challenges listeners to use their gifts in everyday life, asking if their bank statements and time reflect kingdom-building. The sermon closes with examples of ordinary church members like Ms. Fannie Mae McCarley, Jackie Underwaters, Sarah Lord, and others using small gifts to serve, reinforcing that titles are unnecessary for faithfulness.

As heard by us

A personal testimony of grace frames spiritual gifts as an invitation to serve with what is already in hand.

Grace is treated as more than comfort here; it becomes the thing that readies ordinary people to serve. The preacher opens with a drive down 55, where the weight of the week gives way to tears and praise, then turns to Ephesians 4 and its picture of Christ giving gifts for the…

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Why you'd press play

You need a reminder that a hard week, a speech impediment, or a little message cannot keep grace from becoming service.

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