Signs of the Spirit - Week 5

Wonders and Signs (Miracles)

Focus: Jesus announced the ultimate good news that God’s Kingdom was coming near to dwell with humanity; and this good news once heard would change everything, for all time, for all people. In Jesus would come a new covenant of life, favour, and freedom founded on His resurrection; empowered not by human strength but by His Spirit. For “...I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26).

Study by: Jacqui Thomas
Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel

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.

What can you be thankful for right now?
Where have you seen God at work, and how has God used you since we last met?
How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering?
Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus?
How can we pray for you?

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

Throughout this series, we have been learning that God gives gifts to His people to build up one another in faith. These gifts are more than just natural talents, abilities, and personality. Though God can and does certainly use those things, these gifts are supernatural in nature and exist in our lives because of our new life in Christ. Our spiritual gifts should be used with the Spirit's leading – they should never become a source of pride, as we didn’t earn them, but we also shouldn't compare our gifts with others or wish we had been given something else. The Holy Spirit gives us the most suitable gifts we need to do the Lord’s will. They will bring us and others much joy and blessings when used in faith and obedience to His leading.

There seems to be different sorts of gifts, even though all of them are just as important to the building and growth of God’s Kingdom. The original Greek for signs and wonders often implies the idea of dynamic activities – miraculous events or outpourings for special times (e.g., healings), and others are ministries – offices or positions in the church or other places (e.g., teachers).

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Read these verses aloud in your favourite version.

Apart from the list of gifts in this passage, what resonates with you as you read this passage?
Christians’ ideas of spiritual gifts vary between churches. Past teaching and experiences may have built a particular understanding of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. Share about these and how your ideas may have changed over time.
Paul lists some of the spiritual gifts in this passage (vv. 8-10), and more in other places (1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11). What are some of the gifts mentioned?
What do you think are the more miraculous ones? You can share your experience, or other stories you have, of God’s miracles.
What do you think your gifts might be? (If you’re not sure, maybe your family and friends do, or if you want to, you can take one of the tests online!)

3. Living out the Heart of God

We all know that when we began to follow the Lord and received His gift of the Holy Spirit, we were given gifts. If you don’t really know what they might be, this might be the time to start seeking God for the answer.
If you feel you know what your gifts are, how do you think the Spirit might want you to use these gifts for the building up and spreading of God’s Kingdom?

Prayer for each other

Break into 2s or 3s to pray.
Spend some time praying over each other for either the discernment of Spiritual gifts and how each person can use them according to God’s will.
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