Embracing Spiritual Gifts for Church Unity and Growth

Devotional

Day 1: God Desires Us to Grow in Knowledge of Him

God does not want us to remain ignorant of His will or content with surface-level understanding; instead, He calls us to continually seek deeper knowledge and relationship with Him. When we come to Christ, we must lay aside our old ways of thinking and be open to learning from God, recognizing that true spiritual growth requires humility and a willingness to be taught. It is easy to assume we know enough because of past experiences or cultural exposure, but genuine transformation comes as we let God renew our minds and lead us into truth. The journey from a carnal mind to a spiritual mind is ongoing, and God is eager to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him. [19:56]

1 Corinthians 12:1-3 (ESV)
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: In what area of your walk with God have you been content to remain “ignorant” or passive, and how can you intentionally seek deeper understanding or growth this week?

Day 2: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us with Diverse Gifts

God gives a variety of spiritual gifts to His people, each one uniquely suited to the individual and the needs of the church. These gifts—whether wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, or helps—are all given by the same Spirit and are meant to build up the body of Christ. No one receives every gift, and no gift is more important than another; rather, God distributes them as He wills, empowering each believer to serve according to their calling. The more we open ourselves to God’s use, the more He is able to work through us, equipping us to bless others and glorify Him. [27:09]

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV)
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Reflection: What is one spiritual gift you sense God may be stirring in you, and how can you take a step to use or develop it for the benefit of others this week?

Day 3: The Power and Relevance of Spiritual Gifts Today

The gifts of the Spirit are not relics of the past but are still vital and active in the church today, empowering believers to stand strong and minister effectively in a challenging world. Jesus promised that signs would follow those who believe, including casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, and healing the sick—demonstrating that God’s power is available to every generation. To experience the fullness of God’s power, we must be willing to obey, submit to His will, and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, even when it stretches us beyond our comfort zones. The fire of God is needed now as much as ever, equipping us to live holy lives and fulfill our calling. [39:44]

Mark 16:17-18 (ESV)
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.

Reflection: Where do you need to step out in faith and obedience, trusting that God’s Spirit will empower you to do what you cannot do on your own?

Day 4: Every Member of the Body is Valuable and Needed

In the body of Christ, every person is important, regardless of their role or visibility; God has arranged each member as He pleases, and all are necessary for the health and growth of the church. It is easy to compare ourselves to others or feel insignificant if our contributions are not seen, but God values every act of service, whether public or behind the scenes. When we honor and care for one another, recognizing that we are all part of one body, we reflect God’s heart and create unity. No one should look down on another’s role, and we are called to support, pray for, and rejoice with each other in all things. [44:21]

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (ESV)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Reflection: Who is someone in your church family whose service often goes unnoticed, and how can you encourage or thank them this week for their faithfulness?

Day 5: The Gift of Helps—Serving with a Willing Heart

One of the most vital yet often overlooked spiritual gifts is the gift of helps—serving others quietly and faithfully so that God’s work can go forward. Not everyone is called to be in the spotlight, but those who support, pray, and assist behind the scenes are essential to the health and mission of the church. God honors those who serve without seeking recognition, and He often uses them to bring about great blessings. Whether it’s cleaning, praying, providing practical support, or simply being available, the gift of helps is a powerful way to show Christ’s love and advance His kingdom. [51:16]

Romans 16:1-2 (ESV)
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your time or resources this week to quietly help someone in need or support the ministry of your church?

Sermon Summary

Tonight’s focus is on the importance of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ and the necessity of moving beyond ignorance into a deeper knowledge and relationship with God. God’s desire is for every believer to grow, to learn, and to be transformed from old ways of thinking into a new, Spirit-led life. Coming to Christ is just the beginning; there is a continual need to open our hearts, surrender our will, and allow God to teach and use us. Many come from backgrounds of confusion or false beliefs, but in Christ, we are called to leave those behind and pursue true understanding.

The Holy Spirit is given to every believer, not just for personal benefit, but for the building up of the church. There are many different gifts—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation—but all come from the same Spirit. God distributes these gifts as He wills, according to our willingness and openness to be used. No one is left out; every member is vital, and every gift is necessary for the health and growth of the church. The gifts are not for self-glorification or personal gain, but for the profit of all, so that the church may be strong, unified, and effective in its mission.

It is a mistake to believe that the gifts of the Spirit are no longer needed or that they were only for the early church. The challenges we face today require the same power and presence of God. To experience the fullness of God’s power, there is a cost: obedience, submission, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. Not everyone is called to the same role, but all are called to serve. The “gift of helps” is highlighted as a crucial, often unseen ministry that supports and sustains the work of God. Every act of service, whether public or hidden, is valuable and necessary.

Unity and mutual care are essential. There should be no division or sense of superiority among believers. Each person, regardless of their role, is important and should be honored. We are called to pray for one another, support one another, and rejoice in each other’s blessings. The greatest gift, which will be explored further, is love—a love that seeks the good of others and binds the body of Christ together.

Key Takeaways

1. God Desires Our Growth and Understanding God does not want us to remain ignorant or stagnant in our faith. He calls us to continually seek knowledge of Him, to let go of old mindsets, and to embrace a life led by the Spirit. True spiritual growth requires humility and a willingness to be taught, even when it challenges our previous beliefs or comfort zones. [19:56]
2. The Holy Spirit Equips Every Believer with Unique Gifts Each believer receives gifts from the Holy Spirit, tailored to their personality, background, and willingness to serve. These gifts are not for personal status but for the benefit and building up of the entire church. The diversity of gifts reflects the diversity of the body, and God uses each one according to His purpose and our openness. [27:09]
3. The Power of God is Still Needed and Available Today Contrary to the belief that spiritual gifts were only for the early church, the same power of the Holy Spirit is necessary for us now. The challenges, temptations, and opposition we face require the fire and empowerment of God. To walk in this power, we must be obedient, surrendered, and willing to pay the price of following God’s leading, even when it stretches us. [37:38]
4. Every Role in the Body of Christ is Essential No one should consider themselves less important because their role is less visible. The “gift of helps” and other behind-the-scenes ministries are just as vital as public ones. God honors faithfulness in every capacity, and unity is maintained when we value and support each other’s contributions without comparison or pride. [45:51]
5. Love and Mutual Care are the Foundation of Spiritual Gifts The exercise of spiritual gifts must be rooted in love and a genuine concern for others. Praying for one another, supporting each other in times of need, and rejoicing in each other’s blessings are marks of a healthy, Spirit-filled community. The greatest gift is love, which binds all the others together and reflects the heart of Christ. [49:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:56] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[22:12] - God’s Will: Growing in Knowledge
[24:54] - Testimony: Transformation Through Salvation
[27:09] - Understanding Spiritual Gifts
[28:21] - The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
[30:45] - Experiencing God’s Blessings
[32:02] - Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith
[34:31] - Trusting God for Provision
[36:03] - The Power and Relevance of Spiritual Gifts Today
[39:44] - The Cost of God’s Power: Obedience and Surrender
[42:24] - Different Personalities, Same Spirit
[44:21] - The Body of Christ: Many Members, One Purpose
[45:51] - The Value of Hidden Service
[49:41] - Praying for One Another and Mutual Care
[51:16] - The Gift of Helps
[54:02] - The Greatest Gift: Love and Next Week’s Challenge
[57:12] - Announcements and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 (ESV) — Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
...
(Continue reading through verse 31 for the full context.)

Mark 16:17-18 (ESV) — And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 12, what are some of the different spiritual gifts that Paul lists?
In the sermon, what does Pastor Tucker say is the reason God gives spiritual gifts to every believer? ([28:21])
What analogy does Paul use in 1 Corinthians 12 to describe the church, and how does Pastor Tucker explain its meaning? ([44:21])
What does Mark 16:17-18 say about the signs that will follow those who believe?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that all gifts come from the same Spirit, and how does this relate to unity in the church? ([27:09])
Pastor Tucker mentions that some people believe spiritual gifts are no longer needed today. What reasons does he give for why we still need them? ([37:38])
How does the “gift of helps” challenge the idea that only public or visible roles in the church are important? ([51:16])
What does it mean for love to be the “more excellent way” that binds all the gifts together, according to the sermon and 1 Corinthians 13? ([54:02])

Application Questions

Pastor Tucker says God doesn’t want us to stay ignorant or stagnant in our faith. What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel you need to grow in understanding? What step could you take this week to pursue that growth? ([19:56])
Think about the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12. Which one do you feel God may have given you, or which one are you open to God developing in you? How can you use it to serve others in the church? ([27:09])
The sermon highlights that every role in the church is essential, including those that are unseen. Is there a “behind-the-scenes” way you could serve that you haven’t considered before? What’s holding you back from stepping into that role? ([45:51])
Pastor Tucker talks about the cost of experiencing God’s power—obedience, submission, and stepping out of comfort zones. What is one area where God might be asking you to step out in faith or obedience, even if it feels uncomfortable? ([39:44])
The sermon encourages us to pray for one another and support each other. Do you have a prayer list for people in your church? If not, would you be willing to start one this week? Who is one person you can commit to pray for daily? ([49:41])
When was the last time you rejoiced in someone else’s blessing or success in the church? Is there someone you can encourage or celebrate this week? ([47:40])
Pastor Tucker challenges the group to memorize 1 Corinthians 13, the “love chapter.” What is one practical way you can show Christ-like love to someone in your church family this week? ([54:02])

Sermon Clips

To the degree you're usable, he will use you. Now, if you don't let God use you, then God's not going to use you. And so then people say that I went to church and it didn't do anything for me. How much did you open yourself up to allowing God to use you? If you don't want to believe in God and you don't want to do anything for God, all you want to do is show up on Sunday morning, say hello to everybody, and walk out the door and still live in sin. God can't use you. But if you come to church and you surrender yourself to God and then you allow God to use you, guess what? He's going to do just that. [00:29:00] (31 seconds) #SurrenderToBeUsed

``The more you give yourself to God, the more that God can bless. This is something that has got to deal with the heart. He's showing us here that spiritual gifts help us. And the more we begin to get these spiritual gifts, we're focusing on what God wants us to do. And the more you focus on what God wants you to do, guess what? The more blessed you are. The more blessed you are. [00:30:26] (20 seconds) #BlessedBySpiritualFocus

You don't have to have all the knowledge of the world to be in a ministerial capacity or in a place where God is calling you to help other people. If God's calling you to help out somebody, to knock on the door, invite people to church, and then somewhat mentor them and bring them into the faith, you don't have to know everything. And I told the brother in so long, don't fall into that trap thing. You need to have every answer every time somebody says something. God gives you the wisdom of what to do and when to do it. And all you got to do is just trust in God. [00:32:49] (31 seconds) #TrustGodForWisdom

The more you trust him, the more God can bless you. Now, this is what we've seen many times. And for me, it was the first time I asked God for a raise and God blessed me with a raise. The more I was able to pray for my finances and raising my family because I knew he did it before. I knew he'll do it again. And then it was the time we were really struggling. And I said, God, I need a blessing. I need a blessing. And I really was praying about it. And I remember they took me into the office and they said, you know, we've been looking at your work and that you're doing. And we've decided to give you a raise. It was like $15 ,000. Now, for some people, $15 ,000 more, it may not be a whole lot. But for me back then, I was shouting right there. We were so broke. Come on now. [00:33:43] (48 seconds) #FaithBringsBlessings

To the degree you say it can't happen to the same degree, it's not going to happen. According to your faith, so be it. And so this is where he says the gift of faith. I know God can heal, so I have a gift of faith. I know God can heal. God's healed my children, so I know that I can pray for people, and God will heal them. [00:35:36] (18 seconds) #RootedInSpirit

God will empower you. God will empower you. You don't have to stay the way that you are. You don't have to stay a babe in Christ. You don't have to stay a church attendee. You don't have to be someone that barely is saved, and every day you're in a major battle because you may leave God. You can be solid. You can be rooted and grounded in God if you want to because he gives us a spirit that helps us in every single way. [00:36:34] (24 seconds) #PowerBuildsChurch

When you've got the Holy Ghost baptism, you act right, you live right, the Spirit of God is dealing with you about different things, and you go to do something that you used to do, man used to get all convicted, and all kinds of things begin to happen. We need the power of God. [00:38:30] (15 seconds) #ObedienceUnlocksPower

There are people that do things that you never know about. Does anyone know who cleans the bathroom every Sunday, taking trash out? Yes. How about who cuts the grass? Who gives me hot water every Sunday? There are people that are doing things throughout the church that are behind the scenes that nobody ever knows about. And if you say, well, they're not necessary, they're very necessary. [00:46:39] (27 seconds) #PrayForEachOther

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What are the primary spiritual gifts discussed?

How does faith influence spiritual empowerment and service?

Why is unity important in the body of Christ?