1 Corinthians 12:1-11: Every Honest Question Deserves An Honest Answer. / Pastor Jeff Struecker

Big Idea: Every Honest Question Deserves An Honest Answer.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

I. God’s greatest gift is the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:1-3

Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

II. God’s gifts have equal worth in his eyes.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person.

III. God gives gifts as He chooses.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I need the Holy Spirit to give me the gift of new birth today.
• Become: I will find my SPOT this week. 
• Be Sent: I will use my gift to serve others.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Do you believe that these same spiritual gifts continue to this day? Explain your answer. 
2. How can you discern whether a spiritual gift is being used in a way that glorifies God?
3. What is a practical step you can take to ensure your gift is serving others well?
4. How can you encourage others to recognize and utilize their spiritual gifts appropriately?
5. How do you balance using your gifts for personal fulfillment versus serving others?
6. How can you identify when a gift is being misused or misapplied, and what actions should you take in those situations?
7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help reveal your gift this week.