Prevail: 1 Corinthians Week 9 The Holy Spirit at Work in the Body of Christ Focus: A heartfelt letter from Paul to the church in Corinth that was caught in conflicts, questions, problems, divisions, and difficulties. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to deepen their understanding of Christ and live out their new faith, allowing Jesus to shape their whole lives. Study by: Charis Button Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks, and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Where and with whom have you witnessed to the love and good news of Jesus? Care and Prayer In prayer capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene This chapter launches Paul's extensive discussion of spiritual gifts (chapters 12–14), a topic that is crucial to both modern believers and the Corinthians to whom Paul originally spoke. Believers are equipped with spiritual gifts that are to be used responsibly for the edification of the body of Christ. In their use, which Paul passionately advocates for, two extremes should be avoided. On the one hand, we should not minimise the gifts of the Spirit and overvalue human abilities, treating them as obsolete and superfluous. However, we must also resist the arrogance that arises from thinking that one's giftedness makes one superior. All spiritual giftings must be exercised in love, without it they are empty and worthless (1 Cor 13), and must point to glorifying Jesus as Lord (1 Cor 12:3). Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Read in the NIV first and then the AMP version. Note key differences between the translations. How would you summarise Paul’s main idea in this passage? Paul lists multiple spiritual gifts - take some time to discuss your understanding of each, drawing on study tools as needed. Read verses 4-7 again. What common element exists in the diversity of gifts, service, and working? How does the Corinthian text compare to other key passages on spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8, Eph 4:11-12, and 1 Peter 4:9-11)? Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. How does Paul’s use of the “body” metaphor add to our understanding of spiritual gifts? How have we seen evidence of diverse unity in our community? The most spiritually gifted person in the world was Jesus Christ, as publicly demonstrated in the Gospels during his earthly ministry. Invite each person in the group to find a Gospel account of Jesus operating in one or more of the spiritual gifts and discuss what contemporary Christians can learn from his example. 3. Living out the Heart of God Share your experience of operating in the spiritual gifts with a partner. If you are uncertain about what spiritual gifts you may possess, take a moment to pray that the Holy Spirit would illuminate them to you. Ask someone you trust and who knows you well, perhaps your Life Group or ministry team leader, to share how they see the Holy Spirit operating in your life/using you to serve others. If you haven’t already, complete the SHAPE test and then discuss your results with someone you trust - perhaps within your Life Group or ministry team. What can we practically do to die to feelings of pride or inferiority concerning our spiritual giftedness? What is one way you can use your spiritual giftedness this week to “build up” and bless a member of the body? Commit now to following through before you meet again as a Life Group. Prayer for each other Break into 2s or 3s to pray. Pray for each other for any commitment you have made to live out what you have learned. Pray that we would continue to see the work and presence of the Holy Spirit manifested in Hope Valley Church. Pray for your 5 (from your Relational Map - See ‘The Heart of God’ Study - Week 1) Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au