The Holy Spirit

Lesson 4

Gifts of the Spirit

Part 1

Needs

cookies

milk

plates

cups

napkins

Invitations

table cloth

pencils

list of Gifts

Start with Milk & Cookie Party Illustration

2 bags chocolate chip cookies

2 1/2 gal cartons 1% milk

1 box plates

1 box cups

1 box napkins

2 invitations in 2 boxes

1 box table cloth

1 empty table setup with chairs

invitations

All gift wrapped

Pass out invitations to all but one or two people

Have everyone sit at table

Give everyone with invitation a gift (reserving gifts for those w/o invitation)

Tell them to seve the group with them

When non-invites get invite, give them a gift

Enjoy cookies and milk

Ask How is it that we are now eating cookies and milk right now?

Ask Could people have served without using what was given to them? How effective would they have been?

Say Today we begin our overview of the Gifts of the Spirit

Say Remember, the church in Corinth was a motley group. The city was an important city in world commerce; and had an idolatrous religion.

Read 1 Cor 12:1-11

vv1-3

Why is Paul writing this section of his letter?

What do we learn about the Spirit's involvement in the glorification of Jesus?

vv4-11

What is contrasted in vv4, 5, 6, 7, 11 (horizontal)

Likewise, what things are comparable between the verses (vertical)

What then, is the general contrast being made?

What does this teach about how God works through His people?

Read 1 Cor 12:12-27

vv12-14 many members, one body

What analogy does Paul make between believers and the human body?

How is it that all christians are in one body?

What does this say about you, as a child of God?

vv15-20 many members necessary to make one body

In vv1-11 we saw that though there is one God, there are many methods God uses through His children. How does Paul further develop that unity-through-diversity concept in this passage? (give specific physical analogues)

How can I compare my place in the church to that of my brother or sister?

vv21-25 those members which seem less honorable are given special honor

In our physical bodies, we know that the little toe is not as important as the foot, or brain. What does Paul say about such parts in the BODYof Christ?

Why has God given even more honor to what might to us seem to be a less appealing position?

How can I compare my place in the church to that of my brother or sister?

vv26-27 each member is affected by the operation of the entire body

How does the state of one believer affect another believer?

How do your ordeals impact the church as a whole?

What is the theme of this chapter, so far?

The start of this chapter Paul was talking about spiritual gifts. What is their purpose?

Say For this week, you have homework, which is vitally important for next week

1) Consider your own skills, talents, and desires. Write them out

2) Ask friend(s) to tell you what they think your skills and motivations are

3) Pray for guidance & wisdom

4) Bring list of skills next week