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Your Gifts 1

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Your GiftsSmall Group Discussion GuideGetting the Most Out of ItWeek 4

Starting Scriptures

1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

1 Corinthians. 12:4 -5 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

ReflectionGetting the most out of our gifts starts with knowing who we are. In 1

Corinthians 3, Paul states that we are “the temple” of God; a house wherein His Spirit dwells. Every house has doors. They open to welcome some things in and close to shut other things out. In the same way – as a living house of God – our identity teaches us how we should open ourselves to God for the sake of serving others. It also compels us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of His calling, effectively closing the door on the corruption that fights to creep inside us.

Every house also has furnishings: chairs, tables, artwork, beds, etc. These are strategically supplied by the owner to serve them self and all who enter the house. In the same way, God has furnished you – His house – with gifts. Understanding the origin, function, and operation of these three gifts – the Father’s gifts, the Son’s gifts, the Holy Spirit’s gifts – helps us get the most out of them. We find ourselves a fully-furnished, house of God, positioned to serve others through our God-given personalities, with the heart and attitude of our Savior, and the supernatural power of His spirit at work through us, allowing God to get the most out of us.

Discussion Questions ICE BREAKER: Socially speaking, if you were to walk into a party full of

people, would others be more likely to consider you an “ice-breaker” – someone who easily and openly engages with anyone and everyone – or a “wave-rider” – someone who is quite content to “surf” through the crowd, letting the night carry you where it may, quite content to engage with only a few?

Describe one or two of the personality styles you enjoy interacting with. Who are they and why do you enjoy living/working/playing with them? How do your personalities lift and/or challenge each other?

How has God given you the opportunity to serve someone else in the last 30

erviceThe gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ.Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14

B . TeachingThe gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and growth to other Christians.Acts 18:24-28, 20:20-21; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-14

C . Tongues (and Interpretation)The gift of tongues is the divine strength or ability to pray in a heavenly language to encourage your spirit and to commune with God. The gift of tongues is often accompanied by interpretation and should be used appropriately.

D . WisdomThe gift of wisdom is the divine strength or ability to apply the truths of Scripture in a practical way, producing a fruitful outcome and the character of Jesus Christ.Acts 6:3,10; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 12:8

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