HOLY SPIRIT: The Unwrapped Gift or the Gift Unwrapped (Week 3)

Preacher: Justin Matthews

Worship:
As part of worship this week, listen to I Surrender (Hillsong). The lyrics so beautifully remind us of how the Holy Spirit is like a wind. All we need to do is “breathe in” and surrender all.

Check-in:
Share with the group how the Holy Spirit may have influenced your daily life since the start of the series; or what change you’re hoping to still experience.

Synopsis of message: (For Reflection in Preparation)
This week Justin clarified and unpacked what it means to have spiritual gifts. We understand what it means to receive gifts because of what God has gifted to us. God gave us His Son, Jesus. There is nothing we can do to earn or achieve the gift of Jesus. (Ephesians 2: 8) When we accept Jesus, we accept the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him forever. God also gifted us the Holy Spirit (Acts 1: 4-5) and Holy Spirit-empowered spiritual gifts that He longs for us to use to make a difference in the world around us. Each of us have been uniquely gifted. “A spiritual gift is a special supernatural ability that God gives to each of his children, so that together we can advance His purposes in the world.” (Ps Chris Hodges) It is supernatural because it comes only from God. We can all work together and use our unique gifts as part of the body of Christ.

There are three things mentioned by Justin, that can help us grow:

1. Discover the gift God has for me: (Romans 12:6) Each of our gifts are different. We need to discover what they are and then use them for God’s glory.
2. Develop the gift God has given me: (2 Timothy 1: 6) Once we know what our gift is, we need to be intentional in growing and developing it.
3. Use the gift God has given me: (1 Peter 4: 10) We are, in fact, called to use our gifts to serve each other.

Discussion questions:

1. While each of us have our own unique gift(s), they’re each special in their own right too. Some may already know what these are and may be using them already. Whether or not we’re aware of our gifts, we’ll discover them together by completing an assessment. We’ll take some time to do this during our group meeting. Download Spiritual Gifts Assessment.
2. As you ponder on the spiritual gifts that God has given you; consider where in the body of Christ you can apply them.
3. We are called to use these unique gifts so that we build up the body of Christ and so that others may come to know God. How can you use this among others to draw them to Him? Take turns to share what your next step will be in the upcoming week to ensure you respond to this call.
   
   Prayer: As you close in prayer, commit each other’s gifts and next steps to God.

Additional resources:

• What Are Spiritual Gifts? (bible.com)
• Spiritual Gifts (bible.com)