SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
May 11, 2025 | Josh Reasoner | 1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts
We’ll be talking about the Holy Spirit and the church from now through June 1 (4 Sundays).
A word about spiritual gifts: There are differing views around what are called the sign gifts, specifically tongues, miracles, prophecy, and healing. Broadly speaking, the two views are cessationism, the view that the sign gifts have ceased and are not for the church today, and continuationism, the view that all the spiritual gifts have continued to the present day.
Your group may include people who embrace one of these views and people who don’t know or haven’t considered it. Galatians 5:20 mentions forming factions as one of the works of the flesh we’re warned against. As a church family – and part of the global church body – we can and should worship together in this knowledge: regardless of your view or your neighbor’s, we can agree that the gifts were and are given for the glory of Jesus, the building up of the body, and for carrying out the mission of the gospel. The points of agreement are of greater importance than the points of disagreement.
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Remember that small groups are a place to practice loving each other: listen thoughtfully, speak gently, and be cautious of forming judgments.
Have someone in your group read aloud slowly Galatians 5:16-18 & 22-26. Then pray together asking the Holy Spirit to work in each of you so that your conversation this week and in the weeks ahead is characterized by his fruit (vv. 22-23).
How would you describe the role of the Holy Spirit? What are some things he does and what is his purpose?
Have someone read 1 Corinthians 12 aloud.
What is a spiritual gift? Specifically, how is a spiritual gift separate from or different than a natural talent (something you’re born with)?
How can we hold in tension these two things: earnestly desiring gifts of the Holy Spirit and the conviction that the Spirit distributes gifts as he wills?
Have you considered before what spiritual gifts you have or if you’ve held one for a season? If so, what gift(s) do you have? How has the gift(s) been affirmed?
You do not need to know all – or any – of the spiritual gifts you’ve been given today, but hopefully you’re curious how the Holy Spirit is equipping you! As a group, commit to praying for one another that gifts would be revealed and commit to affirming giftings you recognize in each other. Pray together before you leave.
