Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry

Transcription

1 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry This Homework Belongs To: Phone Number My Group Leader is: Group Number

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3 Lesson 1 Concerning Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 The purpose of this study is to teach you to read the Word and to have God speak to you personally. When that happens, your answers will naturally come from your heart. Therefore, do not use a commentary because it is what God has spoken to someone else's heart. Use the King James Version or the New King James Version of the Bible to find your answers. Other versions of the Bible will help you better understand what is being said, especially the Amplified Version. Paul founded the Corinthian church during his second missionary journey and ministered there a year and a half. After he left, problems developed in the church. The people then wrote him a letter asking for his help to resolve some of these problems. First Corinthians was his response. In our study this year we ll take a closer look at this personal letter. May you come to recognize in a deeper way that you are very Precious in the Eyes of God and glean from it all the wonderful blessings, instructions, and privileges we have in Christ. One specific area that Paul addressed for the Corinthian believers was their use of spiritual gifts. This week we will begin our study in Chapter 12 of First Corinthians. We'll learn about the work of the Holy Spirit concerning spiritual gifts and how these gifts are bestowed upon the body of Christ. Take a moment right now and pray that God will show you what your gift(s) are. Specifically ask Him to help you to understand these spiritual gifts and how to use them in your service for Him. Memorize This Scripture Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:1 1. The purpose of studying this portion of scripture is to identify what the gifts are and how to use them correctly. In verse 1, what does Paul say regarding the spiritual gifts? 2. What does verse 2 say regarding what the Corinthians were once controlled and carried away by? 3. The pagan religions were not only evil but were controlled by the god of this world. Paul was warning the believers that there was a difference between the spirit of the antichrist that is in the world and the Spirit of God that indwells the believer. Paul gives us guidelines in verse 3 to help us know the difference between the operation of demon spirits and the Spirit of God. What are these guidelines? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

4 4. Ponder the phrase, Jesus is my Lord. What does this mean in your life today? 5. Read verses 4 and 5. Paul is giving a contrast regarding how the gifts work in us as individual believers. He points out that even though it is the same Spirit that distributes the gifts, the gifts are diverse. The word diversity in the King James Version is translated in the Amplified as variety. Using a dictionary, define the word variety. 6. Paul calls each gift a manifestation of the Spirit. From the following verses how do we know when a spiritual gift is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit? a. 1 Corinthians 12:6-7 b. 1 Peter 4:10-11 c. 2 Corinthians 4: Read verses 8 to 10. List all the spiritual gifts that you can find. 8. Read several different translations for verse 11. Now, in your own words, express what you learn about the gifts from this verse. 9. Ponder this when you look at Calvary Chapel South Bay the word that comes to mind is diversity. It is apparent that there are diversities in cultures, ethnic groups, nationalities, educational backgrounds, financial status, marital status, and age groups. However, in Christ we are many members but one body. We are not carbon copies of one another because it is unity that God is after not uniformity. From verses 12 and 13, what do you learn about the body of Christ? 10. You are now more learned regarding the gifts of the Spirit. What specific thing have you learned about them that you could apply to your life today?

5 Lesson 2 We Are One Body 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 Division was a major problem in the Corinthian church because those believers who possessed the more spectacular gifts looked down upon the others and considered them unimportant. As believers we are one body. In other words we belong to one another and we need each other. There is no one member better than another no matter what gifts they possess. Paul s letter was a strong exhortation to remind them that every member of the body is essential to the life, health, and growth of the church. Don t begin this lesson until you have prayed. Make a commitment to the Lord that you will do all you can to guard the unity among believers. Now, open your Bible and ask God to help you love and obey His Word as you study it this week. Memorize This Scripture But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 1 Corinthians 12:18 1. In verse 14, what does Paul say about the body of Christ? 2. Read verses 15 through 20. Paul compares the operation of the gifts to a healthy human body. There is a two-fold purpose in the acceptance and proper use of the gifts. First, that the body of Christ will be built up and grow. Second, that we would reach and influence the world and save the lost. Therefore it is vital for the survival of the church that we learn to operate and function like a body that is in tip top condition. What is the problem that Paul points out that would hinder the body from being in tip top condition? 3. In verse 18 there is an awesome promise given to each of us regarding our place in the body of Christ. What is this promise and how does it speak to you today? 4. Read verses 21 to 26 and discover how you can make each part of the body feel special. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

6 5. In verse 27, Paul makes a statement to those who are born-again and Spirit-filled. He states that they have a responsibility to be part of the body of Christ in a specific way. According to the following verses how do we become productive, effective, and active members in the body of Christ? a. Romans 6: 13 b. Colossians 3:5 c. James 3:5-6, In verse 28, Paul lists more spiritual gifts, but before he does that he points out gifted people that God has given to the church. Identify these people and list the spiritual gifts that are listed in this verse. 7. What questions does Paul present in verses 29 and 30? 8. In verse 31, what is Paul asking us to covet earnestly and why? 9. Paul ends this chapter in the latter part of verse 31 by telling us the most excellent gift that every daughter of God must possess. What is this gift according to 1 Corinthians 13:8? 10. How did this lesson expand your appreciation for the other members in the body?

7 Lesson 3 Love The More Excellent Way 1 Corinthians 13:1-5 This week we will begin our study of Chapter 13. This is often referred to as the love chapter or as a psalm of love. If there is one thing that will solve the problems of the church it's love. Love - agape love - is not an option for the daughters of God. And this kind of love can never be known or experienced outside of Jesus Christ. As Paul continues to correct the problems in the Corinthian church he reminds them that love is the more excellent way. All the spiritual gifts in the world will amount to nothing if they are not exercised in love! Begin your lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to put His love in your heart and to help you rise above any differences with others and treat them as He would. Memorize This Scripture And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 1. This chapter is considered one of the most cherished in the entire Bible on the subject of love. It is often referred to as a psalm of love. Read verses 1-5. How many times is the word charity mentioned? 2. List the gifts and services that are mentioned in verses From your list which one, to you, is the most significant and why? 4. Notice the phrase, have not charity in verses 1-3. Paul is expressing a life-changing principle. Even though I have much to offer the body of Christ, if I choose not to exercise my gifts and giftings in love it can have devastating effects on my Christian service. What are these effects according to these verses? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

8 5. Read verses 4-5. List the nine qualities of love. 6. Keep in mind, that by our choice to love, it releases the power of the Holy Spirit to change us and others. So, it is important to further understand the depth and definition of each of love's characteristics and qualities. Define each of the qualities of love using other versions of the Bible. 7. To love this way not only involves a choice, but also yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit in and through our lives. God s ultimate goal is that we are conformed into the image and likeness of His Son. What tools is God using in your life to chip away the unloving areas so that you grow more and more like Him? To help you with your answer look up Romans 8: The word, charity used in this chapter is better translated love. Today the word charity loses its original meaning. When we think of the word charity we think of giving to the poor. That is not at all what is being taught in this chapter. The Greek word for love is agape which is the expression of God's love. This word is so pure that there is absolutely no evil associated with it at all. What lacks in our lives is the accurate understanding of love in its most pure sense. To grasp the greatness of this life-changing love, what do you learn from the following verses? a. John 3:16 b. Matthew 22:37 c. Matthew 5:44 d. John 13:34 9. Which quality of love do you most lack and what are you going to do to develop it in your life? 10. Through this lesson, how has God shown you the more excellent way in which you can relate to God and others?

9 Lesson 4 Love Never Fails 1 Corinthians 13:6-13 Love will never fail! It will never cease to lose its force or authority. One day the gifts will cease, but love will remain forever. Oh how Paul wanted the Corinthian believers to understand this! He wanted them to quit acting like spiritual babies and stop striving for the temporary things while neglecting the permanent. Simply put he was saying to them It s time to grow up. Because you are Precious in the Eyes of God He wants you to grow up too. It s time to set aside the foolishness of childhood and grow into mature daughters of God. Take a moment to pray before you start digging into your homework this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to grow in this area of love and become more and more like Jesus. Memorize This Scripture And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13 1. Read verses 6-7. List the six characteristics of love. 2. Remember, that by our choosing to love, the power of the Holy Spirit is released to change us and others. Define each of the characteristics of love using other versions of the Bible. 3. Read verses 6-7 again slowly. We have a tendency as human beings to take pleasure in hearing of someone s misfortune or failures. However, love, or agape, rejoices in hearing good reports about others. Why do you think it is more natural for us to take pleasure in hearing about others misfortune and/or failures? 4. Paul makes a profound statement about charity in verse 8. What does he say about charity and what does that mean to you? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

10 5. The other gifts that Paul lists in verse 8 are important, however they are limited. How are they limited? 6. Why is charity, or agape, the ultimate solution to divisions, conflicts, arguments, schisms, gossiping, negativity, criticism, judging, grudges, and coveting? 7. Read verses What is the comparison that Paul is giving us? 8. Part of the problem in the Corinthian church was their carnality. In other words, they were immature in the things of God. Paul points out the importance of not staying babes but growing into mature Christians. He illustrates this by using a child compared to a mature adult. Look up the following verses and learn how we are to mature. a. Ephesians 4:14-16 b. 1 Peter 2:1-3 c. 1 John 5:21 9. What do we know now and what will we know then according to verses 12 and 13? 10. Share one insight from this lesson that has worked in your life to change your attitudes or actions.

11 Lesson 5 Desire Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 14:1-20 In this chapter Paul compares two spiritual gifts which were being exercised in the church at Corinth. He discusses the spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy and their value to the church when used properly. These are two of the most exciting gifts because they are God-inspired speech. However, they are also the most controversial, misunderstood, and misused of all the gifts. In this lesson Paul explains the correct use of both the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy. As you prepare to do your homework this week pray that you will desire spiritual gifts. Pray also that you will be open to all that God wants to teach you through His Word. Memorize This Scripture Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 1. In verse 1, Paul states a command to follow after charity (agape). As you carefully read the verse, Paul is not offering a suggestion, but in love, firmly gives us a command so that we would properly use the gifts God has lovingly given us for the edification of the body of Christ. So, we don t want to miss the lesson that will set us free. To clarify what we are to do, list as many synonyms as you can find for the word follow. 2. This verse is packed with so much instruction that Paul also states what we are to desire. According to this verse, what is it that we are to desire? 3. We know that the Corinthians came behind in no gift, however they were misusing the gifts. They also placed a higher value on the gift of tongues than on the gift of prophecy. Paul now teaches them the correct use of these two powerful gifts. In order to understand the use of the gifts, we first must understand what they are. According to verses 3 and 4 what does it say about each of the following gifts? A. Verse 3 - Prophecy B. Verse 4 - Tongues Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

12 4. Read verse 5. Why does Paul encourage the use of prophecy over the use of tongues? 5. Paul is making a distinction between gathering together for a main service and a prayer meeting. According to verses 6 through 11, what illustrations does Paul use to build his case regarding the proper use of speaking in tongues out loud during the main services? 6. There is nothing wrong with being zealous for spiritual gifts. What is being clarified is where and how we are to use our spiritual language. What are the guiding principles for the use of all the gifts according to verse 12? 7. By observing others who are using their gifts, how are you encouraged to seek to excel for the edification of the church? 8. Verses contain additional information concerning the gift of tongues (praying in the Spirit). From the following verses, what do you learn that helps you broaden your understanding about praying in the Spirit? a. Verse 13 b. Verse c. Verse Read verses What was Paul thankful for? 10. How has this lesson helped your perception or understanding regarding the gift of tongues (praying in the Spirit)?

13 Lesson 6 All Things In Order 1 Corinthians 14:21-40 If there is one thing you can know for certain it s that God is a God of order. Therefore, the spiritual gifts must be used in such a way that all things are in order. This cannot be done unless Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives and we are yielding to the Holy Spirit. A key word in this fourteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is edification which means building up. The gifts were to be used to build up the church not to cause disorder and confusion. Unfortunately, the believers in Corinth were exercising their gifts in the church assembly without restraint so Paul stepped in to remedy this problem with some fundamental instructions. He makes it very clear in his letter that what makes us spiritual is not the use of the gifts but our obedience to the Word of God. Take a moment to pray before you begin this lesson. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you from God s Word how to use the wonderful gifts He has given us in a way that will bring honor and glory to God and edify His church. Memorize This Scripture For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. I Corinthians 14:33 1. Paul begins this portion of scripture emphasizing how important the words of our tongues are. Today, we send words through text messages and . It is amazing to see that by pressing one button words are deleted from sight. However, in God s eyes, not only are words powerful, but they cannot be deleted. What does it say about God s Word in verse 21? 2. What is the purpose of tongues and what is the purpose of prophecy according to verse 22? 3. Paul ministers in a way that doesn t accuse a particular person but brings about a truth by asking a question. He longs to change wrong behavior by using instruction. Paul does this by asking a question regarding the misuse of tongues in the main service. What would be the result if the whole church spoke in tongues? 4. Paul indicates a different result when a prophetic word or prophecy is spoken. According to verses 24 and 25, what is it? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

14 5. Now Paul begins to give the correct use of the gifts during a prayer meeting. When believers come together they are to edify and build one another up. What gifts are used according to verse 26? 6. This valuable gift of praying in the Spirit has been so misunderstood and abused that there is a fear about it that is completely unnecessary. To gain a greater understanding of this precious gift so that we can embrace it, use it, develop it and thereby benefit from it, takes further study. Look up the following verses and find out when and where we are to pray in the Spirit. a. 1 Corinthians 14:2-5 b. 1 Corinthians 14:27 c. 1 Corinthians 14:28 7. In verses 29-31, Paul now gives us instructions on how to properly use the gift of prophecy, and how to judge that it is indeed the gift of prophecy when we are in a prayer meeting. What are these instructions? 8. Often times the Holy Spirit is accused of bizarre behavior by people who say things like, The Holy Spirit made me do it! This is so wrong! It is such a misinterpretation of the gentle work of the sweet Holy Spirit. How do verses 32 and 33 correct this? Use other versions to clarify your answer. 9. In verses 36-40, how does Paul end the chapter in regards to the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy? 10. How has this lesson broadened your understanding of the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy?