Embracing Spiritual Gifts for Unity and Purpose

Summary

Today, we explored the gifts of the Spirit—those supernatural abilities given by God to every believer for the good of the church and the world. While the fruit of the Spirit is about the Christlike character God is forming in all of us, the gifts of the Spirit are unique empowerments given to each person for a specific purpose. These gifts are not about personal achievement or natural talent; they are the Spirit’s way of equipping us to fulfill a calling that is bigger than we could ever accomplish on our own. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift, and none of us are left out or forgotten. God’s plan is so grand and so important that it requires supernatural resources, and He has chosen to partner with us in this work.

It’s common to feel either fearful or feisty about the gifts of the Spirit. Some are wary of the supernatural, perhaps because of unfamiliarity or past experiences, while others become argumentative, dividing over theological positions. But God’s gifts are good, perfect, and meant for our flourishing. We are called not to ignore or fight over them, but to receive them with gratitude and use them in love. Our unity as a church is not found in uniformity of gifts or opinions, but in our shared dependence on the Spirit and our commitment to love one another above all else.

The purpose of spiritual gifts is clear: they are given so we can help each other and work together to continue the mission of Jesus—announcing and bringing God’s kingdom and inviting others into it. Our diversity of gifts is not a problem to solve, but a design to celebrate. Like puzzle pieces, each of us brings something essential to the picture of Christ’s body. The church only moves forward when every member finds their place and uses their gifts in cooperation with others. Whether your gift is teaching, mercy, administration, or something else, there is a place for you, and the body of Christ needs you.

We don’t need to be afraid of the supernatural or divided by our differences. Instead, we are invited to discover, stir up, and use our gifts for the common good, trusting that God will empower us to do what only He can do through us. As we do, we become a living picture of Jesus to the world, united in love and purpose.

Key Takeaways

- Spiritual Gifts Are for Everyone, and None Are Forgotten
Every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift by God, and these gifts are not limited to a select few or to those with certain backgrounds. Even if you feel overlooked or unqualified, God has intentionally equipped you for a unique role in His kingdom. The gifts are not about personal worthiness but about God’s gracious choice to include each of us in His redemptive work. [36:05]

- Understanding Overcomes Fear of the Supernatural
Fear often arises from misunderstanding or unfamiliarity, especially regarding the supernatural aspects of faith. When we take time to learn and experience the gifts of the Spirit, we discover that they are not threats but blessings—good and perfect gifts from our loving Father. Embracing the Spirit’s work requires us to move beyond fear and trust that God’s supernatural presence is for our good and His glory. [42:13]

- Unity in Diversity: The Body Needs Every Gift
The church is designed to be a diverse body, where each person’s unique gifts are essential to the whole. Our differences are not obstacles but the very means by which God brings unity and effectiveness to His people. Like puzzle pieces, we fit together to form the image of Christ, and the mission of the church advances only when every member finds and fills their role. [01:03:56]

- Love and Humility Above Theological Disputes
While debates about the nature and continuation of spiritual gifts can be passionate, love and unity must take precedence over technical correctness on non-essential beliefs. Our identity as followers of Jesus is not marked by perfect agreement but by the way we love one another, even in our differences. The kingdom of God is big enough for a variety of perspectives, and our shared future is secure in Christ, not in our doctrinal precision. [48:52]

- Gifts Are Empowered by the Spirit, Not Human Effort
Spiritual gifts are not the result of natural talent or hard work, but the direct empowerment of the Holy Spirit. While we can develop and exercise our gifts, their true effectiveness comes from God’s supernatural power working through us. To fulfill a supernatural calling, we must rely on supernatural resources, trusting the Spirit to do what we cannot do on our own. [56:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:10] - Review: Fruit of the Spirit vs. Gifts of the Spirit
[04:30] - Overview of Spiritual Gifts in the New Testament
[07:00] - Common Attitudes: Fear and Feistiness
[10:00] - The Potato Story: Understanding Overcomes Fear
[13:00] - Embracing the Gifts Without Fear
[15:00] - Avoiding Arguments: Love Over Technical Correctness
[18:00] - The Body of Christ: Unity in Diversity
[22:00] - Puzzle Piece Analogy: Every Gift Matters
[25:00] - The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
[28:00] - The Spirit-Empowered, Not Self-Empowered
[31:00] - The Gift of Healing and Its Mystery
[34:00] - Encouragement to Discover and Use Your Gifts
[36:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[38:00] - Announcements and New Member Welcome

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Gifts of the Spirit

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### Bible Reading

- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12-27
(Different kinds of gifts, same Spirit; the body of Christ analogy)
- Romans 12:4-8
(Different gifts, one body, use your gifts)
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
(Use your gifts to serve others as faithful stewards)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Corinthians 12, who gives spiritual gifts, and for what purpose are they given?
2. In Romans 12, what are some of the specific gifts Paul mentions, and how does he describe the way we should use them?
3. The sermon used the analogy of puzzle pieces to describe the church. What does this analogy teach us about the importance of each person’s role? [[01:01:23]]
4. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, what is the attitude we are supposed to have as we use our gifts?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said, “Every believer has at least one spiritual gift, and none of us are left out or forgotten.” Why do you think God designed it this way? How does this challenge the way we sometimes see ourselves or others in the church? [[36:05]]
2. The pastor shared a story about his granddaughter being afraid of a potato because she misunderstood what it was. How does this relate to the way people sometimes react to the gifts of the Spirit? [[40:51]]
3. The sermon emphasized that unity in the church comes not from everyone having the same gifts, but from our shared dependence on the Spirit and our commitment to love. How does this perspective help us handle disagreements about spiritual gifts? [[48:52]]
4. The pastor said, “Spiritual gifts are not the result of natural talent or hard work, but the direct empowerment of the Holy Spirit.” What difference does this make in how we approach serving in the church? [[56:40]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Even if you feel overlooked or unqualified, God has intentionally equipped you for a unique role in His kingdom.” Do you ever feel like you don’t have much to offer? What might be one way to start discovering or using your spiritual gift? [[36:05]]
2. The pastor encouraged us not to be afraid of the supernatural, but to learn and experience the gifts of the Spirit. Is there a particular gift or aspect of the Spirit’s work that makes you nervous or uncomfortable? What would it look like to take a step toward understanding it better? [[42:13]]
3. The sermon talked about how some people get “feisty” and want to argue about spiritual gifts, while others avoid the topic out of fear. Which tendency do you relate to more, and why? How can you move toward a healthier, more loving approach? [[45:12]]
4. Think about the “puzzle piece” analogy. What is one unique strength, passion, or experience you bring to the church? How could you use it to help others or serve the mission of Jesus? [[01:01:23]]
5. The pastor said, “The church only moves forward when every member finds their place and uses their gifts in cooperation with others.” Is there a way you could take a new step to serve, join a team, or encourage someone else to use their gift? [[01:03:56]]
6. The sermon reminded us that love and unity are more important than being “technically correct” about non-essential beliefs. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to choose love over being right? What would that look like this week? [[48:52]]
7. The pastor challenged us to “stir up” and “fan into flame” the gifts God has given us. What is one practical thing you can do this month to develop or use your spiritual gift more intentionally? [[36:05]]

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Devotional

Day 1: The Gifts of the Spirit Are Given for the Common Good
God has given every believer at least one spiritual gift, not for personal glory or self-advancement, but so that we can help each other and work together toward our shared calling as the body of Christ. These gifts are meant to build up the church, to bring healing, encouragement, and strength to others, and to enable us to carry on the work of Jesus in the world. When we use our gifts in service to others, we participate in God’s plan to announce and bring his kingdom, and to invite people into it. [58:06]

1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally use your gifts this week to help someone else in your church or community?


Day 2: Unity Through Diversity in the Body of Christ
The church is like a puzzle made up of many unique pieces—each person brings different gifts, experiences, and passions, and all are necessary to form the complete picture of Jesus to the world. Our differences are not obstacles to unity, but the very means by which God brings us together, making us dependent on one another and creating a beautiful, functioning body that can move forward only when every part is engaged. You are needed, and your unique contribution is essential to the mission of the church. [01:03:56]

1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Reflection: In what ways do you see your unique gifts and experiences fitting into the larger “puzzle” of your church community?


Day 3: Love and Unity Over Arguments About Spiritual Gifts
While Christians may hold different views about the nature and operation of spiritual gifts, Jesus made it clear that the world will know we are his disciples by our love for one another—not by our perfect agreement on non-essential doctrines. We are called to value love and unity above technical correctness, refusing to let disagreements about spiritual gifts divide us, and instead choosing to serve, worship, and grow together as one family in Christ. [48:52]

John 13:35 (ESV)
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Reflection: Is there someone in your church with whom you disagree about spiritual gifts or other non-essential beliefs? How can you show them Christlike love and unity this week?


Day 4: Do Not Be Afraid of the Gifts of the Spirit
Sometimes we fear the gifts of the Spirit simply because we don’t understand them, or because they seem strange or unfamiliar. But God’s gifts are good and perfect, given by a loving Father for our flourishing and for the building up of his kingdom. Rather than avoiding or ignoring the supernatural work of the Spirit, we are invited to trust God, seek understanding, and receive his gifts with open hands, knowing that they are meant for our good and his glory. [42:13]

James 1:17 (ESV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Reflection: What is one fear or hesitation you have about the gifts of the Spirit? Can you bring that to God in prayer and ask him for understanding and peace?


Day 5: Stir Up and Use the Gifts God Has Given You
God has not forgotten to give you a gift—every believer is entrusted with something supernatural to contribute to the body of Christ. We are called not to neglect these gifts, but to stir them up, fan them into flame, and put them to work for the sake of God’s kingdom. As you discover and use your gifts, you will find supernatural purpose, power, and peace, and you will help the church move forward in its mission to continue the work of Jesus. [01:10:56]

2 Timothy 1:6 (ESV)
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to discover, develop, or use your spiritual gift in service to others?

Quotes

If you're going to figure out how to experience and maximize these gifts, we first need to understand their purpose. Why does God give us these spiritual gifts in the first place, right? Start with why. 1 Corinthians 12, 7, Paul tells us. It says, a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other, right? [00:59:03] (23 seconds)  #BodyOfChristInAction Edit Clip

The gifts are meant to bring unity in diversity. The gifts are meant to bring unity in diversity, not unity instead of diversity. Because that's good, but this is more than that. The unity actually comes through our diversity. And what brings us together is our need for each other. Because you have gifts that the kingdom needs that I don't have. And I have gifts that the kingdom needs that you don't have. So for the common good, right? We need each other. Our diversity is what brings the unity. [01:00:42] (43 seconds)  #TogetherBySpiritPower Edit Clip

God's plan is, his intention is that our differences and our diverse gifts create a need for each other. And this is designed to pull us together, to create this beautiful picture. And it's a picture of Jesus. It's the body of Christ. [01:02:03] (18 seconds)  #YourPlaceInTheBody Edit Clip

All together we make up the body of Christ all together we form this temple for his Holy Spirit to live in all of these pieces are important because they all have a different role because they all have different gifts so all of these pieces need each other if we're gonna do what we're called to do their unity is in their diversity because all are necessary to complete the puzzle and create the body of Jesus and that body doesn't move forward unless all the body parts are finding their gifts and doing their part and working together [01:04:01] (42 seconds)  #GiftsAliveToday Edit Clip

I don't see anywhere in the Bible that says these gifts are gone. It might be different than it was 2 ,000 years ago, but God can give his kids whatever supernatural gifts he wants to, and we are the New Testament church, right? We are the New Testament church, so I think we should do what those New Testament passages instruct that we read at the beginning. We should figure out our gifts, and we shouldn't neglect those gifts. We should stir them up, yeah? We should fan the flames of those gifts into a fire, and we should use those gifts as we find our roles in the body of Christ so that together as his body we can supernaturally continue his work to announce his kingdom, to bring his kingdom here, and to invite other people to be part of it. [01:09:18] (55 seconds) Edit Clip

``May you find supernatural purpose and power and peace as you fully experience the gift of God's spirit inside of you. Supernaturally empowering you to love and help others and continue the work of Jesus. Amen. [01:12:58] (20 seconds) Edit Clip