1 Peter 4:7-11
Last week we introduced the topic of Spiritual gifts, and briefly looked at a few examples from 1 Corinthians 12. This week we will go into more depth about these gifts and the others mentioned elsewhere in the bible.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 & 27-31; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-13
As you read each passage, note down the Spiritual gifts that are mentioned here.
Go through your list and see if you can come up with definitions and examples for each Spiritual gift. [1]
Are there other gifts that you think the Holy Spirit gives to people that aren't mentioned in these passages? If so, what are they?
What would you say is the difference between a Spiritual gift and a talent/ability?
Print out this worksheet (1 copy for each member of your small group):
Have everyone write their name at the top of their sheet and then pass them around the group. (Alternatively, you could blu-tack them all to the walls and then walk around the room.) Spend a moment putting a tick next to the gifts that you have observed in each person. Then give yourself a few ticks too, based on your own experiences - you will probably know yourself better than anyone else will!
Have a look at the ticks on your sheet.
What gifts do you think you have that your group hasn't noticed in you yet?
What gifts have others observed in you that you have never thought of as gifts? [2]
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11
According to Peter, what is the purpose of Spiritual Gifts?
How might your own Spiritual Gifts, skills, abilities, etc. be used to love, serve others and give glory to God?
Do you have any stories about how God has given you a gift to serve his people? Share them now to glorify God!
Spend some time praying...
Thank God for the gifts He has given you.
Ask God for more good gifts.
Ask God to show you how to use His gifts to love, serve others and give glory to God.
[1] A number of Spiritual Gift websites include a list like this, with slight variations, for example:
https://trinityemc.com/spiritual-gifts (Wagner-Modified Houts)
https://www.waverleyabbeyresources.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf_resources/Basicgift.pdf (Waveryley Abbey)
[2] There are a number of Spiritual gift surveys that you can do online, which might help to uncover more about your gifts. The links in [1] all have gift surveys as well as a list of gifts, and the SHAPE course from Saddleback is good too, surveying Spiritual Gifts alongside Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences: