Sermon Series: Spiritual Gifts
Sermon Title: What Spiritual Gifts Are
The joy of the Lord is our strength and endurance, and Jesus desires that His joy would be made complete in us. When we operate in the gifts of the Spirit, we experience this joy and become instruments of God’s power and love. The gifts are not natural talents but supernatural tools given for a supernatural mission. They are meant to be used for the common good, to build up the body of Christ, and to demonstrate the reality of the gospel through signs, wonders, and transformed lives.
Too often, confusion, fear, or a desire for order has led the church to neglect or misunderstand spiritual gifts. Yet, Scripture is clear: God does not want us to be ignorant or uninformed about these gifts. Every believer is given spiritual gifts, and none are left out. These gifts are diverse but are meant to unify, not divide. They are not for self-promotion but for serving others, and they always point to God, not to ourselves.
The challenge is to discover, develop, and deploy the gifts God has given us. This requires humility, love, and a willingness to step out in faith—even if it means being seen as “radical” for Jesus. The gifts of the Spirit are not about putting on a show but about saving lives, healing the broken, and bringing glory to God. As we commit to learning about and operating in our spiritual gifts, we will see the church come alive, our communities transformed, and the joy of Jesus made complete in us.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual Gifts Are Supernatural Tools for a Supernatural Mission
The gifts of the Spirit are not mere extensions of our natural abilities; they are divine empowerments given for God’s purposes. They are meant to accompany the proclamation of the gospel with tangible demonstrations of God’s power—healing, deliverance, and transformation. When we neglect or misunderstand these gifts, we miss out on the fullness of God’s plan for His church and our own lives. [50:42]
- Unity and Diversity Are Both Essential in the Body of Christ
Spiritual gifts are intentionally diverse, reflecting the manifold wisdom of God. Yet, their purpose is to bring unity, not division. Every gift, whether public or hidden, is necessary for the health and effectiveness of the church. We must value and celebrate the unique contributions of each member, recognizing that we are truly better together. [01:19:21]
- Love Is the Guardrail for All Spiritual Gifts
No matter how powerful or visible a gift may be, it is meaningless without love. Love for God and for others is the foundation and boundary that keeps spiritual gifts from becoming self-serving or divisive. When our motivation is love, our gifts will always point to Jesus and build up His body, rather than seeking our own recognition. [01:29:56]
- Discover, Develop, and Deploy Your Gift with Boldness
God has given every believer spiritual gifts, but they must be unwrapped and put to use. This requires intentional seeking, learning, and a willingness to step out—even if it feels uncomfortable or radical. As we make ourselves available, God will use us in ways that exceed our natural abilities, bringing joy to Jesus and transformation to those around us. [01:41:28]
Too often, confusion, fear, or a desire for order has led the church to neglect or misunderstand spiritual gifts. Yet, Scripture is clear: God does not want us to be ignorant or uninformed about these gifts. Every believer is given spiritual gifts, and none are left out. These gifts are diverse but are meant to unify, not divide. They are not for self-promotion but for serving others, and they always point to God, not to ourselves.
The challenge is to discover, develop, and deploy the gifts God has given us. This requires humility, love, and a willingness to step out in faith—even if it means being seen as “radical” for Jesus. The gifts of the Spirit are not about putting on a show but about saving lives, healing the broken, and bringing glory to God. As we commit to learning about and operating in our spiritual gifts, we will see the church come alive, our communities transformed, and the joy of Jesus made complete in us.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual Gifts Are Supernatural Tools for a Supernatural Mission
The gifts of the Spirit are not mere extensions of our natural abilities; they are divine empowerments given for God’s purposes. They are meant to accompany the proclamation of the gospel with tangible demonstrations of God’s power—healing, deliverance, and transformation. When we neglect or misunderstand these gifts, we miss out on the fullness of God’s plan for His church and our own lives. [50:42]
- Unity and Diversity Are Both Essential in the Body of Christ
Spiritual gifts are intentionally diverse, reflecting the manifold wisdom of God. Yet, their purpose is to bring unity, not division. Every gift, whether public or hidden, is necessary for the health and effectiveness of the church. We must value and celebrate the unique contributions of each member, recognizing that we are truly better together. [01:19:21]
- Love Is the Guardrail for All Spiritual Gifts
No matter how powerful or visible a gift may be, it is meaningless without love. Love for God and for others is the foundation and boundary that keeps spiritual gifts from becoming self-serving or divisive. When our motivation is love, our gifts will always point to Jesus and build up His body, rather than seeking our own recognition. [01:29:56]
- Discover, Develop, and Deploy Your Gift with Boldness
God has given every believer spiritual gifts, but they must be unwrapped and put to use. This requires intentional seeking, learning, and a willingness to step out—even if it feels uncomfortable or radical. As we make ourselves available, God will use us in ways that exceed our natural abilities, bringing joy to Jesus and transformation to those around us. [01:41:28]
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 12:1-7, 12-14 (NIV)
1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
...
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Luke 10:17-21 (NIV)
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”
1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
...
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Luke 10:17-21 (NIV)
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”
Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 12, what is the purpose of spiritual gifts, and who receives them?
2. In Luke 10, what did Jesus say was the real reason for the disciples to rejoice after their mission?
3. What does Ezekiel 22:30 reveal about God’s desire for people who will “stand in the gap”?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of people in the Bible who stood in the gap for others? ([05:10])
2. In Luke 10, what did Jesus say was the real reason for the disciples to rejoice after their mission?
3. What does Ezekiel 22:30 reveal about God’s desire for people who will “stand in the gap”?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of people in the Bible who stood in the gap for others? ([05:10])
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts are for the “common good” and not just for individual benefit? How does this challenge the way we sometimes view our own abilities? ([01:24:33])
2. The sermon mentioned that spiritual gifts are “supernatural tools for a supernatural mission.” What does it look like for a church or believer to operate in the supernatural, rather than just the natural? ([50:42])
3. The pastor said that “love is the guardrail for all spiritual gifts.” Why is love so essential when using our gifts, and what can happen if love is missing? ([01:29:56])
4. The message talked about unity and diversity in the body of Christ. How can differences in spiritual gifts actually strengthen the church instead of causing division? ([01:19:21])
2. The sermon mentioned that spiritual gifts are “supernatural tools for a supernatural mission.” What does it look like for a church or believer to operate in the supernatural, rather than just the natural? ([50:42])
3. The pastor said that “love is the guardrail for all spiritual gifts.” Why is love so essential when using our gifts, and what can happen if love is missing? ([01:29:56])
4. The message talked about unity and diversity in the body of Christ. How can differences in spiritual gifts actually strengthen the church instead of causing division? ([01:19:21])
Application Questions:
1. The sermon challenged us to “stand in the gap” for our families, schools, and communities. Who in your life right now needs someone to intercede for them, and what is one practical way you can do that this week? ([05:10])
2. The pastor said that every believer has spiritual gifts, but many are “still under the tree” and unopened. What is one step you can take to discover or develop your spiritual gift? Is there something holding you back from using it? ([01:41:28])
3. Sometimes fear, confusion, or a desire for order keeps us from stepping out in faith. Is there a specific area where you feel hesitant to use your gifts? What would it look like to take a “radical” step for Jesus in that area? ([01:12:50])
4. The message emphasized that gifts are for building others up, not for self-promotion. Can you think of a time when you used your abilities to serve someone else? How did it feel, and how did it point to Jesus instead of yourself? ([01:24:33])
5. The pastor said, “If you don’t have a heart for other people, it’s going to be hard for God to work through you.” Is there someone you struggle to love or serve? What is one thing you can do this week to show Christ’s love to them? ([01:37:51])
6. The sermon described the joy Jesus felt when his followers operated in their gifts. When have you experienced joy from serving God or others? How can you pursue that joy more intentionally? ([01:09:18])
7. The message ended with a call to “discover, develop, and deploy” your gift. Which of these three steps do you need to focus on most right now, and what is one action you can take this month to move forward? ([01:41:28])
2. The pastor said that every believer has spiritual gifts, but many are “still under the tree” and unopened. What is one step you can take to discover or develop your spiritual gift? Is there something holding you back from using it? ([01:41:28])
3. Sometimes fear, confusion, or a desire for order keeps us from stepping out in faith. Is there a specific area where you feel hesitant to use your gifts? What would it look like to take a “radical” step for Jesus in that area? ([01:12:50])
4. The message emphasized that gifts are for building others up, not for self-promotion. Can you think of a time when you used your abilities to serve someone else? How did it feel, and how did it point to Jesus instead of yourself? ([01:24:33])
5. The pastor said, “If you don’t have a heart for other people, it’s going to be hard for God to work through you.” Is there someone you struggle to love or serve? What is one thing you can do this week to show Christ’s love to them? ([01:37:51])
6. The sermon described the joy Jesus felt when his followers operated in their gifts. When have you experienced joy from serving God or others? How can you pursue that joy more intentionally? ([01:09:18])
7. The message ended with a call to “discover, develop, and deploy” your gift. Which of these three steps do you need to focus on most right now, and what is one action you can take this month to move forward? ([01:41:28])