True Spirituality Defined

Warm Up:

Think about gifts for a moment. What are some of the most meaningful gifts you have ever received?

Gift-giving is a talent. Who is one of the best gift-givers you know?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Paul continues to instruct the Corinthian church on how to conduct orderly worship services. According to verse 1, what is Paul’s intent in this section?

How might their former ways of worship (verse 2) have influenced their current worship practices? (Remember that these cultures recognized pagan idols and emperors as deities.) How does verse 3 tell us that some may have been rejecting the divinity or humanity of Christ?

Verses 4-6 introduce the idea that there is variety in the kinds of gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit to those in the church. What is the important statement Paul is making in these verses?

According to verse 7, what is the purpose of these gifts?

We are uncertain as to how some of the gifts mentioned in verse 10 may have been understood in the 1st century. With that in mind, discuss the gifts at work in the body of Christ mentioned in verses 8-10. According to Paul, do they serve the common good?

Application:

Verse 11 indicates that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to each one in the body. What is your primary spiritual gift? (If you are uncertain, visit fellowshipnwa.org/spiritualgifts.) Are you maximizing its use in the church?

Think:

• Spiritual Leader: a maturing disciple with a ministry focus.
• The Work of the Holy Spirit
• Source of Spiritual Power (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 16:5-15).
• Bonds us to Christ and each other (1 Corinthians 12:13).
• Enables us to know God’s will and control our sinful nature (Romans 8:5-11).
• Transforms our character and makes us more Christ-like (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
• Equips us for ministry, distributing spiritual gifts that enable us to aid in the salvation and growth of others.

Prayer:

Pray for a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts in your life.