Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
The Service Gifts (Part 1)
Week of Sunday, May 22, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 12:9-11, 28
9The Spirit gives special faith to another, and to someone else he gives the power to heal the sick. 10He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and to another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to know whether it is really the Spirit of God or another spirit that is speaking. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, and another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have…. 28Here is a list of some of the members that God has placed in the body of Christ: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who can get others to work together, those who speak in unknown languages.
1 Peter 4:9
9Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity to worship with brothers and sisters through Your Son, Jesus! I pray that we may glorify You in our words and lives today and always. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit that I may be empowered and equipped to do the work of Jesus, to build up Your body, the church and to bring unity and maturity to New Life in thought, word and action. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, I pray that you multiply the effect of Your Spirit’s presence and power among us today. Whether we have support, speaking, sign or service gifts, empower us to use them to advance Your kingdom! In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, I pray specifically for those to whom You have entrusted the “service” gifts today. I pray that You will fill them with joy in all they are and do. This I ask in the strong name of Jesus! Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, I pray for the leaders of our congregation today. I pray for the pastors and staff, for the elders and deacons, that You will fill them anew with Your Holy Spirit and that You will encourage them in all they do. Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, Glorify Yourself in my life today. I offer myself fully and without reserve to You. Bless me that I may be a blessing to others, and let me know the joy of Your presence every moment. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, as another week draws to a close, I pray that you will forgive me for the times when I have failed to serve You faithfully, and that You will prepare my heart and life for worshiping You today, tomorrow and always. Amen. |
Background on the Text
Both the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter recognized how vital the gifts of the Holy Spirit are in the lives of each individual Christian, and in the life of the church as a whole. They invested precious time in their letters to the Corinthian Church (in Paul’s case), and to all Christians (in Peter’s case) urging them to recognize their spiritual gifts and to use them for God’s glory and the building up of the body of Jesus Christ! While Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church includes extensive comments about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, Peter devotes only a few verses. The difference may well be that the Corinthian church was experiencing division over the abuse and misuse of spiritual gifts, and Paul knew that he needed to address and correct the situation; while Peter was simply encouraging the Church at large to know and use their gifts to God’s glory. As you read the texts this week, it will be helpful for you not only to read the verses in question, but in the case of 1 Corinthians to read 1 Corinthians 12-14 to get a full understanding of the various matters regarding the Holy Spirit that Paul felt called to address. Be certain to take time before each period of study to pause for prayer—ask God to show you something that you need to apply in your life to live more fully in the power of the Spirit!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts