Just as you are born with natural abilities and aptitudes, you are gifted at your spiritual new birth. The Spirit of God comes to live inside every believer and the Spirit also gives each one a gift. It is part of our lives’ purpose: to know and grow in our gifts, using them for the benefit of the Body of Christ and bringing glory to God.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Name a gift you wanted badly but were sorely disappointed in it. Now, the reverse: one gift you underestimated when you received but found particularly useful in the end!
2. Spiritual gifts are supernatural. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1 and 11. Would you say you are “informed” or “uninformed” on the gifts of the Spirit? Do you have an idea what your gift(s) is? How did you receive your gift?
3. Spiritual gifts are most fruitful when accepted. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11 and Ephesians 4:11-13. Once the gifts have been given, who controls their usage or disuse? How can you put yourself in a position to use your gifts? What happens when they are used correctly?
4. Spiritual gifts are rooted in the Spirit, not in us. Read 1 Corinthians 12:8-9, 21-26, 1 Peter 4:11, and 1 Corinthians 4:7, 13:4. No matter your gift, what can you be sure of? No matter what your gift is, what must be your attitude? What is a very real outcome of gift comparison? If the gifts are not for our individual benefit, who are they for? What happens when the gifts operate correctly?
5. This Week: The hope for you as a believer and for our Cove Family is that we will each seek God and pursue His plan, that we would accept and use the gifts He has given us. If you are committed to growing in your spiritual gift, tell your Life Group. Pray this prayer and then individually work through the Deeper section below.
Father God: Thank You for salvation and eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for living within me by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the gifts, the weapons, the empowering that You have promised to me and given me at my new birth into You. I am committing to seeking You and I expectantly believe You will reveal to me the gifts You have given. I commit to learning about the gifts, feeling Your nudges and confirmation. I commit to begin moving, serving, checking out areas where You lead me. I ask Your Spirit to fill me to overflowing and lead me in Your way. In Jesus' Name I pray.Amen.
Deeper
6. Do you have an idea of your spiritual gift(s)? If not, start here:
a. Pray the prayer above repeatedly, and daily, in your quiet time.
b. Start studying the spiritual gifts and see what God impresses on your heart. 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4:1-16, and 1 Peter 4:7-11
c. Start serving somewhere. God can direct you as you take a step on a journey to seek and serve Him.
7. If you know your gift and use it regularly, write down what positions you in the place to hear God and use your gift. Where are you most effective and most likely to be used? Will you commit to remaining in that place so that you will bring glory to God and bring life and the peace of God to others?
8. If you know your gift and do not use it, exam your life. Where is God convicting you of sin, pride, or lack of passion?