The Holy Spirit in the Epistles
Day 37 — Spiritual Gifts I: Given to the Church by the Spirit for Others
1 Corinthians 12
– 1 Peter 4:8-11
1 “Now CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS, brethren,
I do not want you to be unaware.” I Corinthians 12:1
2 Everyone has at least one spiritual gift
a. 1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another”
b. 1 Corinthians 12:7 “to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good
c. Romans 12:3 “God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
d. Romans 12:6 “Since we have gifts that differ…”
e. Ephesians 4:7 “to each of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift
f. Ephesians 4:8. “… and He gave gifts to men.”
3 The gifts are given by God, not by training or will of man.
a. 1 Corinthians 12
12:6. “God works all things in all persons”
12:7 “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit”
i. goes on to list 9 manifestations “given to another”
12:11 “The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one
individually just as He wills.”
12:28 “God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second…”
b. Romans 12:3 “God has allotted…”
c. Ephesians 4:7 “He gave gifts to men.” “He gave some as…”
d. I Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a special gift…”
4 The purpose of the gifts:
a. I Corinthians 12:7 “for the common good.”
b. Ephesians 4:12 “to the building up of the body of Christ.”
c. 1 Peter 4:10 “employ it in serving one another.”
4:11 “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ
Questions:
1. Are there any dangers of knowing what your spiritual gift(s) is/are?
2. Who decides what your spiritual gift is?
3. You might already be using your spiritual gift, but didn’t even know it. How would you
go about finding out what it is if you don’t know?
4. Who does the spiritual gift benefit?
5. Have you ever seen this concept abused? (What gift of God has not been counterfeited by Satan for the purpose of confusion or destruction? Marriage, leadership, government…?)
Day 38 Spiritual Gifts II: Diligent, Fervent Servants Stewarding His Grace
Reflection, Notes and Prayer