Spiritual Gifts - Doctrine in Twelve Weeks
A Study on Spiritual Gifts - Leader Guide and Handout
Consider beginning your study with a devotional reading of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, reflecting on the Holy Spirit's sovereign distribution of gifts for the common good of Christ's body.
Having explored the nature and purpose of the Church in our previous session, we now turn to examine how the Holy Spirit empowers and equips believers for service within Christ's body. Understanding Spiritual gifts is crucial for every Christian, as these divine endowments enable us to fulfill our role in God's design for His Church. While various Christian traditions may differ in their interpretation of specific gifts, we find common ground in recognizing that the Spirit works through believers to build up the body of Christ.
What is the Nature and Source of Spiritual Gifts? (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
Have a participant read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 aloud. Guide the discussion toward understanding both the diversity of gifts and their unified source in the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul introduces Spiritual gifts by emphasizing their divine origin and purpose. These gifts are not natural talents or learned skills, though God may certainly sanctify these for His purposes. Rather, Spiritual gifts are specific enablements from the Holy Spirit, distributed according to His sovereign will for the benefit of the whole church. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12, while there are "varieties of gifts," they proceed from the same Spirit, serve the same Lord, and are empowered by the same God.
This trinitarian foundation for Spiritual gifts reminds us that they are expressions of God's grace rather than marks of individual achievement or spiritual status. The Spirit's distribution of gifts reflects God's wisdom in providing exactly what each local body needs for its edification and ministry. Just as the Spirit moved in creation, bringing order and life, He now moves through the Church, enabling its members to manifest Christ's ongoing work in the world.
How Do Spiritual Gifts Serve God's Purpose? (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Ask participants to read both Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Lead a discussion about how love and purpose intersect in the proper exercise of Spiritual gifts.
The purpose of Spiritual gifts becomes clear as we follow Paul's teaching through 1 Corinthians 12-14. These gifts are given "for the common good" (12:7), functioning as vital parts of Christ's body. Chapter 13 then provides the essential framework for understanding how these gifts should operate—through love. Without love, even the most impressive manifestations of Spiritual gifts become meaningless noise. This profound truth helps us distinguish genuine Spiritual gifts from mere human ability or showmanship.
Paul elaborates on this purpose in Ephesians 4, showing how gifts serve to equip believers for ministry and build up the body "until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (4:13). This reminds us that Spiritual gifts are not ends in themselves but means by which the Spirit works to mature and unify the Church in Christ.
How Should Spiritual Gifts Be Exercised? (1 Peter 4:10-11)
Read 1 Peter 4:10-11 together, noting how Peter connects the exercise of gifts with stewardship and God's glory. Then examine 1 Corinthians 14:1-12 for practical guidance on gift expression.
The proper exercise of Spiritual gifts follows clear biblical principles. First, as Peter teaches, we are to be "good stewards of God's varied grace," using our gifts to serve others rather than draw attention to ourselves. Paul provides practical application of this principle in 1 Corinthians 14, where he emphasizes that all expressions of gifts should prioritize building up the church rather than personal edification.
The need for order and clarity in the use of gifts emerges strongly in Paul's teaching. Whether considering prophecy, tongues, or any other gift, the guiding principle remains consistent - "Let all things be done for building up" (14:26). This framework helps us navigate questions about specific gifts while maintaining focus on their essential purpose of edifying Christ's body.
How Do Spiritual Gifts Function in the Body? (Romans 12:3-8)
Guide participants through Romans 12:3-8, drawing attention to how Paul connects gift exercise with both humility and active service. Consider also reviewing 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 to reinforce the body metaphor.
The metaphor of the body provides our clearest picture of how Spiritual gifts should function in the church. Just as physical bodies require diverse parts working together in harmony, so the church needs various gifts operating in unity. This diversity is not accidental but reflects God's intentional design, with each member's gift contributing to the whole body's health and effectiveness.
Paul emphasizes that no gift-bearer should think too highly of themselves, as each gift is an expression of grace rather than personal merit. This truth fosters both humility and interdependence as we recognize our need for others' gifts while faithfully exercising our own. Whether gifts are obvious or subtle, public or private, each plays a vital role in the body's proper functioning.
How Can We Identify and Apply Spiritual Gifts? (1 Corinthians 14:26-33)
Lead your group in examining 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, noting how Paul provides practical guidance for the orderly exercise of gifts in the church. This passage helps frame our discussion of practical application.
The identification and development of Spiritual gifts often raises practical questions for believers. While Scripture provides examples of various gifts, it's important to note that Paul's lists appear illustrative rather than exhaustive. His emphasis on "varieties" of gifts suggests diverse expressions of the Spirit's work through believers. In this way, Christians should be empowered to explore and practice various ways of serving and ministering to the body of Christ without fear that their practice isn’t a gift simply because Paul didn’t mention it.
Discerning one's gifts typically involves multiple aspects of Christian life and community. Prayer remains fundamental, as we must ask God for wisdom and clarity in understanding how He has equipped us to serve. The body of Christ also plays a crucial role: fellow believers often recognize the Spirit's work through us before we do. Additionally, a willingness to serve in various capacities often reveals gifts we didn't realize we had. This process of discovery should be marked by humility and openness to God's leading rather than anxious searching or comparison with others.
The practical exercise of gifts must always align with Paul's teaching on order and edification. Whether in corporate worship, small groups, or individual ministry, gifts should be exercised in ways that promote clarity, understanding, and building up of the body. This requires both wisdom and love, ensuring that gift expression serves its intended purpose of strengthening the church rather than causing confusion or division. Local church leadership provides important guidance here, helping maintain both freedom and order in gift expression.
Conversation Starters:
How have you seen Spiritual gifts building up your local church body?
What challenges do you face in identifying and using your spiritual gifts?
How can we better encourage and make space for the exercise of diverse gifts in our church?
What role does love play in how we view and use Spiritual gifts?
How might understanding gifts as expressions of God's grace change our approach to service?
Consider closing with a prayer for wisdom in discerning and using Spiritual gifts, and for love to guide all gift expressions in the church.
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