Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-6

How can you know if you are led astray? What is the ultimate proof-text this
passage sets for what is from the Spirit, and what is not?

In a society that often shelves the supernatural for a more convenient and
simplistic scientific view of the world, we often have been trained to ignore
things like spiritual gifts. In what ways has the church tried to do things by
their own power, instead of stepping out in faith and allowing the Spirit to
take control? In what ways have you been unwilling to let the Spirit in,
assuming that you can do everything by yourself? What things have you been
unwilling to attempt because you knew that by yourself you could not do it? How
would that change if you trusted God more?

In light of the above paragraph, what paradigm shifts in our thinking should
occur? What things that we have previously seen as just extensions of the
natural world, should be viewed as spiritual? Indeed, should such a sharp distinction
even be made, for did not God create the heavens and the earth? Thus the
‘natural’ world is itself a supernatural existence. How do we view the
universe, and our little role within it? How should we view it?

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Do you have spiritual gifts? Not all of them have to be
intense and miraculous. If false doctrine and selfishness can be referred to as
demonic (1 Timothy 4 and James 3) then hospitality, generosity, evangelism and
compassion can certainly be seen as from the Spirit. What areas does God work
through you? An even deeper question is: are you using these gifts for your own
self gratification, or for God and the benefit of his children in and outside
of the church?

For some, this chapter will give them a deep sense of
personal lack. If you don’t feel like you have a spiritual gift, or an area
where the Spirit uses you, then try experimenting. How can we know what God has
blessed us with unless we persevere in trying out different things? Step out in
faith and allow him to use you in unique and unexpected ways.

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

What is it about Christ that destroys these lines? How does his mercy,
sacrifice and unconditional love defeat human constructs?

Jews and Greeks in the ancient world were different
racial groups, while slaves and free people were different social classes. With
this context, we see that this text abolishes ethnic and social boundaries. What
does it look like to live this text out? There are still people in the Church
who disregard this verse. At the same time, there are many people who do see
this verse and try to follow it in various ways. Some suggest that we should not see or acknowledge race or status at all. Others,
that we should celebrate differences. Still others say that all we should see
when we look at each other is Jesus (because that is what God sees). How does
this scripture look in practice?

Based on what you felt this scripture looks like, what
differences do you see between the scriptural ideal, and the real world church?
Between scripture and yourself?

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-20

This scripture requires the reader to do a good bit of self
reflection:

What is my role and task within the body of Christ?

Has my role been confirmed by scripture, prayer, experience or
Godly counsel?

Have I accepted and embraced my role?

Am I angry that I have not been given a more ‘heroic’,
‘flashy’ or ‘important’ part?

In longing for a different role, do I worship something
other than my Lord?

In being gifted in a more public or prestigious role, have I
become arrogant? Have I begun to worship myself and my own gifts, instead of
worshiping the God who created me and gave me these talents in the first place?

The ultimate question comes down to this: Do I trust God’s
judgment enough that I am willing to accept whatever role or life situation he
has placed me in?

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians 12:21-31

On the one hand we should desire to have the gifts that will
be the most fruitful and powerful for the kingdom of God,
as vs. 31 clearly indicates. However, at the same time, we must accept it if we
do not receive the role we desire, knowing that when God says no to one thing,
he is often saying yes to something better (even though it often doesn’t feel
that way in the heat of the moment, which is why trusting God is so necessary.)

It is amazing how when dealing with individual gifts, 1
Corinthians constantly relates it back to community. The two cannot be truly separated.
Though the question has been touched on throughout this weeks study, revisit it
again now after a solid week of pondering this text: am I using my Spiritual
gifts for others as much as God desires me to? Have I laid down my own powers
and gifts for the sake of God’s children? Do I need to change?

If you need to change the way you use your gifts, there are
a few more questions you should ask yourself to help you through this process:
What needs to change? How can I set this in to action as soon as possible?
Knowing myself and my tendencies, how can I make sure I carry through with
this?

Journaling