Holiness in Spiritual Gifts

Warm Up:

What was your favorite team sport when you were younger? And now?

What are the different responsibilities of team members? (For example, in football—offensive tackle vs. running back.)

How does each individual fulfilling their assigned roles inspire and unite the team?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Read the passage aloud. How does Paul draw a parallel between the body of Christ and team sports?

List various roles and gifts essential to the health of a local church. How is the church affected when one or more of those roles is missing?

Do verses 14-21 make you think of the toy, Mr. Potato Head?

Remember the reason for Paul’s letter was division in the body (1:11; 3:3). Note verses 24b-26, “...God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” Do you think there was quarreling and strife among them regarding spiritual gifts?

What command does Paul specifically give them in verse 25 that should be preeminent in every church? How do we accomplish this?

Application:

Identify at least one thing you can do to promote unity within your church. How might the expression of your gifts convey concern for and edify others?

How might you demonstrate that another person’s interests are more important than your own (Philippians 2:1-11)?

Think:

Humility is the lynch pin of unity.

Prayer:

List one or two prayer concerns to share with your group. Pray for others in your group and their use of the gifts God has given them.