Gifts in the Spirit

Power to Be Witnesses – The Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)

Time: 35 minutes Goal: Help believers understand the gifts of the Spirit, their purpose in ministry, and how they should be applied humbly and faithfully.

I. Introduction (5 min)

A. Opening Question:

“What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘spiritual gifts’?” → Reveals their preconceptions and experiences with spiritual gifts.

B. Context of 1 Corinthians 12:

Paul writing to a divided Corinthian church about the unity and diversity of spiritual gifts.

Now the part everyone wants to get the gifts. All the gifts. The interesting is, this is exactly like the Corinthians were thinking.

C. Key Truths to Establish:

Every believer has spiritual gifts.

Some that we are naturally inclined to

Some that God desires to give us for the benefit of his kingdom.

Sometimes a natural gift God may desire to give you in fuller measure as he pleases

Gifts are not given based on merit but by God’s grace.

The Spirit distributes gifts as He wills (1 Cor. 12:11) to equip the church for ministry. So desiring the gifts becomes an act of faith

Spiritual gifts are for building up the church, not for self-glorification (1 Cor. 12:7).

What are some dangers of pride when it comes to spiritual gifts? → Encourages humility and dependence on God.

We should want the gift for position, power, prosperity

How can we balance seeking spiritual gifts while keeping Jesus at the center? Keeps the focus on Christ, not the gifts themselves.

The gifts from God are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). All are needed for the building up of the body and to show the manifold wisdom of God. This is why he uses the analogy of the body

Have you ever felt unqualified or unequipped to do what God has called you to do?

II. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts (5 min)

Why do you think God gives different gifts to different people instead of giving everyone the same gifts? → Leads into the body of Christ metaphor (1 Cor. 12:12-27).

For Ministry: Spiritual gifts are tools for service (Ephesians 4:11-13).

For Unity: They show that every believer is a necessary and beneficial part of the body (1 Cor. 12:12-27).

For God’s Glory: Gifts should always point back to Jesus, not the individual (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Its like a symphony orchestra has many different instruments, each playing a different part. If one is missing or out of tune, the whole performance suffers.

III. The Gifts of the Spirit – Definitions & Examples (15 min)

Walk through each gift with a simple definition and a real-life example. Some of these will crossover

Gift

Definition

Question

Bible Example

Example

Message of Wisdom

The ability to apply God’s wisdom in difficult situations.

Can you think of a time when someone gave you godly wisdom that changed your perspective?

Stephen in Acts 7, who spoke with divine wisdom before his martyrdom.

God will give me a word, a phrase a directional pull. And at first

Message of Knowledge

Supernatural revelation of a fact unknown to the person.

Have you ever had a moment where you ‘just knew’ something that helped someone spiritually?

Jesus knowing the Samaritan woman’s past in John 4.

But my Grandfather. “Reading your mail”

How did you know, I didnt know.

Faith

A deep trust in God that enables bold action.

The friends who helped their friend through the roof in Mark 2.

Heather Heck just all kinds of faith for literally everything

Gifts of Healing

Supernatural healing of sickness or injury.

Do you believe healing can still happen today? Why or why not?

Peter healing the crippled man in Acts 3.

Sabrina - Share a story of Schwepe

Miraculous Powers

Extraordinary works that defy natural laws.

What’s a biblical miracle that strengthens your faith? Why?

Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14.

Sabrina

Prophecy

Speaking a message from God for edification, encouragement, or correction.

Agabus prophesying a famine in Acts 11:28.

Prophetic conference (not just someone in here has a headache - but on this date)

My wife story

Distinguishing Between Spirits

Ability to discern between God’s Spirit, human influence, or demonic activity.

Paul recognizing the demonic spirit in Acts 16:16-18.

Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, used for prayer or prophecy.

What do you think is the purpose of speaking in tongues?

Pentecost (Acts 2), when believers spoke in different languages.

This turned me off from the gifts.

Came close to a cessationist.

Interpretation of Tongues

Translating a message given in tongues.

Used in church settings so all may understand (1 Cor. 14:27-28).

David talks about one of the pastors who was praying in a different language, and after he was praying david also did

Use the gifts in love.

Prophecy → “How can we discern if a prophetic word is from God?”

Distinguishing Between Spirits → “How can we tell if something is from the Holy Spirit or another spirit?”

IV. Practical Applications – Living Out Your Giftedness (10 min)

Use Your Gift for the Church

Challenge: Commit to finding a way to serve in your local church.

Avoid Pride & Comparison

Gifts are given by grace, not earned.

The most important thing is love (1 Cor. 13).

Illustration: The eye is not more important than the hand (1 Cor. 12:21).

Pursue Spiritual Gifts

Paul encourages believers to "earnestly desire" spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1).

Prayer & Seeking God is key—He distributes as He wills.

Take 2 min and write down Which spiritual gifts do you think you may have? Why? → Helps participants reflect on their own giftings.

V. Closing Prayer & Response (5 min)

Pray for the Holy Spirit to activate and reveal the gifts in each person.

Invite participants to ask the Lord, "First asks What gifts have You given me, and how can I use them for Your glory? Second asks for the gifts"

“What is one thing you learned today that you will apply this week?” → Encourages personal action and not just head knowledge.

“What’s one area where you need the Holy Spirit’s power right now?” → Opens the door for prayer and ministry.

Final Challenge:

Step out in faith this week to serve the church in your gifting.

Encourage someone else in their spiritual gifts!

This structure keeps the session engaging, biblical, and practical, while allowing time for reflection and discussion. Let me know if you want adjustments! 🚀

Here are some engaging questions you can ask throughout the lesson to keep participants engaged, encourage discussion, and deepen their understanding of the gifts of the Spirit.