1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-3. What sorts of activities might cause a Christian to praise someone as ‘spiritual’ today, even if that person does not claim Christ as Lord? What is Paul’s word of instruction on the matter? Is it wrong to celebrate such ‘spiritual’ people?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. What words or themes are repeated for emphasis in this passage? Why do you think the author is stressing the point[s]?
How does it make you feel to think that God has apportioned spiritual gifting to you ‘individually just as He wills’ (v11)? What does it tell you about how he deals with his children? About the gifts you’ve been given?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. What is the main point of the ‘body’ imagery? Explain in concrete rather than metaphorical terms.
Take a moment to review this list of gifts compiled from various passages of scripture. This is not a comprehensive list of gifts, but a good starting point. Go around the room and share as a group what you perceive to be the gifting of each one present. Take time to worship together and thank God for his generous gifts made manifest among you.
If you have time, you can also each take the online test. Does the test agree with your community’s assessment of your gifting?