Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
In this passage Paul skilfully compares the variety of gifts and ministries within the Church with the parts of the body. All Christ followers are, he says, united by the baptism of the Holy Spirit as they identify with the Spirit and Jesus Christ.
Whatever role a Christ-follower may hold within the Body of Christ, they are linked to one another by Jesus Himself. It does not matter who they are or what role they play. As Paul goes on to list various parts of the body he makes it clear that they are all essential to the smooth functioning of the family of God. No one within that family can say of another, ‘I don’t need you.’ Often it is the parts which are not seen which are more essential to survival and life than those which are visible.
As a result of every person’s essential value to the Body of Christ, every member should care for every other member for if one hurts they will all hurt.
Paul now lists various ministries within the body of Christ:
Apostles: God still has special ambassadors today whom He uses for the spread of His kingdom.
Prophets: God raises up prophets today who need to speak absolute truth in accordance with His Word.
Workers of miracles: God uses these people as channels of His grace as they perform miracles under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Helps: God equips people to assist others to do His work however they can.
Tongues: God does not give this gift to every believer any more than He distributes any other gift to everyone.
Paul advises the Corinthians that they (and we) can ask for gifts from the Holy Spirit in accordance with God’s will. Yet, he says, there is an even better way …
Icebreaker:
Where have you seen the gifts of the Holy Spirit used in your Church? How did you recognise them as such? Briefly share what happened.
Application
- How do you feel to know that you are part of God’s design, integral to His plan? What difference does it make to know you are exactly where God wants you and needs you to be?
- How does this thought affect the way you see the Church and your role here?
- What would you say to someone who asks you how you know you belong in this place Whether it is your Church or your group or your ministry, what makes you feel you belong?
- If you have difficulty feeling you do belong, how can the group help you? Why do you think you feel this way?
- Many have been worshipping online, at home, often alone. What do you feel about attending services again? Have you embraced the idea, or is it a challenge for you to make that commitment to worship in the Sanctuary again? How has worshipping in isolation affected your relationship with Christ and your effectiveness in your ministry?
- How do the gifts and ministries that are held within your group complement each other? It was said that the group is more effective than the sum of its individual parts. How can you serve God in community with one another?
- What practical action can you take as a group to fulfill your calling in regard to the gifts God has given you?
- What difference would it make to Gracepoint if every member used their gifts fully How do you feel about such change beginning with you?
- How can the group help you with any struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group. Make a commitment as a group, to pray for the transition as Jacqui prepares to leave and Ian prepares to come; and for the current staff and congregation who are facing the changes to come. Service Make a conscious effort to use one of your gifts individually this week, and consider how you can pool your gifts to be effective within the Church. Feed your ideas back to one another next week.
Bibliography
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