SPIRITUAL GIFTS 10 SESSION GROUP STUDY 1 2 3 4 5 Intro to Spiritual Gifts Administration, Craftsmanship, Creative Communication Encouragement, Faith, Giving Helps, Hospitality, Intercession Leadership, Mercy, Apostleship 6 7 8 9 10 Prophecy, Evangelism, Shepherding Teaching, Discernment, Word of Knowledge Healing, Miracles Tongues, Interpretation Final Thoughts
i SPIRITUAL GIFTS LEADERS GUIDE A word from the team Leaders please note: This term s study is quite content heavy. It is designed as a guide for discussion and it isn t expected that you cover all content from start to finish, but rather have a robust discussion with biblical references about: What each gift is Why its significant Where it can be outworked for the Glory of God Focus on these three questions or each session and use the material as a reference/extra questions. Please click on the above video (if using digital PDF) to see our welcome message or type the following URL into your web browser: https://youtu.be/ma82kzopii8 A PDF version of this booklet resource is available for a limited time as a digital download from http://www.nlcitychurch.com/groups.html#study-download The PDF may suit leaders who prefer to use digital devices like ipads. Hyper links to digital media such as videos and chapter bookmarks are embedded in the PDF making them easier to access. Acknowledgments: We wish to acknowledge and honour the amazing work that Bruce Bugbee and his associates have put together in the Network series. Each group will be equipped with one guide for reference, but it is recommended you bring a notebook to write down things that are pertinent to you and your gifting. Network Participant s Guide: The Right People, in the Right Places, for the Right Reasons, at the Right Time Authors: Wendy Seidman, Don Cousins, Bill Hybels, Bruce L. Bugbee, Wendy Seidman Publisher: Zondervan ISBN: 9780310257950 2
1 INTRO TO SPIRITUAL GIFTS WHO FROM, WHO TO, WHO BY AND WHO FOR Connect Build Relationships/Connect Read 1 Corinthians 12 30 mins 30-45 mins What is a Spiritual Gift (ie. What is the definition of spiritual gifts)? Introduction 5 mins So this week kicks off our first week in our study of the Spiritual Gifts! Tonight, we re going to look at what the spiritual gifts are, what they re not, and why they are given. After the study is finished, everyone will get two surveys to complete one is a self assessment, and the other is to give to your leader/ mentor or someone who knows you better than you know yourself. Then we re going to get you to add up your responses to see where your primary gifting lies ( either tonight if time permits, or at home). In the following weeks, we re going to explore each of the gifts as they are brilliantly outlined in the Network resource, and finally we will look at the opportunities that exist for each person to use their spiritual gifts in the life of the church and in their everyday life. Pray to begin: That God would guide each person as they seek to understand the unique gifting that He has placed on their life. Where do they come from? Who are they for? What are they for? Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit and distributed to every believer according to God s design and grace for the common good of the body of Christ Spiritual gifts are ABILITIES FROM the Holy Spirit TO EVERY believer in Christ BY God s design FOR the good of the body of Christ. NETWORK RESOURCE That each person would be blessed, encouraged and motivated as we study this term. 3
What are some examples of Spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12? Are there any others you can think of that are mentioned elsewhere in the Bible? What are spiritual gifts NOT? (Discuss each of these ideas and what Spiritual gifts are by comparison.) ANSWER NOT Natural talents (although natural talents can be transformed into spiritual gift i.e. management/ leadership, singing/worship gifting) NOT Fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5 ( those are attitudes, spiritual gifts are abilities). NOT Church positions (although gifting can lead to position) NOT Christian disciplines (like fasting, tithing etc though these are also important disciplines!) NOT earned, they are given by the Holy Spirit Unify concepts and application < 5 mins Intercession and Prayer 10 mins Time Spiritual gifts are ABILITIES FROM the Holy Spirit TO EVERY believer in Christ BY God s design FOR the good of the body of Christ. Let s understand them so that we can use them, and work together with others to bring glory to God. Pray for clarity, understanding and motivation as we study this series, that each person would be empowered to value and use the gifts God has given them for his purposes and to encourage one another. Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) If time permits give each person a survey to fill in at the end of the study. NOT for us, they are for God and others NOT for the shelf, but for USE (see 1 Peter 4:10) NOT the same for everyone (feel free to add others to this list!) If not give it as homework for next week to fill in and add up your spiritual gifts. Also encourage your group members to give one of their surveys to a mentor for an observational assessment of spiritual gifts. Challenge and Reflection 15 mins (If applicable in your group) Are you in a relationship with God? Do you want to enter into relationship with God so that he could equip you to glorify him and build up others? Are you aware of your spiritual gifting? Are you using your spiritual gifting? Could you become more aware of where and to what God has gifted and called you to? 4
2 ADMINISTRATION, CRAFTSMANSHIP, CREATIVE COMMUNICATION Connect Build Relationships/Connect ADMINISTRATION (10-15MINS) 30 mins Introduction 5 mins For most of the rest of the term we re going to look at each of the spiritual gifts what they are, what they do, and what those who have the gift need to be mindful of as members of the body of Christ so that we can best serve one another. 30-45 mins Literal meaning: to pilot or steer a ship Description: The gift of administration is the divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function, and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry. Develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals Pray to begin. Leaders Note: If you have a shortened term, you may wish to look into only those which have been identified as giftings in your group members. Feel free to be creative in how you present this material so as to keep your group members engaged you might like for someone who identifies with this gift to read the blurb. Assist ministries to become more effective and efficient Create order out of organizational chaos Manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task Organize people, tasks or events. Thorough Objective Responsible Organized Goal oriented Efficient Conscientious 5
Need to be open to adjusting their plans, so they don t stifle a leader s vision Could use people simply to accomplish goals without being concerned for their growth in the process Could fail to see God s purposes being fulfilled in the process of meeting a goal. Acts 6:1-7 Exodus 18:13-26 CRAFTSMANSHIP (10-15MINS) Literal meaning: To craft, design, build Description: The gift of craftsmanship is the divine enablement to creatively design and /or construct items to be used for ministry. Work with wood, cloth, paints, metal, glass and other raw materials Make things that increase the effectiveness of others ministries Is the gift of administration the first spiritual gift you thought of? Why/why not? Why do you think the gift of administration is so vital in the life of the church? Where would Moses have been without problem solvers working under his guidance? What do you think is the greatest challenge for someone with an administrative gift? Enjoy serving with their hands to meet tangible needs Design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use Work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands. Creative Designer Handy Resourceful Practical Behind the scenes Helpful Could fail to see that their gift is significant and one that makes a spiritual contribution to the body. Could use people to get things done instead of helping them grow in the process Should remember that the things they produce are just a means to the end and not the end itself. 6
CREATIVE COMMUNICATION (10-15 MINS) Exodus 31:3 Bezalel of Judah was filled with the Holy Spirit to create items for the tabernacle where God would dwell with the Israelites. (including making the ark of the covenant where God s powerful presence dwelt). In 2 Kings 22 we also see that craftsmen were needed to rebuild the Temple. Acts 9:31-35 Literal meaning: To communicate artistically Description: The gift of creative communication is the divine enablement to communicate God s truth through a variety of art forms. Use the arts to communicate God s truth Develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, music etc. Tabitha s gift of making clothes leads to many witnessing a healing miracle and coming to faith in Christ. Use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ s message Challenge people s perspective of God through various forms of the arts Do you often think of craftsmanship as a non spiritual talent or skill? What do you read in the Scriptures that makes you understand the need for those with the spiritual gift of craftsmanship? What do they offer the church and the world? (BEAUTY!) Demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord s ministry Expressive Imaginative Idea-oriented Artistic Creative Unconventional Sensitive 7
Need to remember that art is not for art s sake, but to glorify God and edify others. Could find evaluation and constructive criticism difficult to accept Challenge and Reflection 15 mins Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Might be uncooperative (because of ego, pride or individualism) and need to work at being a team player. Unify concepts and application Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? Psalm 150:3-5 2 Samuel 6:14-15 < 5 mins Intercession and Prayer Do you think creative communication often finds itself under scrutiny? If its good, is it accused of being art for arts sake, or if it is not great, asserted that it is only about glorifying God, even if it is woeful. Where do you think is the balance of this spiritual gift? Can it be artistically sound and also glorifying to God? Discuss. 5-10 mins Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) 8
3 ENCOURAGEMENT, FAITH, GIVING Connect 30 mins Build Relationships/Connect Positive Motivating Introduction Introduce tonight s three gifts. Pray to begin. Challenging 5 mins Affirming Reassuring ENCOURAGEMENT Supportive 30-45 mins Literal Meaning: To come alongside of Description: The gift of encouragement is the divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort, or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith. Come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them Trustworthy Can sometimes be overly optimistic, too simplistic, or flattering Should first take time to understand where others are and what they really need. May want to say just positive things and avoid being confrontational when it is needed. Challenge, comfort, or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God. Urge others to action by applying biblical truth. Empathize with God s promises in mind and have confidence in His will Acts 11:22-24 15:30-32 9
FAITH Literal meaning: To trust, have confidence, believe Description: The gift of faith is the divine enablement to act on God s promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God s ability to fulfil his purpose. Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same Act in complete confidence of God s ability to overcome obstacles Need to act on their faith Should remember that those who speak with reason and desire to plan do not necessarily lack faith Should listen to and consider the counsel of wise and spirit filled believers. Romans 4:18-21 Demonstrate an attitude of trust in God s will and his promises. Advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not. Ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provision Prayerful Optimistic Trusting Assured Positive Inspiring Hopeful Why do you think faith in God is not only a requirement of our salvation, but also a spiritual gift for which some have a special endowment? 10
GIVING Literal Meaning: To give part of, share Description: The gift of giving is the divine enablement to dcontribute money and resouces to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality. People with this gift do not ask, How much money do I need to give to God?, but How much money do I need to live on? Need to esteem their gift, remembering that giving money and resources is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ. Need to remember the church s agenda is determined by leaders, not by the giver s gift Need to guard against greed. Manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of their resource as possible Reference: Romans 12:8 Support the work of ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the kingdom Meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur. Why do you think that money is not often considered a spiritual contribution? Why is the spiritual gift of giving essential in the church today? Provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God for his provision. May have a special ability to make money so they may use it to further God s work. Challenge and Reflection 15 mins Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Stewardship-oriented Responsible Resourceful Unify concepts and application Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? Charitable Trusts in God Disciplined < 5 mins Intercession and Prayer Pray to finish. 10 mins Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) 11
4 HELPS, HOSPITALITY, INTERCESSION Connect 30 mins Build Relationships/Connect Available Willing Introduction Introduce tonight s three gifts. Pray to begin. Helpful Reliable 5 mins Loyal Dependable HELPS Whatever-it-takes attitude 30-45 mins Literal Meaning: To take the place of someone Description: The gift of Helps is the divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free up, support and meet the needs of others. Serve behind the scenes wherever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others. Need to esteem their gift, remembering that doing practical deeds is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ. Find it difficult to say no. Need to be responsive to the priorities of leadership instead of setting their own agendas. Seek the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them Acts 6:1-4, 1 Corinthians 12:28 Sense God s purpose and pleasure in meeting everyday responsibilities. Attach spiritual value to practical service Enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do. Why do you think helps is often seen as a pragmatic (practical, non spiritual) task rather than a spiritual gift? What did the helps ministry in acts accomplish? Can you recall a time in your life when someone with a helps gift has impacted you spiritually? 12
HOSPITALITY Literal Meaning: To love strangers Description: The gift of hospitality is the divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food and shelter. Provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for Meet new people and help them to feel welcomed Hebrews 13:1-2 (AMP), 1 Peter 4:9-10 Why is hospitality a vital gift in the church today? What other ministries rely on hospitality in order to be effective? Why do you think God calls those with hospitality gifting to extend it not only to those they know, but also to strangers esp strangers within the body of Christ? Create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop Seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships Set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings Friendly Gracious Inviting INTERCESSION Literal Meaning: To plead on behalf of someone, intercede Description: The gift of intercession is the divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific needs. Feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause Trusting Caring Responsible Warm Have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged and pray Are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer Pray in response to the leading of the Spirit, whether they understand it or not. Should avoid viewing their gift as just entertaining Need to remember to as God who he wants them to befriend and serve. Exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping of them to serve. Should be careful not to cause stress in their own family when inviting others into their home. 13
Advocate Caring Sincere Challenge and Reflection 10 mins Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Peacemaker Trustworthy Burden Bearer Unify concepts and application Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? Spiritually sensitive < 5 mins Should avoid feeling that their gift is not valued, by remembering that interceding for others is their ministry and spiritual contribution to the body of Christ. Intercession and Prayer 10 mins Pray to finish. Should avoid using prayer as an escape from fulfilling responsibilities Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) Need to avoid a holier-than-thou attitude sometimes caused by extended times of prayer and spiritual intimacy with God. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Do you know someone with the gift of intercession? What do you see as their greatest quality? What does Paul tell Timothy that intercession brings? (see v.2,4) What do intercessors need to be free of in order to be effective? (v.8) 14
5 LEADERSHIP, MERCY, APOSTLESHIP Connect 30 mins Build Relationships/Connect Influential Diligent Introduction Introduce tonight s three gifts. Pray to begin. Visionary 5 mins Trustworthy Persuasive LEADERSHIP Motivating 30-45 mins Literal Meaning: To stand before Description: The gift of leadership is the divine enablement to cast vision, motivate and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God. Goal setting Should realize their relationship credibility takes time and is critical for leadership effectiveness. Provide direction for God s people or ministry Motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities Present the big picture for others to see Model the values of the ministry Take responsibility and establish goals. Should remember that servant leadership is the biblical model, the greatest being the servant of all Do not need to be in a leadership position to use this gift. Romans 12:8 Why does leadership require diligence? Luke 22:25-26 What does Jesus teach about the qualities of leadership? How do servant leaders cast vision effectively? 15
MERCY Literal Meaning: To have compassion Description: The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or in need, having compassion that is moved to action. Empathetic Caring Luke 10:25-37 What does Jesus teach here about Mercy and to whom it should be extended? Why do you think its important that those with a mercy gifting are aware of the difference between giving a hand up vs. rescuing someone from all negative feeling? Discuss. Responsive Kind Compassionate What has the spiritual gift of mercy given to the church over the years? How is that changing and how do you think that affects the view of the church by the world? Sensitive Burden bearing Empathetic Caring Responsive Kind Compassionate APOSTLESHIP Literal Meaning: To be sent with a message. Description: The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures. Pioneer and establish new ministries or churches Adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware Sensitive Burden bearing Need to be aware that rescuing people from their pain may be hindering God s work in them Need to guard against feeling unappreciated since some of the people helped will not show or express any appreciation Desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries. Have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches Demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church. Should guard against becoming defensive and angry about the sources of others pain. 16
Adventurous Entrepreneurial Persevering Challenge and Reflection 15 mins Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Adaptable Culturally sensitive Risk taking Unify concepts and application Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? Cause driven < 5 mins Should be aware that misusing their authority can quench the Spirit in others Intercession and Prayer Pray to finish. Need to be affirmed and sent by the church. 10 mins Can be demanding and pessimistic. Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) Ephesians 4:11-15 What is the primary outworking of an apostles life? (pioneering new things for Christ and equipping believers). Why do you think those with an apostolic gift need to be cautious that they don t misuse their authority and discourage the Holy Spirit s work in others? 17
6 PROPHECY, EVANGELISM, SHEPHERDING Connect 30 mins Build Relationships/Connect Discerning Compelling Introduction Introduce tonight s three gifts. Pray to begin. Uncompromising 5 mins Outspoken Authoritative PROPHECY Convicting 30-45 mins Literal meaning: To speak before Description: The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications. Confronting Need to be aware that listeners may reject the message if it s not spoken in love and for their edification Expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation Speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification Need to avoid pride, which can create a demanding or discouraging spirit that hinders the gift Should remember that discernment and scripture must support and agree with each prophecy. See truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond Warn of God s immediate or future judgement if there is no repentance Understand God s heart and mind through experiences he takes them through. 18
2 Peter 1:16-21 1 Corinthians 13:2 Sincere / Serious Candid Respected Can you think of someone with a prophetic gifting in the Old Testament? Were they always bringers of good news? Influential Spiritual Confident How do you think those with a prophetic gifting are able to exercise it in the church whilst remaining loving and edifying? Why do you think the prophetic gifting is important in terms of a church s direction? EVANGELISM Literal meaning: To bring good news Description: The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship. Commitment oriented Need to remember the Holy Spirit, not guilt, is the motivator in a person s decision for Christ Should avoid becoming critical of others by remembering that we are all witnesses but we are not all evangelists. Need to listen to people carefully, because the same approach is not appropriate for everyone. Acts 8:26-40 Communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction Seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters Challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual s needs What was it about Philip s conversation with the Ethiopian eunuch that caused him to come to an understanding of his need for Jesus? (hints: He met the Ethiopian where he was at and answered his particular doubts with a simple explanation of the gospel and a call to respond) Seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers. 19
SHEPHERDING Literal Meaning: To shepherd a flock Description: The gift of shepherding is the divine enablement to nurture, care for and guide people toward ongoing spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ. Should remember that God judges those who neglect or abuse their oversight responsibility Need to be aware that the desire to feed and support others can make it difficult to say no Should realise that some of those being nurtured will grow beyond the shepherd s own ability and need to be freed to do so. Take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God Provide guidance and oversight to a group of God s people 1 Peter 5:1-5 How is a shepherd gifting different to a teaching gift? Model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ Establish trust, loyalty and confidence through longterm relationships. Lead and protect those within their span of care. Influencing Nurturing Challenge and Reflection 15 mins Why does God call elders in the church to be shepherds and those younger people to seek their counsel? Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Guiding Discipling Unify concepts and application Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? Protective Supportive < 5 mins Relational Intercession and Prayer Pray to finish 10 mins Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) 20
7 TEACHING, DISCERNMENT, WORD OF KNOWLEDGE Connect Build Relationships/Connect Teachable 30 mins Authoritative Practical Introduction Introduce tonight s three gifts. Pray to begin. Analytical 5 mins 30-45 mins TEACHING Literal Meaning: To instruct Description: The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God, causing greater Christlikeness in the lives of listeners. Disciplined Perceptive Articulate Should avoid pride that may result from their superior biblical knowledge and understanding Could become too detailed when teaching and fail to make life application Should remember that their spirituality is not measured by how much they know. Acts 18:24-28, 2 Timothy 2:2 Teachable Authoritative Practical Why is it important that those who teach have a passion to present the whole counsel of God and give attention to detail and accuracy? Analytical Articulate How does the presence of this spiritual gift ( or the lack of it) affect the direction and priorities of the church? Disciplined Why do you think it s important that teachers are teachable also? Perceptive 21
DISCERNMENT Literal meaning: To separate or make a distinction, differentiate. Description: The gift of discernment (of spirits) is the divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error. It is able to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong. May struggle with how to express their perceptions, feelings or insights Could be harsh when confronting others, instead of speaking the truth in love. Need to confirm their actions before speaking. Distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure. Identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness 1 John 4:1, Philippians 1:9-10 Why is it necessary that those with the spiritual gift of discernment aren t written off as Negative Nellies? Determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic. Recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message, or interpretation What do people with the spiritual gift of discernment need to be aware of in terms of the way that they communicate? Able to sense the presence of evil. Perceptive Insightful Sensitive Intuitive Decisive Challenging Truthful 22
WORD OF KNOWLEDGE References Literal meaning: To know Description: The gift of the word of knowledge is the divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation or biblical insight. 1 Corinthians 12:8 What do you think those with this spiritual gift contribute to the body of Christ? Who do they rely on? Who relies on them? Receive truth which enables them to better serve the body When you look at the distinctives of this gift, do any of them stand out to you as something you didn t necessarily see as a word of knowledge gift? Discuss. Search the Scriptures for insight, understanding and truth Have an unusual insight or understanding that serves the church Organize information for teaching and practical use Gain knowledge which was not attained by natural observation or means. Inquisitive Challenge and Reflection 15 mins Unify concepts and application Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? Responsive < 5 mins Observant Insightful Reflective Truthful Intercession and Prayer 10 mins Pray to finish. Spiritually sensitive Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) Cautions Need to be careful of this gift leading to pride ( knowledge puffs up) Should remember that it s God s message, not theirs, when they give a word of knowledge to the church. Need to remember with the increasing of knowing comes the increasing of pain (Ecclesiastes 1:18) 23
8 HEALING, MIRACLES Connect 30 mins Build Relationships/Connect Demonstrate the power of God Bring restoration to the sick and disease Introduction Introduce tonight s three gifts. Pray to begin. Authenticate a message from God through healing 5 mins Use healing as an opportunity to communicate a biblical truth and to see God glorified. 30-45 mins HEALING Literal Meaning: To restore instantaneously Description: The gift of healing(s) is the divine enablement to be God s means for restoring people to wholeness. NOTE: The Greek word is actually plural healings, which indicate that different kinds of healings are possible with this gift. Ie emotional, relational, spiritual, physical etc.) Pray, touch or speak words that miraculously bring healing to one s body. Traits Compassionate Trust in God Prayerful Full of faith Humble Responsive Obedient 24
Need to remember that it is not always their faith or the faith of the sick that determines a healing, but God who determines it Need to realize that God does not promise to heal everyone who asks or is prayed for Should remember that Jesus did not heal everyone who was sick or suffering while he was on the earth. MIRACLES Literal Meaning: To do powerful deeds. Description: The gift of miracles is the divine enablement to authenticate the ministry and message of God through supernatural interventions which glorify Him. Reference: Acts 3:1-16 Who healed the lame beggar at the temple gate? Did the disciples or did Jesus? Discuss. Did the healing of the lame man rely upon his faith? What about the faith of the disciples? Discuss What were the results of the healing that took place? What effect did it have? Speak God s truth and have it authenticated by an accompanying miracle. Express confidence in God s faithfulness and ability to manifest His presence. Bring the ministry and message of Jesus Christ with power. Claim God to be the source of the miracle and glorify Him. Represent Christ and through the miracle, point people to a relationship with Christ. Traits Bold Venturesome Authoritative God-fearing Convincing Prayerful Responsive 25
Cautions Need to remember that miracles are not necessarily caused by faith Should avoid viewing this gift as a personal responsibility, remembering that God determines the location and timing of his deeds. Need to guard against the temptation to call on the Lord s presence and power for selfish purposes. Challenge and Reflection 15 mins Unify concepts and application Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? 1 Corinthians 12:10,28-29 When have you seen God work miracles in your life? Why do you think God equips people with the spiritual gift of miracles? What does the manifestation of this gift reveal about God? < 5 mins Intercession and Prayer 10 mins Time Pray to finish Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) 26
9 TONGUES, INTERPRETATION Connect 30 mins Build Relationships/Connect Traits Worshipful Prayerful Introduction Introduce tonight s three gifts. Pray to begin. Responsive 5 mins Trusting Devoted TONGUES Spontaneous 30-45 mins Literal Meaning: Tongue, language Description: The diving enablement to receive a spontaneous message from God in public worship and to speak it in an unknown language that is then made known to the church through the gift of interpretation. Express with an interpretation a word by the Spirit which edifies the church Communicate a message given by God for the church Receptive Cautions Should remain silent in the church if there is no gift of interpretation Should avoid expecting others to manifest this gift which may cause inauthenticity of the Spirit. Should remember that all the gifts, including this one, are to edify others. Speak in a language they have never learned or do not understand Worship the Lord with unknown words too deep for the mind to comprehend Experience an intimacy with God which inspires them to serve and edify others. 27
1 Corinthians 14:1-22 Is there a place to speak in tongues in personal / prayer time as well as in public worship? Discuss in light of 1 Corinthians 14:1 Traits Worshipful Responsive Devoted Responsible What is the gift of tongues for? Spiritually intimate Why is it necessary that if someone speaks in tongues from a platform /public worship that an interpreter is present? Discuss the place and importance of the spiritual gift of tongues in the early church and in the church today. Sensitive Faithful Need to remember that the message being interpreted should reflect the will of God and not man. INTERPRETATION Literal Meaning: To translate, interpret Description: The gift of interpretation is the divine enablement to make known to the body of Christ the message of one who is speaking in tongues. Respond to a message spoken in tongues by giving an interpretation Should remember that this gift is to provide edification, it s to build up the church Use it in an orderly manner in conjunction with tongues. References 1 Corinthians 14:1-19 Do you think the gift of interpretation of tongues has largely been lost in the modern church? Why/ why not? Glorify God and demonstrate his power through this miraculous manifestation Edify the body by interpreting a timely message from God Why is it so important that there are people in the church who have the spiritual gifting to be able to interpret what is being said in the Spirit and put that into terms anyone can understand? Understand an unlearned language and communicate that message to the body of Christ Are sometimes prophetic when exercising an interpretation of tongues for the church. 28
Challenge and Reflection 10 mins Why are the gifts we have studied tonight valuable to the Kingdom of God? What can you be more aware of in yourself or in someone who has these gifts? Unify concepts and application Where could the gifts we have studied tonight be outworked and what impact could they have? < 5 mins Intercession and Prayer Pray to finish. 10 mins Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) 29
10 FINAL THOUGHTS (OPTIONAL REFLECTION CAN BE USED AT END SESSION 8 IF DESIRED) Connect 30 mins Introduction 5 mins Build Relationships/Connect This session is just about reflecting on what we have learned about spiritual gifts and how we plan to outwork them. More casual. Time to pray for and encourage one another at end. Challenge and Reflection Unify concepts and application How has studying the spiritual gifts helped you to understand the giftings and tendencies of others? How will you encourage those around you to utilise their gifts for the glory of God? Allow people to share the thing that stood out to them or challenged them the most this term. No study reflection / prayer time only < 5 mins 30-45 mins Intercession and Prayer Allow a time of prayer for specific encouragement in the gifting and purpose for each person. Challenge and Reflection 15 mins Final reflection How did my identified spiritual gifts correlate with the gifts that others saw in me? If there is a disconnect, why do you think this is and what can you do about it? 10 mins Time Finish on time (90-100mins after scheduled start time) How has studying the spiritual gifts helped you to understand your place and importance in the body of Christ? What can you do to use your God given gifts most effectively? 30