Spiritual Gift Series 1 - For the Common Good | Bible Study

Messenger: Kevin Albright (Chicago UBF)

For the Common Good

*Introduction to Spiritual Gift Series 2025: https://www.chicagoubf.org/sermon/introduction-to-gift-series-2025

SPIRITUAL GIFTS SERIES (#1)

Apostle Paul’s two letters to the church in Corinth shows us that Christian churches can have problems. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses issues of divisions (Ch.1-4), sexual misconduct and church discipline (Ch.5), lawsuits and sexual immorality (Ch.6), marriage and sex (Ch.7), eating food sacrificed to idols (Ch.8), worship and the Lord’s supper (Ch.11), and spiritual gifts in the church (Ch.12-14). We plan to have a special series on Spiritual Gifts in the Christian church in 7 messages throughout 2025. May God bless our study of spiritual gifts in the church to more fully appreciate and build up the body of Christ, which we belong to.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Key Verse:7, ^“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

What specific matter in the Corinthian church does Paul address in chapters 12-14 (12:1; 14:1,5; see also 1:7)? How does this move a divisive church toward unity?
As unbelievers, how had they been led astray (2)? How can we discern by someone’s speech whether they are speaking by the Holy Spirit or not (3)? What confession and gift does every believer have (Ro 10:9; Ac 2:38)? What does this tell us about the Holy Spirit’s focus (Jn 14:26; 16:14)?
Note the unity with diversity in God and in those he empowers (4-6). What is the purpose of manifestations or gifts of the Spirit (7)? How does this point to diversity among God’s people? How does this lead to unity among God’s people (14:12)?
In verses 8-11, who is the giver? Think of each of the nine gifts mentioned here. Who are these gifts given to, how, and why (14:26)?
The word “gift” is from the word “grace.” How is a gift different from a wage or an achievement? With what attitude should a gift be received? Why should we not be jealous or proud but thank God for others’ gifts? What should we do with our gift(s)?