"A spiritual gift is any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the church. Spiritual gifts can include gifts that are related to natural abilities such as: teaching, showing mercy, or administration, and gifts that seem to be more “miraculous” and less related to natural abilities such as: prophecy, healing, or distinguishing between spirits." - Grudem
Read 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11 and 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Discuss: What are some truths about Spiritual gifts found in these passages?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:7.
Discuss: Why are spiritual gifts given to the Church?
Read Romans 12:6-8.
Earlier in this passage, the Apostle Paul says that we are not to think about ourselves higher than we should and tells us that each one of us have a different function within the church. Paul lists several different spiritual gifts that are by no means exhaustive (see 1 Corinthians 12 for more gifts). Paul points to the way we should use our gifts in Romans 12:6-8.
Read Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 7:7; 12:8-10, 28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:11.
Discuss: Of these listed, which ones do you believe you possess?
How should we use the spiritual gifts God has given each one of us?
How have you been able to use your spiritual gifts in the past?
Read 2 Timothy 1:6.
Paul tells Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God", there is an idea here that Paul wants him to use his gifts because the gifts may weaken.
Discuss: How are you able to further develop and strengthen the gifts you have listed in your church and your community?
Personal application
Where can you use your spiritual gifts most effectively in your church?
If there is not a specific place in your church where you believe you can use your gift, talk to one of your pastors about using your gifts.
Further study and resources:
Lifeway Spiritual Gift assessment tool