Empowered by the Spirit: Uncovering Our Unique Gifts
Summary
Today, we reflected on the many ways the Holy Spirit empowers and equips us as believers, not just through the well-known gifts listed in Scripture, but also through the unique and sometimes unexpected ways God works in our lives. We began by remembering that our church is a family, called to grow deeper in God’s love and to reach out in Christ. Through stories, humor, and real-life examples, we saw how God often gets our attention in surprising ways, reminding us to stay alert to His presence and leading.
We reviewed the gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation, teaching, helps, guidance, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. But we also looked beyond these lists, recognizing that God’s Spirit can empower us in ways not always named, such as the courage of Stephen, the endurance of Paul, the faith of Daniel, the creativity of David, and the obedience of Moses. Each of these biblical figures demonstrated that the Holy Spirit’s gifts are not for personal glory, but for the building up of God’s people and the fulfillment of His purposes.
We were challenged to consider our own gifts—not just the ones that are visible or celebrated, but also the quiet acts of service, encouragement, and faithfulness that keep the body of Christ healthy and united. The Holy Spirit gives gifts as He wills, sometimes for a season, sometimes for a lifetime, always for the good of the church. We were reminded that these gifts are not earned, but given by God’s grace, and that our attitude toward them should be one of humility and gratitude.
Finally, we were encouraged to seek unity, forgiveness, and maturity in how we use our gifts, recognizing that the enemy would love to sow division and hurt among us. By relying on the Spirit, we can rise above our flesh, love one another deeply, and continue to serve as a light in our community. The invitation is open: ask God to reveal and empower your gifts, and be willing to use them for His glory and the good of others.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit’s gifts are diverse and often extend beyond the familiar lists in Scripture. God empowers His people in unique ways, equipping us for the specific challenges and opportunities we face. Whether it’s courage in the face of persecution, endurance through hardship, or creativity in service, the Spirit meets us right where we are and gives us what we need to fulfill God’s purposes. [09:47]
- True spiritual gifts are not for personal recognition or status, but for the edification of the church and the advancement of God’s kingdom. When we use our gifts with humility and a servant’s heart, we reflect Christ’s love and build up those around us. The gifts are meant to draw us together, not set us apart. [22:32]
- The process of discovering and maturing in our spiritual gifts requires honest self-examination and openness to God’s leading. Sometimes, others can help us see gifts in ourselves that we might overlook. It’s important to ask God—and trusted fellow believers—to help us discern and develop the gifts He’s given us, always remembering that these gifts may change with the seasons of our lives. [23:40]
- Unity in the body of Christ is both a fruit and a goal of the Spirit’s work among us. When we allow misunderstandings, hurt feelings, or pride to fester, we create openings for the enemy to sow division. By seeking forgiveness, extending grace, and focusing on our shared mission, we protect the unity that the Spirit desires for us. [25:58]
- The greatest evidence of the Spirit’s work is not dramatic displays, but a transformed heart that loves, serves, and perseveres. The Spirit enables us to rise above our natural tendencies toward anger, judgment, or self-centeredness, and empowers us to love and serve even when it’s hard. This ongoing transformation is itself a precious gift, sustaining us through life’s challenges and drawing others to Christ. [29:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Humor and True Stories
[03:10] - The Hawk Incident and God’s Attention
[04:35] - Reviewing the Gifts of the Spirit
[09:47] - Stephen: Courage and Forgiveness
[10:57] - Paul’s Endurance and the Spirit’s Power
[12:36] - Paul and Silas: Faith in Prison
[15:20] - Pentecost and the Early Church
[17:15] - Daniel, David, and Old Testament Examples
[19:02] - Moses’ Reluctance and Obedience
[19:43] - Writing and Other Unlisted Gifts
[22:32] - Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
[23:40] - Maturing in the Gifts and Church Unity
[25:58] - Handling Hurt and Forgiveness
[28:25] - Gifts for a Season and Openness to the Spirit
[29:43] - The Gift of the Spirit’s Sustaining Power
[32:45] - Baptism and Closing Remarks
[40:54] - Baptism Celebration and Farewell
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
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### Bible Reading
1. 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.
2. Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
> Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
3. Acts 7:54-60 (ESV)
> Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ... Then he fell to his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
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### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the specific gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12? How do these lists compare or overlap? ([04:35])
2. According to Acts 7, what was Stephen’s attitude and response as he faced persecution and death? ([09:47])
3. In the sermon, what are some examples of gifts or empowerments from the Holy Spirit that are not specifically listed in the main passages? ([18:21])
4. What does the sermon say is the main purpose for the gifts of the Holy Spirit? ([22:32])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God gives such a variety of gifts to His people, and why might some gifts be more visible or celebrated than others? ([04:35])
2. How does Stephen’s example in Acts 7 show the difference between natural human reaction and a Spirit-empowered response? ([10:14])
3. The sermon mentions that gifts can be for a season or a lifetime. What might be some reasons God gives certain gifts only for a time? ([28:25])
4. According to the sermon, how can misunderstanding or pride about spiritual gifts lead to division in the church? ([25:58])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to consider not just the “big” or visible gifts, but also the quiet acts of service and encouragement. What is one “behind the scenes” way you have served or could serve the church family? ([28:25])
2. Think about a time when you felt God was prompting you to do something, but you hesitated or ignored it. What held you back, and what could help you respond differently next time? ([04:35])
3. The pastor shared how the Holy Spirit helps us rise above our natural tendencies like anger or judgment. Is there a specific area where you need the Spirit’s help to respond differently? ([29:43])
4. The sermon encourages us to seek unity and forgiveness, especially when misunderstandings or hurt feelings arise. Is there someone in the church (or your life) you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? What’s a first step you could take? ([25:58])
5. The gifts of the Spirit are given for the good of the church, not personal glory. Are there ways you’ve been tempted to use your gifts for recognition or status? How can you shift your focus to serving others? ([22:32])
6. The pastor suggested asking others what gifts they see in you. Who could you ask this week for honest feedback about your spiritual gifts? ([23:40])
7. The sermon says the Holy Spirit can empower us in unexpected ways, like giving courage, endurance, or creativity. Is there a challenge you’re facing right now where you need to ask God for a specific kind of help or empowerment? ([18:21])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal, empower, and guide each person’s gifts for the good of the church and the glory of God. Ask for unity, humility, and a willingness to serve wherever needed.
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