spiritual gifts ncbaptistorg

Spiritual Gifts Bible Study

Teaching Guide

What Is Your Gift? - Session One (1¼ hours)

1. In groups do name tags: Four things I’m good at… Share and get acquainted in groups. (8-10 min.)

2. Introduce session and title: What is Your Gift? Use a gift box theme. (2-5 min.)

3. Skit: Finding Your Gift (5 min.)

Listen for: Where is your gift?

What does God want you to do?

Four Affirmations

1. God intends for you to discover your gifts.

2. God will show you your gifts.

3. God will provide the way for you to develop your gifts.

4. God will provide the way for you to use your gifts.

4. Mini-lecture: Cells – God Had Fun… (5 min.)

Definition of Spiritual Gift: Spiritual Gifts are unique abilities, talents, or interests given to us by God for the

purpose of carrying out God’s plan of ministry through our lives.

Central Truth of Session: Talents and abilities committed to God become Spiritual Gifts to be used in His

service.

5. Paul wrote to the Romans about Spiritual Gifts in Romans 12:6-13. He included twelve gifts. Listen as I read a

paraphrase of these verses. Brainstorm gifts. Do Unscramble Gifts Activity. (5-8 min.)

6. Each group is assigned one of the gifts. Direct them to the instructions in Learner Guide: Read the verses and

the information about your assigned gift on the sheet provided. Assign gifts to teams and instruct them to use

the large, colored paper provided to tear out and create a body part and then to write on that body part

characteristics and jobs related to their assigned spiritual gift. The teams will put the body together and will

discuss the biblical truth that we are one body with many gifts.

Option 1: Write a Want Ad for one possessing your assigned gift. List 3-4 characteristics of this

person plus 2-3 jobs this person should be able to perform in service to God.

Option 2: Do a Spiritual Gifts Fashion Show. Use 32-gallon trash bags and dress a person with these

characteristics and tasks. Use construction paper and tear into shapes. Write characteristics of this gift

and tape on to bag to create fashion. (10-15 min.)

7. Share body parts and gifts and put the body together and discuss gifts. Dialogue about the diversity of gifts that

form one body. Options: Share want ads and put on wall or have a gift fashion show.

(15 min.)

8. Compare lists of Gifts and the talents and abilities you listed on your nametag. What do you think is your

gift(s)? Write in space on nametag. (5 min.)

9. Lead groups to do Spiritual Gifts Inventory. Score inventories; make a list of members’ gifts on wall. (5 min.)

10. Closure: Read Romans 12:1-2. Discuss four ways we can commit our gifts to God and to his service. (5 min.)

1. Offer ___________________________

2. Dedicated _______________________

3. Do Not _________________________

4. Let God _________________________

11. Read prayer on nametag and make it a personal prayer. Sign and date prayer as a commitment of your gifts to

God for His service. (5 min.)

Things that make

Name

SPECIAL

Four things I’m good at: 1. ________________________

2. ________________________

3, ________________________

4. ________________________

My Spiritual Gift: ___________________

God, thank You for my unique talents and abilities. You have given me some beautiful gifts and have made me special. I commit now to use them in service for You.

Signed: ________________, Date: _____

Things that make

Name

SPECIAL


2. ________________________

3. ________________________

4. ________________________



Signed: ________________, Date: _____

Things that make

Name

SPECIAL


2. ________________________

3. ________________________

4. ________________________



Signed: ________________, Date: _____

Things that make

Name

SPECIAL


2, ________________________

2. ________________________

4. ________________________



Signed: ________________, Date: _____

Name Tags

What Is Your Gift? The Big Search – Skit

Scene: Man and woman; Man with magnifying glass, searching for something.

Woman: What are you looking for with that magnifying glass?

Man: Something

Woman: Well, what is it?

Man: I’m not sure.

Woman: Did you lose something?

Man: I don’t think so. I don’t think I ever had it.

Woman: What do you mean?

Man: UMMMMM….

Woman: How will you know when you find it if you don’t even know what you’re looking for?

Man: Trust me. (Keeps on searching) I’ve heard that everyone has a gift.

Woman: You mean, like a present?

Man: No, God gives everyone at least one gift to be used to make the world a better place and to lead

others to know Christ. I’m looking for my gift.

Woman: You’re looking in the wrong place.

Man: Now you tell me!

Woman: I couldn’t tell you before because I didn’t know what you were looking for. But now that you

have let me in on your search, I can tell you that the best place to find your gift is not in this room.

Man: Tell me where it is, then.

Woman: Your gift is within you.

Man: HUH?

Woman: You will find your gift in your likes and desires and your talents and abilities. God wants to take

what is already there and use it for His good after you dedicate it to Him.

Man: Do you mean that God may let me use my own abilities and dreams? He doesn’t want me to do

something I don’t want to do or something that is hard for me?

Woman: God wants you to do what you are created to do, and He designed us so that we have abilities

and interests. Those are the things He wants us to develop… but that doesn’t mean it will be easy.

Man: Then I can relax.

Woman: No! You must develop those gifts you already know you have. As you do that, you will

discover other gifts. When you gave your life to Christ, your journey and search began.

Man: Hey, What’s your gift?

Woman: It’s helping others find their gifts.


Learning Guide

Session One – What is your gift?

Introduction

From the skit fill in the following information:

Where is your Gift?

What does God want you to do?

Four Affirmations:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Insight: The church Nominating Committee was talking with Ben about a possible leadership position. The

committee chairman asked Ben, What you think God has in mind for you. Where is He leading you to serve Him

this year? Ben, a young Christian, said, I’m not sure I want to do what God has in mind for me. When I was a

teenager, I used to think that God only led people to go to Africa or Pakistan to be a missionary. I surely don’t

think that’s for me. Now, as an adult, I don’t have a clue. The chairman asked, Well, Ben, what are you good at?

What do you really enjoy doing? What concept does Ben have about God’s will? Does God want you to do

something with your life that would make you miserable? Doesn’t God want you to use the things you’re good at

in His service? What advice would you give Ben?

What is a Spiritual Gift?

God must have had fun creating the world. He made everything just a little different from anything else. There are

no two snowflakes alike; there are no two people alike, not even twins! He made us all unique to show that He is

personally interested in each of us. Part of our uniqueness is expressed in our abilities. Some are good at one task

while others excel in another.

God has a special plan for each person a special ministry He wants each to perform. He gives to us abilities or gifts

to equip us to carry out His plan. These gifts or abilities are things we’re good at doing; things we enjoy doing;

they make us happy and fulfilled.

A Spiritual Gift, then, can be defined as a unique ability, talent, or interest (thing we like to do) given by God to

person for the purpose of carrying out God’s plan of ministry through his life.

Session Central Truth: Talents and abilities committed to God become spiritual gifts to be used in His

service.

Bible Passage: Paul wrote to the Romans about Spiritual Gifts and listed twelve of the gifts God often gives. Read

Romans 12:5-13 and find the gifts Paul spoke of.

Romans 12:5-13 5…Though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one

body.

6…so we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is prophecy, we must do

it according to the faith that we have.

7...If it is service, we must serve. If it is teaching, we must teach.

8…If it is exhorting, we must do so. Whoever has the gift of sharing with others what he has must do it generously. Whoever

has the gift of leading, must work hard. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others must do it cheerfully.

9…The gift of love must be shared with complete sincerity. Hate what is evil; hold on to what is good.

10…Love one another warmly as brothers in Christ and be eager to show respect for one another.

11…Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with the gift of Enthusiasm.

12…Let the gift of hope keep you joyful. Be patient in your troubles. The gift of Prayer should be used at all time.

13…Get in the habit of expressing the gift of hospitality by sharing your belongings with your needy brothers and sisters and

open your home to strangers.

Unscramble the Spiritual Gifts Romans 12

Verses Spiritual Gifts

5-7 ROHPECPY __________________

CIEVRES __________________

NIGTACEH __________________

8 TOXRIGHEN __________________

RNSIHAG __________________

DNLGIAE __________________

CERYM __________________

9-11 EVLO __________________

TEHNUSIMAS __________________

12-13 PEOH

__________________

YPRRAE __________________

TIOHSPTLAIY __________________

Spiritually Gifted People

Read in your Bible the verses about your team’s assigned gift.

Research your team’s assigned gift on the Spiritual Gifts Description sheet.

Discover: Characteristics of your team’s gift.

Create: In your team, use the large, colored paper provided and tear out your assigned body part, and

write on it characteristics and jobs a person possessing your assigned Spiritual Gift might possess and

perform in service to God.

Present: Share your gift and put your body part in place on wall.

Option 1: Write a Want Ad for one possessing your assigned gift. List 3-4 characteristics of this person

plus 2-3 jobs this person should be able to perform in service to God.

Option 2: Do a Spiritual Gifts Fashion Show. Use 32-gallon trash bags and dress a person with these

characteristics and tasks. Use construction paper and tear into shapes. Write characteristics of this gift

and tape on to bag to create fashion

My Spiritual Gift: ___________________________________________

Personal Commitment of Spiritual Gift In Romans 12:1-2, Paul gave four ways to commit yourself and your gifts to God:

1. Offer ________________________________________________________

2. Dedicated ____________________________________________________

3. Do not _______________________________________________________

4. Let God ______________________________________________________

Notes about your Spiritual Gift

Team Assignment – Option 3

We Are One Body

In your team, create a body part, and write on it characteristics and jobs a person possessing your assigned Spiritual Gift might possess and perform in service to God.

1. Head Prophesy 2. Arm 1 Service 3. Arm 2 Teaching 4. Hand 1 Exhorting 5. Hand 2 Sharing 6. Leg 1 Leading

7. Leg 2 Mercy 8. Foot 1 Love 9. Foot 2 Enthusiasm 10. Torso Hope 11. Ear 1 Prayer 12. Ear 2 Hospitality

INVENTORY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

This inventory provides some general characteristics of the twelve Spiritual Gifts in this study. It is designed for

two purposes: to teach the concept of spiritual gifts and to provide you with an instrument for producing a profile of

leadership characteristics.

The inventory consists of sixty items. Some items reflect concrete actions; other items are descriptive of traits; and

still others are statements of belief or value.

Directions: As you read each item, decide whether the sentence is true or descriptive of you. Circle the letter to the

right of the sentence that most accurately reflects your decision. Your first response to the question is usually the

best.

N – Not at all, this is untrue for me.

O – Occasionally, this is true of me about 25 percent of the time.

F – Frequently, this describes me about 50 percent of the time.

M – Most of the time, this would describe me.

H – Highly characteristic, this is definitely true for me.

1. I’m not afraid to speak for the truth. N O F M H

2. In helping people, I seem to know the right thing to do. N O F M H

3. I enjoy discussing ideas and issues. N O F M H

4. Others seem to look to me for advice and help. N O F M H

5. I like to keep my life simple and natural. N O F M H

6. Setting and achieving goals is important to me.

N O F M H

7. Doing things for people in need makes me happy. N O F M H

8. I can give to others without expecting anything in return. N O F M H

9. I get excited about my faith. N O F M H

10. I am an optimistic positive person. N O F M H

11. I am aware of the miraculous aspects of life. N O F M H

12. I enjoy making people feel at home. N O F M H

13. Expressing my feelings is easy for me. N O F M H

14. I’m concerned that people don’t grow more as Christians. N O F M H

15. I am never bored. N O F M H

16. I am accepting of others’ faults and failures. N O F M H

17. I find strength from bearing other’s burdens. N O F M H

18. Accomplishing something worthwhile takes great effort. N O F M H

19. It’s not important for others to know the good things I do. N O F M H

20. I enjoy sharing what I have with others. N O F M H

21. Problems are a challenge to me. N O F M H

22. Injustices and evil in the world trouble me. N O F M H

23. I find prayer to be a great source of strength. N O F M H

24. I like to help people without being asked. N O F M H

25. Stating the facts in a situation is something I do well. N O F M H

26. I can usually encourage people to do things.

N O F M H

27. I look for ways to get acquainted with new friends. N O F M H

28. I like to see all the pieces of a problem come together. N O F M H

29. I am attracted to people who are hurting. N O F M H

30. I don’t hold grudges against people. N O F M H

31. I am eager to see good things happen to people. N O F M H

32. Things eventually work out for the good. N O F M H

33. Talking to God is easy for me. N O F M H

34. I never meet a stranger. N O F M H

35. What I have to say is usually helpful to people. N O F M H

36. Difficult situations bring out the best in me. N O F M H

37. Every day is new for me. N O F M H

38. I’m not afraid to be warm and close to people. N O F M H

39. I like to work with sick and neglected people. N O F M H

40. I consider myself to be a hard worker. N O F M H

41. I have an urge to tell others about my life in Christ. N O F M H

42. I’m a good counselor. N O F M H

43. I can usually think clearly in confusion. N O F M H

44. I enjoy doing little things to help people. N O F M H

45. I will stand alone on something I believe in strongly. N O F M H

46. I don’t care who gets credit for a job well done. N O F M H

47. I like to tell people what’s important to me. N O F M H

48. My life is an open book for others to see. N O F M H

49. Completing a job is important to me. N O F M H

50. I somehow know how people in distress feel. N O F M H

51. I feel kinship with most people I meet. N O F M H

52. I usually have energy to burn. N O F M H

53. I am not easily disappointed. N O F M H

54. I pray every day. N O F M H

55. My home is open to lots of people. N O F M H

56. People see me as a frank and outspoken person. N O F M H

57. I will tell people if I think they’re doing wrong. N O F M H

58. Possessions are meant to be shared. N O F M H

59. I’d rather do something myself than get others to do it. N O F M H

60. I have confidence in things I cannot see. N O F M H

The four gifts on which I score the highest:

1. ______________________________________

2. ______________________________________

3. ______________________________________

4. ______________________________________

Spiritual Gifts Descriptions

a. Prophecy – The gift of speaking words of warning, comfort, and encouragement; has the ability to

speak well before a group; one who can proclaim God’s Word.

Romans 12:6; I Corinthians 14:3; Acts 2:16-18

b. Service – The gift of helping others; sensitive to needs of others; caring and loving; life-style of daily

showing God’s love.

Romans 12:7; Matthew 20:25-29; Gal. 5:13; John 12:26

c. Teaching – One who can use a variety of ways and methods to explain God’s word; one who sets an

example and teaches by the way he lives; wants to help others discover Bible truths for themselves.

Romans 12:7; I Corinthians 14:26; Matt. 28:19-20

d. Exhorting – The gift of encouraging others; sensitive to others’ problems; ready to speak a helping

word; makes people feel good about themselves.

Romans 12:8; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Thessalonians 4:14

e. Sharing – The gift of giving without seeking any reward or recognition; shares money, time, talents

and self freely.

Romans 12:8; Matthew 6:1-4; II Corinthians 9:7; I Thessalonians 2:8

f. Leading – One who can help people and groups make good decisions; good organizer; confident

before a group; can see needs and lead people to meet them.

Romans 12:8; I Thessalonians 1:3

g. Mercy – One with deep compassion for others; ready to help others in trouble; senses in others their

pain, sadness, and despair; receives happiness from doing merciful deeds.

Romans 12:8; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 12:7; Luke 6:36

h. Love – The gift of sharing feeling of closeness and affection with others; caring and sensitive; always

ready to forgive; treats others as brothers and sisters in family.

Romans 12:9; I John 3:18; Col. 3:14; Phil. 2:2

i. Enthusiasm – The gift of stimulating others to become motivated; brings excitement to a group; sees

the Christian life as an adventure to be enjoyed; has an intensity of emotion that stirs up a group.

Romans 12: 11; Rev. 3:15; Romans 12:11

j. Hope – The gift of optimism; expecting great things to happen; sees the positive side and not the

negative side; not easily disappointed; is strong in difficult situations; is happy and rejoices as a

Christian.

Romans 12:12; I Peter 1:3; Hebrews 10:23; Romans 5:3-5

k. Prayer – The gift of talking to God about everything at all times; able to put into words what he feels

in his heart; talks with God daily about others; can help others know how to talk to God more

effectively.

Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Luke 18:1

l. Hospitality – The gift of friendliness; finds joy in giving, doing, loving, and serving others; welcomes

all people into their group; helps new people feel “at home.”

Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; III John 5-6; I Pet

My Spiritual Gift is: ____________________________________________________________

SPIRITUAL GIFTS SCORE SHEET

Instructions: Transfer your letter responses from the inventory to each of the twelve scales below and

write in the value for each response:

N = - 2 O = - 1 F = 0 Add the values of items in each scale for a score. M = + 1 H = + 2 Prophecy

Item 1 22 35 45 56

Letter

Value

Score

Teaching

Item 3 21 25 43 47

Letter

Value

Score

Sharing

Item 5 19 41 48 58

Letter

Value

Score

Mercy

Item 7 17 29 39 50

Letter

Value

Score

Enthusiasm

Item 9 15 31 37 52

Letter

Value

Score

Prayer

Item 11 13 23 33 54

Letter

Value

Score

Services

Item 2 24 44 46 59

Letter

Value

Score

Exhorting

Item 4 14 26 42 57

Letter

Value

Score

Leading

Item 6 18 28 40 49

Letter

Value

Score

Love

Item 8 16 30 38 51

Letter

Value

Score

Hope

Item 10 32 36 53 60

Letter

Value

Score

Hospitality

Item 12 20 27 34 55

Letter

Value

Score

Dear Church Leaders, In preparation for the coming study on Spiritual Gifts, please read the following Bible study and pray, asking God to open your heart to the gift(s) He has placed within you.

Insight: The church group was planning a worship service for the nursing home. Jobs were being assigned to

various people to cover all parts of the service. John was going to give a devotion; Susan was going to sing a solo.

The group looked at Rodney. They all knew he played the clarinet well enough to do an instrumental solo. The

pastor asked, What about it, Rod, would you play for the service? Rodney was shy and usually got nervous before a

group. He shook his head and said, No, I think we’re going out of town that weekend. Sorry! Which of these

people hid his talents and abilities? Which developed his/her gifts through using them?

The Study: Jesus was a great storyteller. His stories are known as parables. Each parable had a special message,

which Jesus wanted to teach. Luke 19:12-26 is a parable with a message that emphasizes the importance of using

the gifts, talents, and abilities that God gives. Read this parable and study the following servant descriptions

carefully. With which one do you identify?

1. The third servant represents one who chooses not to use his talents for God. He may be too lazy, shy, or

afraid to make a mistake or he may feel like his gift is too small to use; therefore he doesn’t try to use it. He

might say, I have so small a talent and I can do so little with it. It is not worthwhile to try. These people feel

they have been short-changed in respect to abilities. The third servant lost his coin because he failed to use it.

When one fails to use his talents, he is in danger of losing them.

2. The second servant was\ cautious. He was prepared to let God work through him, but his own plans and

interest got in the way. He is like those who place their talents and abilities into the service of God but only to a

limited extent. They fail to commit all of their talents to God or they fail to give their best effort in God’s

service. This servant received neither praise nor criticism from the master. When one fails to give God his best,

he fails to receive God’s greatest blessings.

3. The first servant is a picture of a truly committed, mature Christian. He joyously lets God work through

him. His happiness comes from serving God. He gives all of his talents for God’s service and gives his best

efforts to God. The servant was rewarded with greater authority. The master praised him for being a faithful

servant. The coin from the unfaithful third servant was given to this faithful servant. When one develops his

talents, he often discovers other abilities that God has given him to use.

Personal Commitment: Think about it and respond:

Based on the way I am now using my talent, I am most like servant (circle) #1 #2 #3

The reason for hiding or not using my talent(s) is I’m (underline one):

▪ embarrassed ▪ afraid ▪ unsure of how to use talent ▪ I feel my talent is not good enough to use

▪ other reason: _____________________________________.

As Christians, our goal is to be as much like the first servant as possible. However, we all find ourselves in the

shoes of the second and even, at times, the third servant. The objective of the Spiritual Gift Study is to help us

understand what spiritual gifts are and how we can use ours for ministry. Write below a prayer of commitment

thanking God for your talents and abilities; asking God for wisdom to know how to discover and develop your

spiritual gifts; commit yourself to using your gifts fearlessly in God’s service.

Dear God,

Amen.

Getting ready for the study:

Read Romans 12:5-13

Find the 12 Spiritual Gifts Paul refers to.

What is a spiritual gift?

I am looking forward to our study together on Spiritual Gifts. You may find that a few surprises are in store for you. I promise you a fun session of digging into the Scriptures and discovering life changing Bible truths. Come with open minds, expectant hearts, and joyful spirits. I’ll see you soon, until then, I am

Yours in Christ.


Teaching Guide

Gifts Are For Giving – Session Two (1 ¼ hours)

Teaching Procedures

1. As members arrive give each a question or an answer placard. Instruct them to find their match:

(15 min.)

What is the purpose of Spiritual Gifts? To Build up Christ’s Church

Who gives us Spiritual Gifts? God’s Holy Spirit

What quality should all gifts have? Love

Name three ways to identify your gifts. Try out the gifts; Ask others; Read the Bible

What must you do to get the benefit from your gifts? Use them!

What can happen if your gifts are never exercised? They can waste away.

2. Introduction (5 min.)

Session Title: Gifts are for Giving

Central Truth: Spiritual Gifts are for giving in specific ways of service to God and for the good of

others.

3. Read I Corinthians 12:1, 4-11; What are Paul’s guidelines for giving our gifts in service to God.

(15 min.)

Do matching activity in pupil piece: (1-D, 2-F, 3-G, 4-A, 5-B, 6-C, 7-E, 8-I, 9-H, 10-J, 11-L, 12-K)

Cell – Three Principles about Spiritual Gifts Learned from I Corinthians 12:1, 4-11

1. They’re not just for spiritual blessings.

2. Responsibility comes with the gift.

3. It’s up to you to discover and use your gift.

4. Three ways to identify your Spiritual Gifts: (5 min.)

1. Read what the Bible says on gifts.

2. Ask others what gifts they see in you.

3. Try out the gifts you think you might have. Faith includes risk!

5. Read Passages on your gift in pupil piece. Write a topic poem on your gift. Show one way you plan

to use your gift. Share in groups. (20 min.)

6. Skit paraphrase of Acts 2 (10 min.)

Narrator: Sets the stage

Scene: Mountain outside Jerusalem

Time: Moments before Jesus ascension

People: Jesus Disciples

Jesus: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit to use your gifts to tell about me in Jerusalem,

Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Narrator: As Jesus ascends, the Disciple stand, looking up into the sky.

Angels: Hey, why do you stand there looking up at the sky? Go on; get busy using your gifts,

doing what he told you. He’ll be back!

7. Closure: (3 min)

1. Gifts are for giving – name one person who needs your gift and one way you plan to use it to

help that person.

2. Gifts are for building up the church - one job you could do next year in your church

8. Commissioning Service – Choral Reading (2 min.)


Learning Guide

Session Two – Gifts Are For Giving

Introduction From the Matching Game fill in the following information

What is the purpose of Spiritual Gifts?

Who gives us Spiritual Gifts?

What quality should all gifts have?

Name three ways to identify your gifts?

What must you do to get the benefit from your gifts?

What can happen if your gifts are never exercised?

Insight: Rodney knocked on the pastor’s door. He smiled sheepishly as he was invited into the office. The pastor

said, How’s it going, Rod, and how’s the clarinet playing these days? Rod answered, Well, I’m okay, and that’s

what I want to talk with you about – the clarinet, I mean. Last week you asked me to play the clarinet at the

Nursing home, but I said that I’d be out of town. Well, to be honest about it, I was just being my usual shy self. I’m

going to be in town that weekend after all, and I guess I’ll play a short solo for them. The pastor responded, That’s

terrific, Rod. It’ll mean a lot to that group to hear you. Rod answered, I just thought about what you said last

Sunday in your sermon that God gives us gifts to give back to Him for the good of others, and if the clarinet is my

gift, I reckon I ought to give it to Him to use. What change has taken place in Rodney? How will Rodney’s clarinet

solo help both him and the folks at the Nursing Home? Rodney has learned an important lesson: God gives us gifts

RFO THE OODG FO LAL. Read I Cor. 12:7 and unscramble. ___________________________

Session Central Bible Truth: Spiritual Gifts are for giving in specific ways of service to God and for the good of

others.

What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?

What did you discover about your Spiritual Gifts? List the four gifts in which you scored highest:

1. _________________________________________

2. _________________________________________

3. _________________________________________

4. _________________________________________

Did you already know that you possessed these gifts? Were you surprised about some? The question now, is what

will you do with your gifts? In I Corinthians 12:1, 4-11, Paul gives us some guidelines about giving our gifts in

service to God. Read this passage and match the following statements to learn Paul’s message about giving our

gifts to God:

Bible Passage: I Corinthians 12:1, 4-11

Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual

gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. There are

different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives abilities to everyone for their particular service. The

Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. The Spirit gives one person a message

full of wisdom, while to another person the same Spirit gives a message full of knowledge. One and the same Spirit

gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives power to heal. The Spirit gives one person the power to

work miracles; to another the gift of speaking God’s message; and to yet another, the ability to tell the difference

between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person, he gives the ability to speak in

strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. But it is one and the same Spirit who

does all this; as He wishes, He gives a different gift to each person.

Gifts Are For Giving – Matching Activity

1. God has given every person A. To carry out the work of God in the world.

2. God’s greatest gift B. Comes the desire and power to do His will.

3. Each person is C. He also gives opportunities for using that gift.

4. Spiritual Gifts are given D. A Spiritual Gift or Gifts.

5. With the ability to serve God E. But in meeting needs in the world.

6. When God gives a gift, F. Is salvation provided through His Son.

7. God’s gifts are not to be used just in church G. An original.

8. Responsibility H. Must be willing to try, to commit, and to pray.

9. To discover your gift, you I. Goes along with gifts.

10. God wants J. Each person to discover and use his or her gifts.

11. God does not give gifts K. Go hand in hand.

12. Blessings and responsibility L. Just for a spiritual blessing.

Want to discover more Spiritual Gifts?

Through the inventory you discovered some of your gifts. But how can you keep discovering what gifts

God has given you? Here are three steps to discover even more of your gifts:

1. Read God’s word and ask Him to show you His gifts in you.

As you read through the descriptions of the gifts, ask the Lord to impress upon your heart and

mind those gifts which are yours. Warning: Do not tell the Lord what gifts you want! Let Him

give you the gifts He wants you to have. (I Cor. 12:11)

2. Ask others what gifts they see in you.

All Christians are members of the same body. Help one another by sharing and encouraging one

another’s Spiritual Gifts as they are recognized.

3. Try out the gifts you think are yours.

Faith includes risk. If you think you have the gift of teaching and a friend thinks so too, then

volunteer for a short-term teaching situation in your church. You may make a discovery.

What Else Does The Bible Say About Spiritual Gifts?

Let’s take seriously that first step – Read the Bible. Choose the gift on which you scored the highest.

Read the corresponding Bible passages. Create a topic poem on your gift.

Prophecy Romans 12:6; I Corinthians 14:3; Acts 2:16-18

Serving Romans 12:7; Matthew 20:25-29; Galatians 5:13; John 12:26

Teaching Romans 12:8; I Corinthians 14:26; Matthew 28:19-20

Exhortation Romans 12:8; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Thessalonians 4;14

Sharing Romans 12:8; Matthew 6:1-4; 2Cor. 9:7; I Thessalonians 2:8

Leading Romans 12:8; I Thessalonians 1:3

Mercy Romans 12:8; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 12:7; Luke 6:36

Love Romans 12:9; I John 3:18; Col. 3:14; Philippians 2:2

Enthusiasm Romans 12:11; Revelation 3:15; Romans 12:11

Hope Romans 12:12; I Peter 1: 3; Hebrews 10:23; Romans 5:3-5

Prayer Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Luke 18:1

Hospitality Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; III John 5-6; I Peter 4:9

My Spiritual Gift Topic Poem

___________________________

My Gift

___________________________ __________________________

Two adjectives describing gift

__________________________ ___________________________ ________________________

Three action words telling what gift does

___________________ _____________________ __________________ _____________________

A four-word phrase of how your gift can be given to God for the good of others

_____________________________

A synonym: another word for your gift

Personal Commitment of Spiritual Gifts:

I plan to give my gift to serve God and help others: (Write below one way you will give your gift to a

person who needs it or to the church to help build it up.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Wow! You’ve just made a big decision. You have not only discovered your unique Spiritual Gift, you’ve

actually committed yourself to giving it to serve God and help others. How are you feeling right now?

Shaky, uncertain, and afraid or excited, anxious to get started, confident in your ability, or perhaps all of

the above? Jeremiah was experiencing some of your feelings when God called him to give his gifts. Read

Jeremiah 1:4-10. Meditate on God’s words to Jeremiah: Do not be afraid…, for I will be with you to

protect you. God gives the gifts and counts on you to give them back through service, but He promises to

be with you. Write below how this promise from God makes you feel…

I feel…

Spiritual Gifts Commissioning

I Peter 4:7-11

Leader 1: The end of all things is near.

Group one: You must be self-controlled and alert to be able to pray.

Group two: Above everything, love one another earnestly.

Leader 2: Because love covers over many sins.

Leader 3: Open your lives to each other without complaining.

Leader 1: Each one, as a good manager of God’s different gifts must use for the good of others the

special gifts he has received from God.

Group one: Whoever preaches must preach God’s messages;

Group two: Whoever serves must serve with the strength that God gives him.

Leader 1: So that in all things praise may be given to God through Jesus Christ.

All: To whom belongs glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

Keep On Learning about Spiritual Gifts

Paul wrote much about Spiritual Gifts. In Romans he listed twelve gifts that God often gives. In

I Corinthians he emphasized that gifts are for serving God and ministering to others. Paul also wrote a

letter to the Ephesians telling them to use their gifts to build up the church. Read Ephesians 4:7-13. He

describes four gifted leadership positions. Read each description and write three church jobs the person in

this gifted leadership position should be able to perform:

1. Apostle means Sent One. Persons sent from God. An apostle was a person sent with a message. An

apostle may be sent out to a foreign country, another state, or even in one’s own community. An

apostle is someone who brings the good news to a new area; he is gifted in vision, daring, with faith

and courage.

Church Jobs: _______________________________________________________________________

2. Prophet – Persons with a message from God. A prophet can speak God’s Word for a particular

situation.

S/he is someone who proclaims the Gospel; gifted in speaking, encouraging, teaching, and mercy. A

prophet is one who can preach a message in a pulpit or live a message on the job. S/he can proclaim a

message in a variety of ways, in a variety of places.

Church Jobs: _______________________________________________________________________

3. Evangelist – A person who announces God’s message. Someone who leads another to Christ; gifted

in faith, communicates clearly the Gospel to those who do not yet believe in Jesus. S/he is not

ashamed to talk about Christ. An evangelist could be one who verbally witnesses to another, one who

participates in a group service for the purpose of sharing the Gospel, or one who lives a witness before

lost friends.

Church Jobs: _______________________________________________________________________

4. Pastor/Teacher – A person who helps God’s people. S/he is someone who cares for others and seeks

to nurture them in their faith; an encourager of people; someone who feels the pain of another, a

comforter; gifted in sensitivity, compassion, and service. A pastor/teacher is one who can help others

understand the message in the Bible and is gifted in studying and explaining to others the Good News.

Church Jobs: _______________________________________________________________________

Spiritual Gifts are for building up the church. Read Ephesians 4:12-16 to see what can happen when

all Christians use their giftedness.

Spiritual Gifts

What is your gift?

Introduction

Write on your name tag 4 things you're good at, then go find 5 other people and find out what they're

good at.

What do you think this has to do with Spiritual Gifts?

Insight: The church Nominating Committee was talking with Ben about a possible leadership position.

The committee chairman asked Ben, What do you think God has in mind for you? Where is He leading

you to serve Him this year? Ben, a young Christian, said, I’m not sure I want to do what God has in mind

for me. When I was a teenager, I used to think that God only led people to go to Africa or Pakistan to be

a missionary. I surely don’t think that’s for me. Now, as an adult, I don’t have a clue. The chairman

asked, Well, Ben, what are you good at? What do you really enjoy doing? What concept does Ben have

about God’s will? Does God want you to do something with your life that would make you miserable?

Doesn’t God want you to use the things you’re good at in His service? What advice would you give Ben?

What is a Spiritual Gift?

God must have had fun creating the world. He made everything just a little different from anything else.

There are no two snowflakes alike; there are no two people alike, not even twins! He made us all unique

to show that He is personally interested in each of us. Part of our uniqueness is expressed in our abilities.

Some are good at one task while others excel in another.

God has a special plan for each person a special ministry He wants each to perform. He gives to us

abilities or gifts to equip us to carry out His plan. These gifts or abilities are things we’re good at doing;

things we enjoy doing; they make us happy and fulfilled.

A Spiritual Gift, then, can be defined as a unique ability, talent, or interest (thing we like to do)

given by God to person for the purpose of carrying out God’s plan of ministry through his life.

Bible Passage: Paul wrote to the Romans about Spiritual Gifts and listed twelve of the gifts God often

gives. Read Romans 12:5-13 and find the gifts Paul spoke of.

Romans 12:5-13

5…Though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as

different parts of one body.

6…so we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is

prophecy, we must do it according to the faith that we have.

7...If it is service, we must serve. If it is teaching, we must teach.

8…If it is exhorting, we must do so. Whoever has the gift of sharing with others what he has must do it

generously. Whoever has the gift of leading, must work hard. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to

others must do it cheerfully.

9…The gift of love must be shared with complete sincerity. Hate what is evil; hold on to what is good.

10…Love one another warmly as brothers in Christ and be eager to show respect for one another.

11…Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with the gift of Enthusiasm.

12…Let the gift of hope keep you joyful. Be patient in your troubles. The gift of Prayer should be used at

all time.

13…Get in the habit of expressing the gift of hospitality by sharing your belongings with your needy

brothers and sisters and open your home to strangers.

What is the

purpose of

Spiritual Gifts?

To Build up

Christ’s Church

Who gives us

Spiritual Gifts?

God’s Holy Spirit

What quality

should all gifts

have?

Love

Name three ways

to identify your

gifts?

Try out the gifts;

Ask others;

Read the Bible

What must you do

to get the benefit

from your gifts?

Use them!

What can happen

if your gifts are

never exercised?

They can waste

away.

Spiritual Gifts

A unique ability, talent, or

interest (thing we like to do)

given by God for the purpose

of carrying out God's plan of

ministry for that person.

Central Truth

Talents and abilities

committed to God become

Spiritual Gifts to be used in

His Service.

PROPHECY

SERVICE

TEACHING

EXHORTING

SHARING

LEADING

MERCY

LOVE

ENTHUSIASM

HOPE

PRAYER

HOSPITALITY

spiritual gifts ncbaptistorg

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