Spiritual Gifts – discussion 1
Pray
Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.
Review
Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?
Watch
Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.
Romans 12:3-8
Read, Re-read, Retell
Unpacking Question
Describe the best gift you remember receiving. Share the name and relationship to the person who gave this gift. How did the gift affect your relationship with the giver?
The Greek word for “gifts” here is “charismata” the plural of “charisma.” It is also used to describe the nine spiritual gifts in I Cor. 12. This word is related to “charis,” or “grace,” which refers to the free, underserved blessing and work of God. The connotation is that these gifts are free, unmerited, miraculous endowments from God. As an analogy, the human body has many parts but the parts do not have the same function. We must seek to identify our particular gifts. We should concentrate on the functions God has given us and perform them well. Here is a summary of the seven service gifts:
- Prophecy – A divinely inspired utterance or speaking under divine unction to edify others.
- Ministry – Service to others particularly service in the church.
- Teaching – Instructing in the Word of God.
- Exhortation – Giving encouragement or comfort.
- Giving – Sharing material blessings with others and the Church.
- Leading (Ruling) – Giving direction, guidance, and influence within the Church.
- Showing Mercy – Being compassionate and kind to others.
Discussion Questions
- Who do you know who is used in the service gifts? Describe their gifting and how it helps the church.
- What does the analogy to the human body seek to teach us about the exercise of spiritual gifts?
- Replay the video story in your mind.
- What caused each of them to respond differently?
- How did Pat, Michael, Theresa, Ernie, Gabby, Laura, and Sarah each demonstrate their unique gift?
- Which response was correct?
- Is there a correct response?
- Which response did you most identify with? What does that indicate about you?
Read Ephesians 4:11-16
Read, Re-read, Retell
Unpacking Question
Who are some of the people in your secular life that have helped you to grow and mature?
The Ministerial Office Gifts. The people who hold these offices are recognized leaders in the Church, responsible for equipping others for the work of ministry, and to edify the body of Christ. We should recognize, encourage, and heed apostolic and prophetic ministries in our midst. Here is a description of the five ministerial office gifts:
- Apostle – Someone sent with a commission; a messenger, ambassador, commissioner.
- Prophet – One who imparts special messages or direction from God.
- Evangelist – A preacher of the gospel.
- Pastor – One who leads and takes care of God’s people – a shepherd.
- Teacher – One who instructs in God’s Word.
Discussion Questions
- Which of the ministerial office gifts would you desire God to use you in, and why?
- What are the indicators of an edified (built up) and mature church listed in verses 13-16?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:7-12
Read, Re-read, Retell
Unpacking question
Would you describe God’s work in our lives as natural or supernatural? Explain the difference.
The gifts have a supernatural origin. The gifts are given according to the will of God. The spiritual gifts originate in the mind and power of God. The most important consideration is not our will, but God’s. The gifts are given for times of special need. The supernatural gifts should be normal, not abnormal; expected, not unexpected. They do not operate continually, however. There is a difference between natural life, spiritual life, and spiritual gifts. The spiritual gifts are diverse.
We will study the supernatural gifts in three categories of three gifts each:
Gifts of Power
- Faith
- Gifts of healing
- Working of miracles
Gifts of Utterance
- Prophecy
- Different kinds of tongues
- Interpretation of tongues
Gifts of Revelation
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Discerning of Spirits
The main point is to become sensitive, available, and yielded to the move of God’s Spirit.
Discussion questions
- How are supernatural gifts different from the service gifts? Why do you think both are valuable in a local church?
- How is it possible to have unity in the diversity of the gifts?
- Do you agree with the statement, “In the Church, the supernatural gifts should be normal, not abnormal, expected, not unexpected?” Explain your thinking.
Next Week: Purpose and Exercise of Spiritual Gifts
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