Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Gifts, Love, and Community
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the profound and transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We begin by acknowledging that each of us has access to the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with unique spiritual gifts. These gifts are not just for our benefit but for the edification of the entire church community. The hymn by Charles Wesley, "O Thou Who Came Us From Above," encapsulates our desire to work, speak, and think for Jesus, urging us to guard the holy fire and stir up the gifts within us.
We then transition into a practical exercise, inviting everyone to take a spiritual gifts assessment. This exercise is not just a formality but a crucial step in discovering how the Holy Spirit has uniquely equipped each of us. As we take the test, we are reminded to trust our gut and the Spirit within us. The results of these assessments are not just for our personal edification but to guide us in how we can serve others more effectively.
As we continue, we explore the diversity of spiritual gifts and how they contribute to the body of Christ. The Corinthians had issues with pride and division based on their gifts, but Paul insists that all gifts are from the same Spirit and are meant to serve the same divine purpose. We are reminded that our gifts are not confined to the church building but are meant to be used in our daily lives to advance God's kingdom.
We then move into a time of prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to fill us anew, to empower us to live on mission for Christ. We lift up other churches in our city, praying for unity, provision, and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is followed by a word association game to explore the concept of desperation. Desperation, often seen as a negative state, is reframed as a deep, urgent longing for God to move in our lives.
We reflect on the importance of being desperate for the Spirit of God to work in and through us. This desperation is not about hopelessness but about a humble acknowledgment of our need for God. We are encouraged to see our spiritual gifts as ministry assignments from God, meant to be used for His glory and the welfare of the body of Christ.
As we close, we celebrate the baptisms of three individuals, each sharing their testimony of how Jesus has transformed their lives. Baptism is a powerful symbol of dying to our old selves and rising to new life in Christ. We are reminded that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to live new lives.
Finally, we reflect on the importance of love in the exercise of our spiritual gifts. Without love, our gifts are meaningless. Love is patient, kind, and not self-seeking. It is the foundation upon which all our actions should be built. We are challenged to examine our motives and ensure that our use of spiritual gifts is rooted in love.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Spiritual Gifts: Each of us has been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit, not for our own benefit but to serve the body of Christ. These gifts are meant to empower us to live on mission for Christ, advancing His kingdom in our daily lives. The diversity of gifts reflects the unity and purpose of the Spirit, urging us to use our gifts humbly and effectively. [01:00:06]
2. Desperation for God: Desperation is often seen as a negative state, but in our walk with Jesus, it can be a powerful catalyst for deeper surrender and reliance on God. True desperation involves humility and a recognition of our need for God to move in our lives. This kind of desperation leads to a deeper experience of God's presence and power. [44:24]
3. The Role of Love in Spiritual Gifts: Love is the foundation upon which all spiritual gifts should be exercised. Without love, our gifts are meaningless. Love is patient, kind, and not self-seeking. It is the driving force that ensures our gifts are used for the edification of others and the glory of God. This challenges us to examine our motives and align our actions with the love of Christ. [01:11:28]
4. The Importance of Community: Our spiritual gifts are not confined to the church building but are meant to be used in our daily lives to serve others. The church community plays a crucial role in helping us discover, develop, and use our gifts. We are called to support and encourage one another, fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can move powerfully. [01:18:02]
5. Celebrating Transformation: Baptism is a powerful symbol of dying to our old selves and rising to new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of our faith and a testimony of God's transformative power. As we witness baptisms, we are reminded of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, continually making us new and empowering us to live for Christ. [09:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00:06] - The Power of Spiritual Gifts
[01:01:34] - Spiritual Gifts Assessment
[01:07:28] - Using Your Gifts
[01:08:53] - Diversity in the Body of Christ
[01:10:15] - Prayer for the Holy Spirit
[41:08] - Praying for Other Churches
[42:54] - Word Association Game
[44:24] - Desperation for God
[45:56] - Psalm 34:6 Reflection
[47:43] - Reflecting on Church Planting
[49:24] - Miracles and Desperation
[52:22] - Testimonies of Healing
[55:25] - Belief in Spiritual Gifts
[56:56] - Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12
[01:11:28] - The Role of Love in Spiritual Gifts
[01:13:10] - Rebuke to the Church
[01:14:35] - Examining Our Motives
[01:16:19] - Practicing Our Gifts
[01:18:02] - Community and Gifts
[01:20:00] - Prayer and Worship
[01:24:35] - Desperation in Worship
[01:26:08] - Living with Reverence
[01:27:30] - Next Week's Topic
[01:28:33] - Welcome to Church Lunch
[01:29:12] - Connect with Us
[01:30:09] - Visual Update on Church Renovations
[01:38:14] - Honoring Volunteers
[01:39:14] - Upcoming Work Day
[01:42:17] - Stewardship and Giving
[01:42:50] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 6:4-6: "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other."
3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: "If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 6:4-6, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? How does it relate to the concept of new life in Christ? [09:39]
2. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, what is the purpose of the different spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit? How are these gifts meant to be used within the church community? [56:56]
3. What does 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 say about the importance of love in the exercise of spiritual gifts? Why are spiritual gifts meaningless without love? [01:11:28]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the symbolism of baptism in Romans 6:4-6 help us understand the transformative power of Jesus in our lives? How does this transformation impact our daily living? [09:39]
2. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, why is it important to recognize the diversity of spiritual gifts within the church? How can this diversity contribute to the unity and mission of the church? [56:56]
3. Considering 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, why do you think Paul emphasizes love as the foundation for using spiritual gifts? How can we ensure that our motives for using our gifts are rooted in love? [01:11:28]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the baptisms you have witnessed. How does the symbolism of dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ challenge you to live differently? [09:39]
2. Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts assessment? If so, what did you discover about your gifts? If not, what steps can you take to identify and develop your spiritual gifts? [01:01:34]
3. How can you use your spiritual gifts to serve others in your daily life, not just within the church building? Share specific examples of how you can apply your gifts in your workplace, family, or community. [01:07:28]
4. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of desperation for God in your life? How can this desperation lead to a more profound experience of God's presence and power? [44:24]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep need for God's intervention in your life. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you apply this experience to your current walk with Jesus? [45:56]
6. How can you ensure that love is the driving force behind the use of your spiritual gifts? What practical steps can you take to examine and align your motives with the love of Christ? [01:11:28]
7. Think about the church community you are part of. How can you support and encourage others in discovering and using their spiritual gifts? What role can you play in fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can move powerfully? [01:18:02]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Spiritual Gifts
Each of us has been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit, not for our own benefit but to serve the body of Christ. These gifts are meant to empower us to live on mission for Christ, advancing His kingdom in our daily lives. The diversity of gifts reflects the unity and purpose of the Spirit, urging us to use our gifts humbly and effectively. The Corinthians had issues with pride and division based on their gifts, but Paul insists that all gifts are from the same Spirit and are meant to serve the same divine purpose. We are reminded that our gifts are not confined to the church building but are meant to be used in our daily lives to advance God's kingdom. [01:00:06]
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (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."
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you believe the Holy Spirit has given you? How can you use this gift today to serve someone in your community?
Day 2: Desperation for God
Desperation is often seen as a negative state, but in our walk with Jesus, it can be a powerful catalyst for deeper surrender and reliance on God. True desperation involves humility and a recognition of our need for God to move in our lives. This kind of desperation leads to a deeper experience of God's presence and power. We reflect on the importance of being desperate for the Spirit of God to work in and through us. This desperation is not about hopelessness but about a humble acknowledgment of our need for God. [44:24]
Psalm 34:6 (ESV): "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel a deep, urgent need for God to move? Spend a few moments in prayer, expressing your desperation and asking for His intervention.
Day 3: The Role of Love in Spiritual Gifts
Love is the foundation upon which all spiritual gifts should be exercised. Without love, our gifts are meaningless. Love is patient, kind, and not self-seeking. It is the driving force that ensures our gifts are used for the edification of others and the glory of God. This challenges us to examine our motives and align our actions with the love of Christ. We are reminded that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to live new lives. [01:11:28]
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV): "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on your motives for using your spiritual gifts. Are they rooted in love? How can you ensure that love is the driving force behind your actions today?
Day 4: The Importance of Community
Our spiritual gifts are not confined to the church building but are meant to be used in our daily lives to serve others. The church community plays a crucial role in helping us discover, develop, and use our gifts. We are called to support and encourage one another, fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can move powerfully. This unity and mutual support are essential for the effective functioning of the body of Christ. [01:18:02]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you support and encourage someone in your church community today? What practical steps can you take to foster a spirit of unity and mutual support?
Day 5: Celebrating Transformation
Baptism is a powerful symbol of dying to our old selves and rising to new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of our faith and a testimony of God's transformative power. As we witness baptisms, we are reminded of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, continually making us new and empowering us to live for Christ. This transformation is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. [09:39]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How has the Holy Spirit transformed your life? What steps can you take to continue growing in your faith and living out this transformation daily?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Facts. We all have access to the Holy Spirit. We all have power from the Spirit. We all have gifts. The idea of real Christian community is that we discover our gifts and then use our gifts. We're all supposed to use our gifts, all of us. And it's when we use our gifts that the church comes alive. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts to empower us to live on mission for Christ." [01:00:06]
2. "Words are powerful. And the gift of being able to use words to build up and guide others is a gift that can leave a legacy. Look for opportunities to get to know people and exhort them. Great counselors and comforters are also great listeners. Learn to do that well." [01:08:53]
3. "In my desperation, not when I was free of my desperation did I pray, but in my desperation, I prayed. And guess what? The Lord listened. Not only did the Lord listen, but he saved me from all my troubles. This Hebrew word desperation here is the word ani, and it means poor, afflicted, humble. And I love that humility has to be attached to desperation. Humility needs to be a part of our desperation." [47:43]
4. "How desperate are we for the Spirit of God to work and move both in us and through us. This is my daily breath. This is my daily breath. This is my daily breath. Church, would you close your eyes and maybe, if you're comfortable with that, can we just lift up our hands, surrender in adoration and worship God, moment where our lungs have to bring in oxygen or we're done. What if that's how we lived our lives?" [01:24:35]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The uniqueness and diversity of the gifts makes up the whole of the body of Christ. We're all a part of the body. The finger is not meant to function like or look like the toe, right? 1 Corinthians 2.27, all of you together are Christ's body. And, oh, this is going to set somebody free. It's okay to earnestly, perhaps even desperately desire the most helpful gifts." [01:11:28]
2. "Perhaps we don't truly believe that the Holy Spirit gives the special ability of wisdom and knowledge because we already have Google. We can laugh at that, but how true is that? Perhaps we don't truly believe that the Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of great faith because humanity's smarter than ever before. We can probably figure this out on our own. We can probably solve this on our own. We can power through this. What do I need faith for?" [52:22]
3. "In other words, perhaps we don't believe in the gifts of the Spirit because we've lost our desperation for God to be God. How desperate are we for the Spirit of God to work and move both in our lives and through our lives? So 1 Corinthians 12, there are different kinds of spiritual gifts. The same Spirit is the source. Different kinds of service. We serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but the same God who does the work in all of us." [55:25]
4. "I cannot help but wonder what gift you have been given and how desperately dependent on God to be God you're willing to become to see the Spirit move in power. Now that you're learning to discover your gifts, will you practice them? Will you take them out of the box and go, oh, look at this shiny, shiny, shiny, shiny, shiny, shiny, gift of encouragement. Thank you, Holy Spirit. And then put it back in the box?" [01:16:19]
5. "When it comes to the gift of encouragement on your life, love matters most. Will you be patient when you encourage people? Will you be kind when you encourage? Will your encouragement come out of a place of humility or pride? Will you be rude? When you use the gift of prophecy? Anybody seen that on TV? Right? When we read 4 through 7 in light of the gifts God has given us and why love matters, it just might change everything." [01:14:35]
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