Week 3 - Order in the Church
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:1–7 together. What stood out to you most from the passage or Sunday's message, and why?
- The sermon said, “The goal of studying spiritual gifts isn't to become more charismatic or less charismatic. The goal is to become more biblical.” How have your background, church tradition, or personal experiences shaped what you believe about the Holy Spirit? Where might Scripture need to challenge those assumptions?
- When you hear the words “Holy Spirit,” what immediately comes to mind? Before this message, how would you have explained to someone who the Holy Spirit is? What, if anything, did Sunday’s message clarify or challenge in your understanding?
- The sermon described several ministries of the Holy Spirit. He inspired Scripture, regenerates us, continually works in us, and gives spiritual gifts. Which of these aspects of His ministry do you tend to think about most? Which have you perhaps overlooked? How does understanding these ministries deepen your appreciation for the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
- According to Ephesians 1:13-14, when does a believer receive the Holy Spirit, and what does it mean that we are “sealed” with Him? How does this truth speak to the fear that some Christians may have that they are missing something spiritually or need an additional experience to truly have the Holy Spirit?
- The sermon distinguished between natural abilities and spiritual gifts, describing a spiritual gift as a divine enablement given by God for serving His people. What spiritual gifts has God entrusted to you? Have you taken the discovery tool yet? Where have you seen God use them to serve someone else?
- The Corinthians were tempted to value gifts that were visible, impressive, or made them appear more spiritual. Where do you see the temptation toward “spiritual celebrity” in the church today? Where might that same desire for recognition show up in your own heart?
- Verse 7 says the Spirit gives gifts “for the common good.” The sermon put it this way….“Your spiritual gift was never meant to terminate on you. It was meant to flow through you.” What would it practically look like for you to live that truth this week? Where/how can you use your spiritual gift this week?
- Think about the fruit-tree illustration. A tree doesn't produce fruit for itself; others benefit from its fruit. Who in your life or in our church is stronger because you are faithfully following Jesus? Conversely, where might God be calling you to become more intentional about strengthening others?
- “The value of a gift isn't determined by how visible it is. It's determined by how faithfully it serves the body.” Why is it sometimes difficult to faithfully serve when no one notices? What helps move us from seeking recognition to simply seeking faithfulness?
- The sermon ultimately said Corinth didn't have a gift problem. They had a heart problem. How can pride, comparison, jealousy, or selfishness distort even good things God has given us? Is there one of those attitudes the Holy Spirit may be exposing in you right now?
- The message ended by changing the question from “What's my gift?” to “Does God have all of me?” What is one area of your life you may still be holding back from God? What would genuine surrender in that area look like this week?