Hey, Paul? – March 30 , 202 5 1 Corinthians 12 – One Body, Many Gifts Introduction Theme: The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to each believer for the purpose of building up the church. Though we are many members, we are one body in Christ. G etting T o K now Y ou Objective : C onnect on a personal level before diving into the study by sharing about ourselves Icebreaker Activity: “If I Had a Superpower...” • Instructions: Go around the group , each person answer: “If you could have any superpower (real or made - up), what would it be and why?” • Follow - up : Just like superpowers are different but useful, God gives each of us spiritual gifts – not to show off, but to serve others and strengthen the church. Today we’re going to learn what that means in 1 Corinthians 12. D igging D eeper Section 2: Go Deeper – Exploring Scripture Historical Background: The city of Corinth was a diverse and spiritually gifted church, but they struggled with division, pride, and comparison. Some believers viewed their spiritual gifts — especially dramatic ones like speaking in tongues or prophecy — as signs of superiority. Paul writes 1 Corinthians 12 to remind the church that all spiritual gifts come from the same Spirit, and they are given not for personal glory, but for the common good. He uses the analogy of the human body to show that every member is vital, and no one s hould feel inferior or superior based on their gift. This chapter is foundational in helping the church understand spiritual gifts, unity, and interdependence in the body of Christ. Key Passages from 1 Corinthians 12: • 1 Corinthians 12:1 - 3 – Paul explains that true spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit and point to Jesus. • 1 Corinthians 12:4 - 11 – Different kinds of gifts, same Spirit, given for the common good. • 1 Corinthians 12:12 - 20 – The church is like a body with many parts; each part is essential. • 1 Corinthians 12:21 - 26 – No part can say to another “I don’t need you”; we honor all members. • 1 Corinthians 12:27 - 31 – God appoints a variety of roles and gifts in the church; desire the greater gifts with love. Supporting Scriptures: Old Testament Examples: 1. Exodus 31:1 - 5 – Bezalel is filled with the Spirit and gifted in craftsmanship to help build the tabernacle. 2. Numbers 11:16 - 29 – God places His Spirit on seventy elders to help Moses lead the people. 3. Isaiah 11:1 - 3 – A prophecy of the Messiah filled with the Spirit and gifts of wisdom, understanding, and strength. New Testament Examples: 1. Romans 12:4 - 8 – Different gifts (e.g., teaching, encouragement, generosity) are all important in the body of Christ. 2. Ephesians 4:11 - 13 – God gives leaders and gifts to equip believers and build up the body. 3. 1 Peter 4:10 - 11 – Each believer should use their gift to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. 4. John 14:16 - 17 – Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to all believers, who empowers them to live and serve. Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that all gifts come from the same Spirit? 2. What stood out to you in the analogy of the body? How does it help you see your role in the church? 3. Why is it important that no gift or role is seen as more important than another? 4. Have you ever struggled with comparing your gifts to others? How does this chapter help address that? 5. How do the supporting scriptures help us understand the purpose of spiritual gifts across the Bible? Application Section 3: Application – Living Out the Teaching Objective: Encourag ing you to d iscover, develop, and use your spiritual gifts to serve others and glorify God. Application Questions: 1. What spiritual gift(s) do you believe God has given you? (If you’re unsure, what do others affirm in you?) 2. How are you currently using your gifts to build up others in your church or community? 3. Are there any gifts you’ve neglected or felt were unimportant? How can you begin to use them faithfully? 4. How can you help others discover and use their spiritual gifts? 5. What is one step you can take this week to use your gifts in a more intentional way — either in your church, family, or workplace? Additional resource for further study: Spiritual gifts assessment tool — www.lifeway.com D iscovering your spiritual gifts – www.focusonthefamily.com ParentCue 1. How does this week’s message apply to your daily/weekly family life? 2. What are some practical ways you can model these truths for kids? What are ways you can give kids an opportunity to practice these truths themselves? 3. What challenges are you facing in your family or parenting right now? Share with the group and pray/talk through how you can give biblical counsel and support for each other through those challenges. 4. Are there any encouraging or helpful parenting resources, verses, etc. that you found this week to share? G rowing C loser 1. Who is someone you shared the gospel with this week? 2. What have you been reading in your quiet times? 3. What has God been teaching you?