Using Your Spiritual Gifts
Week Two (p. 17-32)

Introduction

“God has designed each of us to be interconnected with each other.”

I.                    The structure of the body

“God has given the human body everything it needs to become what He designed it to be.”

“God put everything in the package; all you do is add water and food.”

“Through God’s empowerment, the church is self-sustaining and self-contained.”

(1 Corinthians 12:12-14) – We are many parts, but one body. We all eat the same spiritual food.

“The Spirit identifies us with the church, but the Spirit in us helps the church identify with us. His ministry in our lives produces unity with each other.”

(1 Corinthians 12:14-20) – Every part is needed!!!

(1 Corinthians 12:21-25) – Every part is necessary!!!

“We cannot allow feelings of inferiority or superiority to divide us in the body. We must all value each other, and that begins with valuing ourselves.”

II.                  A body is supposed to grow

“Most modern church growth strategies concern themselves only with statistical growth, but God’s goal for growth is different, and much more focused.”

(Ephesians 4:1-13) – God’s goal for the church is that we are in the unity of faith and that we are growing in the knowledge of Christ.

We are to help each other grow in Christ. “It is not enough for you or me to arrive at maturity. We must help everyone else get there to.”

III.                How does the body grow

(Ephesians 4:7-8) – We all have a spiritual gift, and it is by using that gift that the church grows.

(Ephesians 4:11-12) – God has gifted some men to serve as pastors and teachers. “Their role is not to do all the works of service, but to ‘equip’ the saints so that they can serve.”

Spiritual gifts need to be developed. The purpose of leadership in the church (such as pastors and teachers) is to help people identify and develop their gifts.

(Ephesians 4:15-16) – The body grows when every join is doing its job. If a joint is out of place, the whole body suffers.

“When the parts of the body move, coordinated by the direction of the head (Jesus Christ), needs can be met, ministry can happen, lives can be changed, and the world can be affected.”

IV.                The results of a growing body

“Growing up has its privileges, but it also means greater responsibility.”

(Ephesians 4:14-16) – As we each do our part and the body grows, we are then able to be grounded in the faith so that we are not easily swayed by the ways of men.

V.                  For me to follow God

(Romans 12:6) (1 Corinthians 12:7) (Ephesians 4:7-8) (1 Peter 4:10-11) – Every Christian has a spiritual gift and every Christian should use their gift!

“Christian maturity means learning your giftedness, finding where you fit in the body, and then living out your giftedness.”

Small Group Discussion

1. Have you ever had the attitude that the pastor is supposed to do all the work (after all, isn’t that why we pay him)?
2. According to the scriptures, what is the primary role of the pastor?
3. What is your role as a church member?
4. Have you struggled with feelings of inferiority?
5. Have you ever undervalued the importance of others?
6. What do you need to do differently?
7. Pray as a group that each one will discover their gift and use that gift as they are equipped.