Empowered to Serve: The Spirit’s Gifts at Work

Paul reminds us that the gifts the Spirit gives were never meant to spotlight us. In the world, our talents exist to advance our own success. But in the Kingdom, the Spirit gives gifts so we can love and serve others. That’s why, in both Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12–13, right after describing the Spirit’s gifts and the body of Christ, Paul goes straight to love. He’s showing us that love is the motive behind every gift. Every Spirit-given gift matters. Every role matters. And when we use the gifts the Spirit gives with love at the center, the church becomes a living, breathing picture of God’s Kingdom - one the world can’t ignore.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

For Adult Homes and Groups

Before you answer these questions, take a few minutes to read 1 Corinthians 12 & 13 - let the Spirit highlight what He wants you to see. Then reflect on or discuss the following:

1. How does seeing your abilities as Spirit-given gifts reshape the way you think about serving others?

2. Why is love the essential motive behind using the Spirit’s gifts, and what changes when it isn’t?

3. How can our community better reflect God’s Kingdom by using our Spirit-given gifts together in love?

For Families with Kids

1. Read 1 Corinthians 12 together. What spiritual gifts are mentioned?

2. Is it possible to have a gift that seems less important than others? How does the body analogy help us understand that all gifts are important?

3. What happens when a person doesn’t use their spiritual gifts or feels like they don’t have any gifts? 

4. How can we encourage and support each other in using our spiritual gifts?

5. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.