Why the church?
A Biblical Study
Study 10
Being Spiritually Gifted
If there has been one area of disagreement among Christians in the last one hundred years it has been about the issue of spiritual gifts. There has been a lot of heat but not much light!
Let’s take some time to consider the teaching of the Bible concerning this important topic. It is one doctrine that provides valuable insight into the practical functioning of each local church.
There are four passages of Scripture that discuss spiritual gifts. These are
Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4:7-16 and 1 Peter 4:10,11. Notice that there are two chapter twelves and two chapter fours.
We cannot do a detailed look at these passages but we want to glean certain key principles that will provide helpful insight into spiritual gifts.
We will begin with the most extensive teaching on the subject, 1 Corinthians 12-14.
Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14
1. First, read through 1 Corinthians 12. List three things that you noticed as you read through this passage that you did not know about spiritual gifts.
2. Now, reread the first seven verses. What does Paul say about the importance of spiritual gifts in the first verse?
3. Read through verses 4-6. List which member of the Trinity is mentioned in each verse and what that person of the Trinity does in relation to the gifts.
4. Write out verse 7. Paul gives the primary purpose for spiritual gifts in this verse. What is it?
5. List the gifts given in verses 8-10. Write out any questions you may have about these gifts?
6. How are the gifts distributed according to verse 11?
What choice does the individual Christian have concerning which gift or gifts they have? Is that fair?
7. Write out in your own words verse 12.
8. What baptism is Paul referring to in verse 13?
9. When did this baptism happen to you?
10. Write out verse 14.
11. What attitude is Paul addressing concerning spiritual gifts in verses 15-17?
12. Read verse 18. How does the teaching of this verse answer the attitude expressed in the last three verses?
13. What attitude is being addressed in verses 19-21?
14. How does Paul deal with this attitude in verses 22-27?
15. Read verses 28-31 and write out any questions you may have.
16. Why did the Holy Spirit include the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 at this point in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians?
17. Read 1 Corinthians 14:1. What key points does Paul make as he begins his teaching on value of prophecy and tongues?
18. Read verses 3-5, 14 and 26 (see also 17). What key idea is repeated in all of these verses? How does this help you understand the purpose of spiritual gifts?
19. How does this key idea relate to 1 Corinthians 12:7?
20. Read through 6-19. Summarize the main point of this passage.
21. Read verses 20-25. Which two spiritual gifts is Paul contrasting? Which does he state is more profitable for the church?
23. Read through verses 26-33. What key principle is outlined in verses 32 and 33?
24. Read verses 34-36. Why did Paul raise the issue of women speaking in the service at this point?
25. How important is this teaching for us as shown in verse 37? Explain.
26. What principle is given in verse 40?
27. How does this principle help us understand how our corporate services are to be set up?
Spiritual Gifts in Romans 12:1-7
28. Read Romans 12:1-3. Outline any principles related to the Christian life that are outlined here.
29. How do verses 4 and 5 help us remember the importance of the organic functioning of a local group of believers?
30. Read verses 6-8. List the gifts given here. How are the gifts to be exercised?
Spiritual Gifts in Ephesians 4:1-16
31. Read Ephesians 4:1-6. What does Paul stress in these verses as he begins the practical teaching of this book?
32. Read verses 7-16. Who gives the gifts according to verse 7 and 11?
33. Look up 1 Corinthians 12:11 and 18. Who gives the gifts in these verses? What do you notice when you join the answer to question 32 with the answer to question 33?
34. What gifts are listed in Ephesians 4:11?
35. Read verse 12 and 13. What are the purposes of these gifts according to these verses?
36. Read verse 14. What will happen to a local church if these spiritual gifts are not developed and exercised?
37. Read verses 15 and 16. What stands out for you in these verses on the functioning of the spiritual gifts?
Spiritual Gifts in 1 Peter 4:10,11
38. Read 1 Peter 4:10,11. What two categories of gifts are described in these verses?
39. What principle is given in verse 10?
40. What attitude is taught in verse 11?
41. What purpose is given for the spiritual gifts in verse 11?
42. Have you identified your spiritual gift(s)? What process did you use to help you know what gifts God had given to you? How are you utilizing your gifts in your local church at this point?