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Week 3 Study Guide
Scripture: Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:27-31
Paul calls upon believers to use their own wills to offer up themselves as sacrifices to God. He now calls upon their own “sober judgment” to discern the truth about their equal status in terms of faith and spiritual gifts. Paul is calling for a recognition of the wide variety of individual strengths or gifts that may be used to aid and benefit the entire church — the whole body of Christ.
This unity through diversity is the underlying theme of this “practical” message. The single experience of grace shared by all Christians comes to fruition in many various forms — forms Paul calls “gifts.” In this week’s text, we will look at mention five different “gifts”. Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list. We will also compare Paul’s list here with the “spiritual gifts” he itemizes in 1 Corinthians 12. Thus, the possibility for “giftedness” goes far beyond these few examples Paul cites.
The responsibility of the members of this Christ body is to discover what gifts they possess, and to use them to the further glorification of God through the church.
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Answers to the blanks in the bulletin:
People with the gift of Assisting offer help in times of need.
A person with the Giving gift does so with a special measure and delight of further God’s work in the world.
The individuals with the gift of Leadership are able to share information and power.
The ability to empathize with others, stand in their shoes, and then act in ways that help them on their journey, is the essence of the gift of mercy and Compassion.
The Spirit-given ability to daily see God’s will, coupled with the confidence to do it, is the gift of Faith.
